2027 SPEAKERS
NEW FACES: First-time speakers at the U.S. Pet Pro Classic
GEORGIA ASHTON FULLER
I’m Georgia Ashton Fuller. I’ve had my grooming business for 11years in south wales uk were I run a team of 6 groomers. I’ve been brought up in a family of dog showing, both parents show and handle as do myself and two sisters. We show Bichons, poodles. Labradors and Hungarian Wirehaied vislas to name a few. I compete, teach and judge around the world, solo or as a member of the Artero uk team. Teaching Asian, everyday salon grooming, creative grooming, cat grooming and business. Few of my awards Multiple best in shows Multiple res best in shows Specialises in Asian freestyle and pure breed scissor (Bichon) and workshop (Cockapoo and poodle in modern salon trim) Up and coming speaker of the year 2021 Asian groomer of the year 2021 Asian groomer of the year 2023 Finalist of pooch perfect uk. Completed intense Asian training at startwoods arts of grooming academy- Thailand.
ELLI BULTEMEIER
Elli is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer, certified Pet Tech First Aid & CPR instructor, and a dual-certified Pet Aesthetician with 17+ years in the grooming industry. What began as a part-time bathing job at PetSmart quickly grew into a lifelong calling. After completing her grooming training, she moved into the private sector, where she became an award-winning competition groomer and a strong advocate for industry change.
Today, Elli is the Owner and CEO of Retro Stylist Wear and Grooming Biz Momentum, both built on her mission to elevate the grooming profession in style and business. Since 2017, she has also served as VP of Operations of Smoochie Pooch, leading 17 salons, 3 mobile units, and a team of 80+. Her focus: sustainable growth, compassionate leadership, and driving the industry forward with purpose and professionalism.
ANNE MARIE KADEN
Anne-Marie Kaden is the founder and CEO of Tiny Paws Bookkeeping, a boutique financial services firm specializing in the pet care industry. As a former pet business owner, she understands the challenge of balancing great client service with the financial realities of running a growing business. Today, Anne-Marie works with groomers and other pet care professionals to improve profitability, understand their numbers, strengthen pricing, and make more confident financial decisions through bookkeeping, Profit First strategies, and practical financial guidance.
SARAH PENROD
Sarah Penrod, née Moon, began her grooming career in 2005 as a private groomer for a professional handler. Since then, she has built a multifaceted career as a salon owner, educator, and award-winning competitor.
Sarah was named U.S. Pet Pro Classic’s 2011 Best Pet Stylist in Texas, and was selected as a member of GroomTeam U.S.A. in 2012. She was also a 2012 Barkleigh Honors Award nominee for Up and Coming Groomer of the Year, and went on to earn two consecutive Best in Show titles at Groom Texas in 2016 and 2017.
Her experience in the show ring includes exhibiting dogs across multiple groups, as well as finishing her own English Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Schnauzer. Grooming to breed standard remains at the core of her work and passion.
Sarah is a founding board member of the Texas Professional Pet Groomers Association (TPPGA) and served as Director of Education and Events from its inception through March 2026, where she played a key role in developing educational programs and industry opportunities for groomers across Texas.
LAURA VENTURA
Founder & CEO of Pawz & All, a luxury mobile pet grooming brand built for scale.
• Founded and scaled a multi-unit mobile grooming business from the ground up
• Built repeatable systems, SOPs, and brand standards to support growth
• Led hiring, training, and team development across multiple units
• Designed pricing, routes, and service packages to maximize profitability
• Shifted the business from owner-operator to leadership-driven
• Launched franchise and consulting initiatives for service-based business owners
WELCOME BACK: Speakers returning after some time away
MINDY DINWIDDIE, AMS, APG, Mc
Mindy Dinwiddie is the founder of Classy Canine in Litchfield, Michigan, is a certified professional groomer through the IPG and the AKC, sits on the board of the Ethics committee for the International Judges Association and is a brand ambassador for Evolution Shears.
Her professional pet grooming career started in 2007, over the last 14 years, Mindy has cultivated her skills by attending expos, seminars and private lessons from top pet stylists in the industry. Mindy is a world recognized competition groomer and was the Michigan State Grooming Team Captain. Her passion for learning and education has opened up doors as a published writer, speaker and now a lead online instructor at The Whole Pet Grooming Academy.
IRINA PINKUSEVICH
Irina “Pina” Pinkusevich immigrated from The Ukraine in 1989. She realized her passion as a Pet Stylist while working part-time as a bather. In the earlier part of her career Irina worked as a Pet Stylist at some of the most high-end grooming salons in New York.
Looking to improve her skills & expand her horizons, Irina entered the world of Competitive Grooming in 2006. In her competitive career Irina has won multiple BIS & Best All Around Groomer awards. She is a two-time recipient of the Lynne Carver Award for the most Best All Around Groomer wins in 2008 & 2010. Irina was also honored to win the Liz Paul Memorial Award for the most Best in Show wins in 2010. She is the winner of the Winner’s Circle Jackpot 2011 where she won $32,500 for grooming Lucas, her champion American Cocker Spaniel. In 2013 she was the winner of another Jackpot & in 2017 she won The World Dog Show’s World Champion Award.
Irina was a member of GroomTeam USA from 2008 through 2013. She competed in the World Championships for the United States in 2009, 2011, & 2013 helping the U.S. team bring home a Silver & two Golds.
Currently, Irina is a national & international judge & lecturer as well as an ambassador for Artero. Irina was awarded the Cardinal Crystal Award for Judge of the Year 2014 & the Barkleigh Honors Award for Up & Coming Speaker of the Year 2014. She has also been nominated for multiple Cardinal Crystal & Barkleigh awards in 2015.
Irina is a National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) with the National Dog Groomers of America. She is also a Certifier for their company.
Dedicated to improving the industry, Irina teaches at Merryfield School of Pet Grooming in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She travels the world educating through conferences and seminars. She is also an integral part of Artero’s Jornadas events in Spain and the USA.
Irina is associated with Kiyara Poodles, owned by Michael Lamb and Bill Jividen Jr.. Kiyara is a top breeder of miniature poodles in the United States. She is also associated with Kerryfield Kennels, owned by Virginia Harding & Krizma Kennels owned by Lois Grier, top breeders of Kerry Blue Terriers. With these kennels, Irina has bred and co-owned numerous champion Poodles and Kerry Blue Terriers.
Irina is co-owner of a high-end styling salon in Oakland Park, Florida: Päsh the Canine Boudoir. It is here where she is most often found grooming the amazing show dogs that are her passion.
CHRISTINE VILLANI
Hey gang I’m Christine Villani and I was born and raised in a small town outside of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. From an early age, my life revolved around animals – wild and domestic – beginning with my mom’s Golden Retrievers and the wildlife surrounding our home. My intense passion for animals is immeasurable in fact when I graduated grooming school in 2013 I immediately knew that, “Day 1 of grooming school was the first day of my life!”
I’m committed to providing exceptional pet grooming services and helping to educate our clients through the international training I received by attending pet grooming expos all over North America. I have a varied and diverse experience, expert handling techniques, and easy-going nature have afforded me the ability to build trust and bonds with all types of dogs – Many with special needs, like energetic puppies, rescues, and dogs who suffer from anxiety especially at grooming appointments.
JOEY VILLANI
In 1998, Joey purchased the Nash Academy in New Jersey which he owned and operated until 2008. Now a well-known pet industry speaker and judge, Joey has been nominated 14 times for the Cardinal Crystal and Barkleigh Honors awards. He has been enthusiastically involved with Intergroom International for 33 years and has been instrumental in expanding the organization’s reach into Belgium, Italy, and France. Joey is one of the original members of the International Judges Association and has made many television appearances. Today, Joey continues to innovate and explore new dimensions in the pet care and grooming industry. In early 2009, Joey became part of the Animal Radio on-air staff where he is known as “The Dogfather”.
SCOTT WASSERMAN, PDS, ICPG, MPS
Scott began his love of pets at the early age of 10 when he went with his father, who was a carpenter, to an Airedale Terrier breeder’s kennel to do some work. He spent more time playing with the Airedales than helping his father and this led to the attraction and love of dogs, in which he would dedicate his life to.
In 1992, Scott started a successful pet styling contest ring career and his winning began to take off. His most prestigious wins include Best Pet Stylist in Show at the U.S. Pet Pro Classic twice and the coveted Intergroom International Groomer of the Year award. Scott has had a successful international judging and speaking tour having traveled to England, Italy, Brazil, Scotland, France, Argentina, Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore, Greece, Australia, and Canada. He has received several nominations for the Cardinal Crystal Achievement Awards, winning the award of Congeniality in 2001 and Judge of the Year in 2014. He was also the recipient of the Barkleigh Honors Speaker of the Year award in 2017 and Book of the Year in 2021.
Scott is also active in the show ring as a breeder of Kerry Blue Terriers under the Kiluntin prefix.
FRESH PERSPECTIVES: Familiar speakers with brand-new courses and presentations
ANJIE COATES
During her 36 years in the grooming industry, Anjie Coates realized that more than just dogs and cats needed her, so she began to specialize in rabbits and other small mammals. At Furry Tails, the salon she co-owns in Holden, Mass, she has created a niche market as a rabbit groomer and is recommended as the “go-to rabbit groomer” by veterinarians as far away as Maine. Her passion for continuing education shows through in her achieving CMRG (Certified Master Rabbit Groomer) as well as CCE, ACG and PGC. Combining that drive to be educated with a need to share that knowledge has led her to teach Pet Tech First Aide & CPR classes for groomers and pet owners alike. This brand ambassador for All For Groomers is currently publishing the first rabbit grooming book in the industry.
AMBER COOK
Amber Cook, M.H.A, H.H.P Meet Amber: Amber is the Owner/Founder and Lead Holistic Groomer of Pippy’s Puppy Parlor. She began her journey in grooming and Holistic pet care after walking away from a career in Medicine where she specialized in Cardiology and Trauma with a minor in Psychology. Amber enjoys pursuing continuing education and staying up to date on salon safety, grooming, and holistic techniques. She holds her Masters of Holistic Arts/Sciences (specializing in Pets) and CMCA (Certified Master Canine AEsthetician) PDS (Pet DermaTech Specialist) with the ISCC (International Society of Canine Cosmetologists), and her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Advanced Diploma. Amber is a certified Reiki Master specializing in Pets/animals, a Member of the ISCC, APPGA (American Professional Pet Groomers Association), IJA (International judges Association), and AKC S.A.F.E Groomer certified in safe grooming and salon sanitation. Amber grooms all pets, and specializes in Geriatric, Special Needs, and Behaviorally challenged pets. She connects with her clients and their pet parents in a professional and personal level.
DR. CLIFF FAVER
Dr. Cliff Faver graduated with a BS in Biology and a BA in Chemistry before going on to get his Veterinary degree in 1987 from CSU. He is the founder/past owner of Animal Health Services (at one time 10 doctors, 4 groomers, 68 employees) in Cave Creek, Arizona. He is now the US distributor for Iv San Bernard (ISB) products and an international speaker on hair and skin. He uses his business experiences as a means of merging the grooming and veterinary professions to pursue his life’s passion of healing and helping horses and pets. Dr. Faver also teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program. He is a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, and Board member for the Burbank Kennel Club. Previously served on the Novartis Lead Committee (with top dermatologists from USA), Hill’s International Global Veterinary Board, and was active in a Veterinary Management Group.
MICHELLE KNOWLES, MPA, PE, ICMG, MPAI
Michelle Knowles was product consultant for Iv San Bernard Pet Cosmetics, has traveled to Italy to receive advanced training in Spa Dermatology and contributed her life’s work to creating a master pet aesthetician program and a pet esthetician program for The Whole Pet Grooming Academy. She founded The Tender Paw Day Spa at Cave Creek Surgical and Diagnostic Center in Cave Creek, AZ, built the grooming department from the ground up using her expertise and knowledge of dermatological issues, grooming experience, and product and ingredient knowledge. Michelle has over 30+ years of extensive experience with fear and trauma recovery, elderly pets, and a focus on managing allergic/dermatological disorders. After further study, she achieved her dream of becoming a state certified Master Pet Aesthetician with a licensed online program to mentor future Aestheticians with her life work.
PAM LAURITZEN, PDS, ICPG, MPS, ISCC Meritus
Pam Lauritzen has been a leader and pioneer within the Pet Styling Industry for over 50 years. She is recognized by her peers as an accomplished Pet Stylist, Pet Styling Judge, Lecturer, Author and trade Show Manager. She has authored numerous articles and has served as a field editor for Groom & Board magazine. She was also the Publisher and Editor In Chief of PetStylist, a trade publication known for its commitment to education.
Pam was selected by her peers as the first “Certified Master Groomer” and Certifier in the world and is currently the founder and President of the ISCC. Pam is in the vanguard of research and development of new and innovative pet styling techniques that improve the speed, quality, and productivity of Professional Pet Stylists.
SASHA RIESS
Sasha Riess is a master dog stylist, educator, and innovator with over 40 years of experience in the show dog industry. He has handled and styled more than 800 champion dogs across 33 breeds worldwide, earning a reputation as one of the most trusted and respected figures in the field. His precision and artistry have played a key role in shaping the careers of some of the world’s most successful show dogs, many with multimillion-dollar legacies. Sasha is the creator of the groundbreaking Phi Excellence method, a unique approach rooted in the golden ratio that redefines grooming by blending science and art. This method brings balance and harmony to every cut, transforming even the simplest trims into works of art. Through his global seminars, workshops, and mentorships, Sasha has educated over 100,000 dog groomers, empowering them to elevate their skills and achieve excellence. His passion for education and innovation extends to product development, with patented grooming tools and coat care products that have become industry staples, reflecting his commitment to both canine well-being and grooming artistry. Sasha’s legacy continues to inspire groomers worldwide to pursue mastery in their craft, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in dog styling while promoting the highest standards of care and excellence.
PATSY BROOKS-TALLANT, PDS, ICPG, MPS, ISCC Meritus
Patsy embarked on her pet styling career in 1978 while showing Miniature Poodles. After completing her college education, she gained valuable experience across diverse sectors of the industry, including kennels, veterinary clinics, small and large salons, and corporate environments. In 1995, she founded her own grooming salon, which later expanded to encompass three salons and four mobile units. Currently, Patsy dedicates her vast expertise to overseeing the management of her mobile units and offering educational opportunities to fellow groomers. She is a co-founder of the Million Dollar Mobile series, an initiative by The Grooming Loop LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to providing educational resources and guidance to groomers worldwide, in which she serves as a co-owner and founder. Patsy holds a lifetime membership with the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC) and carries the prestigious title of ISCC Master Pet Stylist Meritus.
Patsy is a founding member of Texas Professional Pet Groomers Association where she serves as the treasurer. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as a judge and instructor for various national pet styling competitions. Patsy’s unwavering support comes from her husband of 40 years, David. Together, they have three children (two of whom are groomers) and seven grandchildren. Patsy is also a professional DNA Genealogist with a specialization in adoption-related issues.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: Returning speakers with courses and programs attendees have loved
CHRIS ANTHONY
Chris Anthony, weary from her travails in retail management and office work, found her calling when she discovered pet grooming. Her near 20 year journey in this career has led her through many opportunities, experiences,& life lessons; including grooming and managing in both small and corporate salons, and starting her own successful house call grooming business in New Jersey. Supplementing those life lessons by educating herself on the varying aspects of her career she always sought out innovations in pet care, education, grooming techniques, tools and products. Now her passion for grooming & education has added more in depth knowledge on scissors, scissoring techniques, ergonomics and self care to help preserve her own health and longevity in her chosen profession. She is the owner/groomer at Have Shears Will Travel, customer service/sales Vp at Evolution Shears. Chris is also honored to have co founded the New Jersey Professional Pet Groomers Alliance and serves as its current Chairwoman.
CHERYL DUGAS
Owner and operator of Swampland Grooming for over twenty-five years, Cheryl has bred and shown Airedales and miniature Pinchers. She is a member of the Acadiana Kennel Club and the North American Dog Sports and Registry. She is a lifetime member of the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC). Cheryl is an American Red Cross Certified First Aid and CPR trainer and has helped to develop the ISCC Pet Injury Prevention, First Aid, and CPR program designed specifically for pet care professionals.
CODY THWEATT
Meet Cody Thweatt, a 3rd (!!!) Generation Texas Sharpener and co-owner of Fort Worth Shaver and Groomer Supply House (formerly known as Gem Grooming Supply) with his dad, Bill. FWS has been in business since 1971 and a master service center for Andis, Oster, Wahl, as well as warranty center for Double K.
Cody has been sharpening and repairing random things for over 10 years. He knows education is important and that’s why Cody is an open book and judgement free zone when it comes to maintenance or repair questions.
RACHEL TRUMBLEY
I started as a bather in January 2000. After learning how to groom, I opened K-9 Designs at the age of 25 years old in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2006. After navigating the business world for almost 14 years, I launched my first mobile grooming van in 2020. I have attended expos all over the country to learn and network to grow my business & skills.
J. SCOTT WILBURN-WOODS
Scott currently owns and operates two brick and mortar salons, a boarding facility as well as a mobile unit with a second and third unit on order. Scott is the co-founder of The Million Dollar Mobile series as well as an award winning competition pet stylist. Scott’s newest passion in life is to help others be as successful in the grooming world as he has become. Scott’s Personal Statement: “My career started at the early age of 10 years old when I groomed my grandmothers St. Poodle with a pair of dull kitchen shears and I guess I was hooked for life. Forty-six years in the pet industry have evolved into the best career anyone could ask for. I wake up every morning and ask myself what do I get to do today. Life sometimes will send you a curve ball, in 2020 not only did Covid change the world, one of my salons burned down in a shopping center fire. Both of these events took all of my experience and knowledge to survive as a business. Oh yeah, I’m married, have 2 rotten American Pitbull Terriers named Abraham and Cleo, 30 or so Koi fish and I love to go camping in the mountains, 4 wheeling anywhere and everywhere and speed around the lake on my Jet Ski’s.”