SPEAKERS
JESSICA ADORNO
Jessica Adorno is the owner/founder of Pupparazzi Pets Mobile Grooming. She has been involved in the grooming industry for 21 years with experience in salon and mobile grooming. Jessica was formally trained at NY Academy of Dog Grooming located in NYC and has continued her education throughout the years in breed standards, and has extensive knowledge in skin and coat conditions. Jessica is no stranger to this business and her work reflects just that. Her grooming style is a fusion of breed standards, trims, and techniques blended within everyday pet grooming. Jessica has been dubbed within her industry as the “scissor queen” due to her precise and fluid scissoring technique.
Jessica is a brand specialist for Kenchi/Joyzee grooming . She is also social media team lead for the Cuddles app. Jessica also instructs and affiliates with Groom Haus. She has worked extensively with Conair Pro Pet both on product demonstrations and has been featured in Target ads, Chewy and BabylissProPet . She assists with product development , provides groomer education and is an international educator and speaker. She also has appeared on HBO Max’s show “Haute Dog.”
Her passion is to educate and elevate the everyday pet groomer which in turn helps pets all around the world have a fantastic grooming experience.
PRESENTATIONS:
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
CINDY BACCUS
Cindy Baccus Digital Marketing Cindy Baccus’ passion to help her clients learn the techniques necessary for a Fun & Exciting Marketing Plan is one of the reasons she is so popular among Entrepreneurs. Cindy has developed innovative & affordable marketing ideas for many clients across multiple industries. These concepts have resulted in increased revenues – without her clients breaking a sweat! Cindy is considered an expert in the field of social media and digital marketing and recently served as an Instructor & Program Developer at Collin College. Social Media Marketing, WordPress, professional blogging and various topics on business were just a few of the courses she developed and taught. Whether it be Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook or Google My Business, Cindy knows how to connect them all into one easy to use platform that can be easily and effectively managed. Sound intimidating? Don’t worry! Cindy is an expert communicator having graduated from the prestigious John C. Maxwell leadership and speaking program. Cindy can make even the most complex challenge look simple. Simply put, Cindy always has her fingers on the pulse of the social media community. Cindy has authored several books and has served and headed several boards. Prior to teaching at Collin College, Cindy had a thriving social media and leadership coaching business. Cindy cares about what she does first and foremost. She wants to see you succeed and she will help you accomplish your business goals by not only driving clients to you but they will also know who you are, what you must offer, and what separates you from the competition. Family is important and that’s exactly how she treats her clients, like family! When Cindy is taking a break from growing your business you can find her watching sports with her husband and best friend or spending time with her two grown kids and her two furry adopted babies.
PRESENTATIONS:
JAY BATISTA
Jay Batista is a professional dog groomer from Puerto Rico, specializing in Asian Fusion grooming techniques. He is a reference groomer and ambassador at Alpha Grooming Products, brand ambassador at PawMat and brand ambassador at Hydra International.
PRESENTATIONS:
JENNIFER BISHOP-JENKINS
Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins has been a Certified Master Groomer for 35 years and professionally grooming, at least part-time, for 40 years. But first and longest, Jennifer has been a teacher. She taught High School, some Junior High, and as an adjunct college History Teacher for the better part of three decades, including as an Academic Dean. Jennifer has two Masters Degrees: in History and Education. Her love for teaching is reflected in the passion with which she always engages her audiences. Jennifer started speaking at grooming conferences, first locally then, nationally, to great reviews. Jennifer may be one of the very few Certified Master Groomers in the USA who is also a Master’s Degree educated career teaching professional. The groomer who can teach . . . the Teacher Groomer.
PRESENTATIONS:
Saturday, June 7
1 PM – 2 PM. Room 4. What’s On My Retirement Plate?
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM. Room D (D1-D2). Nail Anatomy & Trimming
Sunday, June 8
8 AM – 9 AM. Room 2. The History of Cats
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM. Room 2. Cat Breeds
KEMLYN BLOCK-STOCKSTILL
Having been born and raised in the rural farm country of Minnesota Kemlyn developed a
passionate love for animals of all kinds. She started college to pursue a life as a veterinarian.
(as most animal lovers do), she detoured to raise a family of a son and daughter. During this
time she worked in a small animal veterinary practice for over 15 yrs as one of their on job
trained veterinary technicians. Kemlyn also created and ran dog obedience classes with the
mission to keep pets in loving and safe homes. She then trained to be a pet groomer at that
veterinary practice where grooming took over her world and she opened her own thriving
business, All 4 Paws,llc in 2001. Tommy Stockstill, her husband built tools from her suggestions
that would help her complete her grooms faster with less bodily injury to herself and keep the
pets safer and calmer. Hence the birth of their joint business, All for Groomers. Tommy and
Kemlyn have created such items as the Groomer’s wall, Trach Saver, Hand Saver and the
Handle Hugger, with more inventions to come. Traveling to trade shows in the grooming
business has become a routine adventure for the both of them. Outside of traveling the U.S.
and operating her grooming salon, Kemlyn also enjoys spending time with her personal dogs,
Bee, Bindi Roo and Hoda, and her cats: Jenks and Gus. She also enjoys fishing and spending
time with Tommy and her friends from across the nation.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
3 PM – 4 PM. Room 3. Innovations & Industry Trends: Grooming Safety Upgrades
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
JUDI CANTU-THACKER
Judi Cantu-Thacker, A successful, retired contest groomer and former GroomTeam USA Coordinator for 2005/2006. These days you can find Judi working in the Wahl Clipper or Frank Rowe and Son booth, sharing her 27 years of grooming knowledge and experience. She owns a successful mobile grooming business in the city of Sugar Land and caters to the “Who’s Who” in the Houston area. Through mobile grooming, she has found the perfect balance between work and family. This resulted in more time for her to spend with her husband and the ability to support her children in their academics and extracurricular activities.
PRESENTATIONS:
7:15 PM – 8:15 PM. Room 1. How Should I Pay for This? Finance Management for Mobile Groomers
Saturday, June 7
DANA CHAVEZ-REY
Dana’s career in animal care began in 1998, where she served as the lead veterinary technician at the North Peninsula Humane Society. It was during this time that she recognized the critical role of basic care for pets on a larger scale. She then moved on to emergency veterinary care, working as a veterinary technician at North Peninsula Veterinary Emergency from 2000 to 2002. From 2002 to 2005, Dana specialized in veterinary dentistry at a Sacramento-area veterinary corporation before founding A Purrfect Groomer with her husband, Alex, in 2005. Initially operating a brick-and-mortar salon, Dana transitioned to a mobile grooming service in 2015, providing personalized care door to door in front of clients’ homes. In 2016, Dana became a founding member of the Intellectual Groomers Association (IGA), where she played a vital role in shaping feline grooming certification guidelines and traveled the country leading seminars and certifying groomers. Dana’s dedication to feline grooming culminated in her 2021 publication of *Meow Wow: The Complete Guide to Feline Grooming*, which continues to receive rave reviews and sell out at trade shows.
PRESENTATIONS:
Monday, June 9
8 AM – 9 AM. Room 2. Feline Safety 2.0, Part 1
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM. Room 2. Feline Safety 2.0, Part 2
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
Saturday, June 7
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM. Room 4. Doodlegate: Proper Intake Procedures
Sunday, June 8
8 AM – 9 AM. Room 4. Business for Owners & Employees: Elevate your Grooming Salon to a Pet Spa
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM. Room 4. Business for Owners & Employees: The Picture Perfect Backdrop
AMBER COOK
BIO:
Coming Soon
PRESENTATIONS:
Saturday, June 7
8 AM – 2 PM. Room D (D1-D2). Pet Injury Prevention, 1st-Aid, & CPR
SARAH CRANMER
I’m Sarah, the passionate entrepreneur behind Fresh Mobile Dog Spa, a thriving three-van operation specializing in pampering furry friends on-the-go. With over two decades of grooming expertise, I have cultivated a reputation for excellence in pet care. Since launching in 2018, I have meticulously crafted a boutique experience, focusing on personalized service and attention to detail.
In October 2021 I welcomed the first addition to my grooming family, followed by a second groomer in May 2023. These carefully selected team members reflect my commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Despite its growth, Fresh Mobile Dog Spa maintains a small, intimate feel, fostering a close-knit community of contented clients and fulfilled employees. I take pride in nurturing a harmonious work environment where team members are valued, well-compensated, and, above all, happy. With a dedication to organic growth and a knack for assembling an exceptional team, I hope to continue to elevate the standard of mobile pet grooming with every happy groomer and client.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
6 PM – 7 PM. Room 1. Mobile Grooming: Going Mobile: It Costs How Much?
Saturday, June 7
7 AM – 7:45 AM. Courtyard at the Texican Court Hotel. Yoga on the Lawn
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM. Room 4. The Price is Right: Structuring Your Rates for Success
Sunday, June 8
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM. Room 4. Branding Bootcamp: Where to Start? From Blank Page to Published Logo
Monday, June 9
KYLE DARLING
Kyle co-founded Thera-Clean Microbubbles in 2013 concentrating in the well-being of animals, an interest that stems from his father who has been in the industry for over 50 years. He was invited to the World Veterinary Dermatology confernce in Vancouver, Canada back in 2012 where good friend, Dr. James Zarowny who specialized in veterinary dermatology was exploring a technology that could change everything in skin health for animals. After a year or so of development, Kyle and Dr. Zarowny perfected and patented a microbubble technology perfect for skin cleaning applications and Thera-Clean was born. Thera-Clean is now the #1 and most trusted name in microbubble technology in the pet industry on the planet with over 400 clients in six countries and climbing.
The advancements in skin rejuvanation, tissue repair and debridment of biofilm in animals, Kyle now looks to take these findings into human wound care and dermatology across the globe.
PRESENTATIONS:
JONATHAN DAVID
Jonathan David has had a very diverse career in the dog world. From a young age, he began in the show ring breeding and exhibiting multiple breeds. A graduate of the Nash Academy Of Animal Arts, Jonathan had a very successful five-year grooming competition career. Jonathan has been the recipient of multiple scissoring awards, multiple Best All-Around Groomer awards, and Best In Show earning him a position on Groomteam USA in 2008 and 2009. Desiring to take his career further, Jonathan was a contestant on Animal Planets “Groomer Has It” Season 1 and has been featured as a grooming expert on multiple Animal Planet television shows including “Dogs 101”, “Cats 101” and “America’s Cutest Dog.” Jonathan has also been featured as a pet expert on many American television programs including ABC’s “The View” and before moving to Florida he owned and operated a very successful mobile grooming business in NYC boasting a long list of celebrity clientele. He has also been the recipient of multiple Barkleigh Honors Awards for Speaker Of The Year, Judge Of The Year, and Journalist Of The Year. Currently, Jonathan lives in South Florida where he owns and operates his newest mobile grooming business and he is a brand ambassador for Kenchii Shears.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM. Room B (B1-B2). Camouflage Grooming: Correcting Faults with a Great Haircut
6 PM – 8 PM. Room A (A1-A2). Hands-on Workshops with Model Dogs: Ergonomics in Motion
Monday, June 9
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM. Room B (B1-B2). Speed-grooming: Drop Coats
TERI DIMARINO
An industry veteran, Teri has owned and operated successful salons and mobiles in Florida and California. An award-winning grooming contest competitor, Teri was a member of three GroomTeam USA Gold Medal teams and held the positions of GroomTeam USA Treasurer and Board Member. Teri is the recipient of multiple Barkleigh Honors and Cardinal Crystal Awards for Journalism, Judge, Groomer of the Year, and Outstanding Contributions to the Industry. She is also the recipient of the American Kennel Club’s Leadership Award. She is a Co-founder and President of the California Professional Pet Groomers Association, Inc. Teri is a popular speaker and judge at seminars and trade shows around the globe. She recently served on the Task Committee for the WPA Professional Groomer Credentialing and contributed to the writing of the PPGSA Standards of Care, Safety, and Sanitation. Co-founder, past-president, and show chair of the Boca Raton Dog Club in Florida, Teri’s dog show career included Dobermans, Tibetan Terriers, and Standard Poodles in the breed and obedience ring.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
Saturday, June 7
Room D (D1-D2). 8 AM – 2 PM. Pet Injury Prevention, 1st-Aid, & CPR Certification Course
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
CHAZ GRUNDER
With over 20 years of experience in the food manufacturing industry, Chaz brings unparalleled expertise to the table.
Whether it’s pet food manufacturing, treats, or navigating the world of pet food manufacturing insurance, Chaz is your go-to resource.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
12 PM – 1 PM. Room 3. Innovate & Elevate: The Key to Thriving in the Pet Industry
3 PM – 4 PM. Room 4. Should I Be Insured?
Monday, June 9
8 AM – 9 AM. Room 1. AI-Powered Monitoring: Lowering Mobile Grooming Costs & Accident Risks
ASHLEY HANVEY
Ashley Hanvey began her career as a Pet Stylist in 2010. She is the owner of That Scrumptious Pooch, LLC, a Mobile Dog Grooming Business in Easley, South Carolina. She is a Hanvey Mobile Ecosystems Educator who has multiple certifications, including International Certified Pet Groomer, Petcare Dermatech Specialist, Master Pet Aesthetician, Master Groomer Behavior Specialist, and Certified Canine Esthetician. She is currently studying DAATA-ICDG certification, L.E.G.S Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation, and the Agression in Dogs Mastercourse. She maintains membership with The International Society of Canine Cosmetologists, The Association of Holistic Pet Professionals, and Pawsitiveed. Her specialties are Behavior, Handling, and Skin and Coat care.
PRESENTATIONS:
ELLIOT HERNANDEZ
BIO:
Coming Soon
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
3 PM – 4 PM. Room 2. Breed Profile Styling: Handstripped Scottish Terrier
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM. Room 2. Breed Profile Styling: Clippered Schnauzer
Monday, June 9
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM. Room 4. Seminarios en Espanol: Salon Asian Styles
ERIN HULAND
Erin Huland has been wielding her scissors since 2004, and has owned a successful grooming salon since 2013. In February of 2020, she dipped her toes her in the competition ring. The following year she entered her first extreme creative grooming competition. She has been a multi award winning competitor ever since! She began speaking in the industry in 2020, and teaches multiple creative grooming webinars and seminars throughout the year. Her love of creative grooming inspired her to start The Creative Groomer, a creative grooming supply company, and the first subscription box in the industry geared towards creative groomers. In 2021, she and Mary Oquendo co organized the first ever creative grooming online summit. She is a Secretary of the CPPGA (California Professional Pet Groomers Association). She is also a member of the North American Model Dog competition team and is a multi award winning competitor in model dogs.
PRESENTATIONS:
Saturday, June 7
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM. Room 2. Creative Styling: Coat Carving for Every Day Salon Dogs
1 PM – 2 PM. Room 2. Creative Styling: Coat Carving Salon Dogs with a Touch of Color and Sparkle
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM. Room 2. Creative Styling: Reverse Coat Carving
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
Saturday, June 7
8 AM – 9 AM. Room C (C1-C2). Introduction to Topical Remedies
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Room A (A1-A2). Hands-on Workshop: How to Formulate Products
Sunday, June 8
1 PM – 2 PM. Room 3. Behavior: Infirmed, Abused, & Aggressive Dogs: Safe Handling Techniques, Part 1
JAMESON KON
Jameson has a degree in International Business Management & Marketing, and has always had interests in working with animals at a young age. After working for a massive online retail company, managing over 300+ employees amongst 7 different call centers both domestically and internationally, he decided to jump right into the world of grooming with his wife, Milena. Now the proud owner of Driving Me Knots (Mobile Grooming), DMK Bowtique (Pet Accessories), and DMK Marketing Solutions (Custom Graphic Designs), his ability to multi-task and market the companies since 2013 is only the beginning for the DMK branding.
PRESENTATIONS:
Saturday, June 7
MILENA KON
Milena started off in graphic design and direct sales before realizing that she wanted to do more with animals. So, she went into grooming in 2013. She is now the owner of Driving Me Knots (Mobile Grooming), DMK Bowtique (Pet Accessories), and DMK Marketing Solutions (Custom Graphic Designs). She started competing in Extreme Creative Styling & Creative Abstract grooming contests in 2015, and won Up-and-Coming Creative Groomer that same year. Her creative work has also been seen on “The Greatest Showman” with Hugh Jackman and “Orange is the New Black” on Netflix. She was awarded the Barkleigh Honors Creative Groomer of the Year in 2018.
PRESENTATIONS:
Saturday, June 7
8 AM – 9 AM. Room 2. Creative Styling: No Fluff, No Problem
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM. Room 2. Creative Styling: Creative on Black Dogs
Sunday, June 8
8 AM – 9:30 AM. Room A (A1-A2). Hands-on Workshop with Model Paws: Creative Nail Painting
10:30 AM – 2 PM. Room A, Hands-on Workshop with Model Dogs: Easy & Fun Animal Prints
Monday, June 9
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
6 PM – 7 PM. Room B (Ba-B2). Salon Styling: The Art of Pet Styling, Part 1
7:15 PM – 8:15 PM. Room B (B1-B2). Salon Styling: The Art of Pet Styling, Part 2
Sunday, June 8
TINA MCDONALD
30+ years of professional dog styling experience. Multiple award-winning stylist.
PRESENTATIONS:
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM. Room B (B1-B2). Bad Hair Day: Techniques for Dealing with Difficult Dog Hair
SARA MOCK-MASON
Sara Mock-Mason is an award winning stylist with placements in both breed standard grooming competitions, model dog competitions and mobile unit competitions. Sara’s background also includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art specializing in Graphic Design and experience as a veterinary assistant. She later married her experience in the veterinary field with her creative side by becoming a groomer in a veterinary hospital before establishing Fluff My Life Mobile Grooming in Spring, Texas. Throughout her 14 years as a stylist she has earned the titles of National Certified Master Groomer and Certified Canine Esthetician. She is currently a member of ISCC where she aspires to continue her education, a proud member of the Texas Professional Pet Groomer’s Association as well as a Hanvey Educator. Sara’s greatest interests in the field are skin and coat health and behavioral sciences. Fluff My Life Mobile Grooming has a strong reputation for taking care of the whole pet. Fluff My Life clients know when Sara or her employees take their pet into the van for their grooming session the highest priority is the experience their pet has. Safety, transparency, applicable therapies and cooperative care are the key philosophies of her business practices.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
Saturday, June 7
Monday, June 9
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM. Room 1. Mobile Grooming: Turning Heads: All Eyes on Your Unit
CHRISSY NEUMEYER-SMITH
Chrissy Neumyer Smith, a multi-certified professional (MGBS, MCS, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, CPG, FFCP), has dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of dogs. Her passion for grooming and training ignited during a high school internship, leading to a career path that includes grooming, veterinary technician, training experience and pioneering house-call grooming and training services with Happy Critters in 2000. She specializes in helping anxious dogs overcome grooming challenges and hosts the “Creating Great Grooming Dogs” podcast (nominated for a Barkleigh Honors award in 2024). Chrissy serves as Dean of Academics at the Whole Pet Grooming Academy and is a sought-after educator, sharing her expertise with dog professionals and owners through various platforms, including the “Knowledgeable Pet Owner” podcast. Outside of work, she competes in Flyball with her Border Collies, Brok and Po, who are now nearing retirement with their Iron Dog titles.
PRESENTATIONS:
Saturday, June 7
8 AM – 9 AM. Room 4. Business for Owners: Safety Policy: Safe & Successful Grooming
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM. Room 3. Behavior: Modernizing the Behavior End of Grooming
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM. Room 3. Behavior: The Owner’s Side of Behavior Problems
1 PM – 2 PM. Room 3. Behavior: 5 Easy Changes for Behavior Success
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM. Room 3. Behavior: Understanding Dog Body Language
AGNIESZKA PLUTA
Leading Botaniqa’s global brand strategy with a focus on marketing communications and brand development, my tenure has seen the brand expand to over 20 countries. Our team’s dedication to creating high-quality, natural-based dog grooming products has propelled us to international prominence, especially with our recent successful entry into the USA market.
As a lifelong dog enthusiast, I’ve channeled my passion into entrepreneurship, developing Botaniqa from an idea into a household name in pet beauty solutions. Alongside my business partner, our vision has been realized through rigorous product innovation and a commitment to excellence. We’ve built a reputation for educational seminars and workshops, and my personal success in the dog show circuit underlines our brand’s authority and commitment to pet care excellence.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
6 PM – 7 PM. Room C (C1-C2). Dilution is the Solution: Ways to Maximize product Use
MICHELLE PRICE
Michelle Price is no stranger to the animal industry. As a Kinesiology major in college, a credentialed teacher and a presenter of the Sciences since 2004, she has studied handled and shown anything from horses, dogs and exotics. With a continued love for animals, she began grooming in 2020 and quickly established a full time mobile grooming business . During that period, she created Handle It, and Clip It, to encourage better ergonomic practices, reduce pain levels and extend the life of groomers. Saftey, animals and ergonomics are her passions and is excited to share her knowledge.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
3 PM – 4 PM. Room 3. Innovations & Industry Trends: Grooming Safety Upgrades
TROY RATLIFF
Troy earned a diploma from the esteemed Nash Academy in Lexington, internationally known for training the best pet care professionals in the industry. He also spent one year as an instructor at the academy. Troy owns Alpha Grooming Products, which is known for its innovative designs.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM. Room 3. Innovations & Industry Trends: Streamline Your Grooming Setup
KIRSTINE REYNOLDS
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
12 PM – 1 PM. Room B (B1-B2). Salon Styling: Art & Symmetry in Every Day Grooming, Part 1
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM. Room B (B1-B2). Salon Styling: Art & Symmetry in Every Day Grooming, Part 2
3 PM – 4 PM. Room B (B1-B2). Salon Styling: Art & Symmetry in Every Day Grooming, Part 3
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM. Room 3. Innovations & Industry Trends: 1 + 1 + Boosters = Solution
6 PM – 7 PM. Room 2. Breed Profile Styling: Bichon
7:15 PM – 8:15 PM. Room 2. Breed Profile Styling: Poodle
Saturday, June 7
1 PM – 4:30 PM. Room A (A1-A2). Hands-on Workshop with Model Dogs: Grooming for Gold
JACOB ROBINSON
Jacob Robinson is a 10 year groomer that owns a Pet Grooming salon in central Oklahoma. He has been competing and showing dogs for 9 of those 10 years. In those years competing Jacob Has garnered Multiple Best In Show and Best All Around Groomer Awards, during this time He has also been a top 10 member of Groomteam USA For the last 3 Consecutive years. When hes not competing he is participating in AKC Conformation events where he has finished mulitple champions and earned several Specialty wins and group placements. Through these experiences hes earned knowledge on breed specific show trimming to help accentuate a dogs structure and positive attributes according to the breed standard. Coming to the US Pet Pro Classic 2025 hes so excited to share his knowledge and training on breed standard show trimming.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
12 PM – 1 PM. Room 2. Breed Profile Styling: Irish Setter
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM. Room 2 Breed Profile Styling: Kerry Blue Terrier
VICTOR ROSADO
Mr. Víctor Rosado – ICMG / NCMG All Breeds FCPR/ FCI International All-Around Dog Show Judge. All Rounder EGA Judge. International and National Master Groomer Certified. Serves as technical committee member for the FCI Grooming Commission Breeder of merit, exhibitor and professional groomer for about 30 years under the FCI registered kennel Sporting Showstars with champions, grand champions and international champions including multiple Best In Show winners and #1 Ranking dogs in multiple countries. Grooming competitor with multiple “Best In Shows”, “Best All Around” victories with more than 150 top awards in Poodles, Sporting, Handstripping, All Other Purebred Scissored Breeds and Pet Class combined. As one of the world’s top grooming judges Mr. Victor Rosado executes his assignments at shows with a wide range of technical judging in both conformation and grooming tournaments. Actively judging International and National All Breed Dog Shows and All Class Grooming Competitions worldwide. As a licensed and experienced judge one of his multiple tasks includes training and and educating experienced and apprentice conformation and grooming judges in many countries and in multiple National Canine Organizations (NCO’s) across the globe. Barkleigh Honors recipients awards in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022 World Grooming Gold Champion in Belgium 2017, Bronze Winner in 2022 Hall of Fame groomer at Groom Team USA. GT Travel Team member for Belgium 2017 and Belgium 2022 Top #1 Groomer in the ranks of United States Of America for 2017 Recipient of Barkleigh Honors Groomer of the Year award in 2017 & 2018 Recipient of Best International Groomer award in 2018/Madrid Spain World Grooming Champion Judge of the Year 2022 Ambassador, multiple brands media image for many of the top companies in the world. Affiliate for IPG International Professional Groomers in Latin America, owner of Davis Puerto Rico wholesale company and EDUGROOM educational series instructor. Host, speaker and entertainer at most of the main international grooming shows around. He is valued in the industry for being one of the top and most complete groomer, judge, speaker, coach, seminarist and presenter that we have worldwide.
PRESENTATIONS:
Monday, June 9
8 AM – 9 AM. Room 4. Seminarios en Espanol Speed-grooming: Pomeranians
9:30 AM – 1:30 PM. Room A (A1-A2). Hands-on Workshop with Live Dogs: Cute Fluffy Trims
LAURA JAYNE SABBAUGH
Laura Jayne Owner & Operator, Hair of the Dog Mobile Pet Spa With over a decade of experience in mobile pet grooming and a total of 25 years in the pet care industry, Laura Jayne is the proud owner and operator of Hair of the Dog Mobile Pet Spa in NYC. Since its inception in 2015, Laura has transformed the grooming experience for pets in both urban and suburban settings, delivering exceptional care and convenience right to clients’ doorsteps. Recognized for her contributions to the pet care industry, Laura has been featured on various platforms, including “Most Expensivest” on Vice, CNBC’s “Made It,” and Bill Belonis’ “Rags to Riches.” In addition to her grooming expertise, Laura is a passionate public speaker who focuses on financial education and empowering fellow entrepreneurs. As a certified pet nutritionist and health advocate, Laura is dedicated to promoting the well-being of pets through proper nutrition and care. Complementing this mission, she is also a certified yoga instructor and a health and nutrition enthusiast, sharing valuable insights on holistic living. Laura is grateful for the relationships she has built within the pet-loving community and enjoys connecting with colleagues, clients and their pets. She believes in fostering an environment where everyone can share in the joy of caring for their furry companions, Their work, while prioritizing their health and joy. Paws and hands together we can do it !
PRESENTATIONS:
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
ERIKA ASHLEY VENTURA
I am a second-generation groomer who followed in my mom’s footsteps. Despite my college major in mathematics and a minor in business, my love for dogs and the grooming table was irresistible. At 27 years old, I opened my own Grooming Salon, Erika Ashley’s Elite Dog Grooming, in the heart of Plano, Texas. Now, after almost 5 years, I have 17 employees who have become an integral part of my life. Six out of 7 of my groomers have been with the company since we opened, creating a strong sense of community and belonging. My salon has been recognized for its outstanding services by Living Magazine, The Star, Yelp, The Neighborhood app, and numerous other reputable publications. I am Pet CPR certified and a proud member of TXPPGA. I hope to one day sit on the board to help make a difference in our industry. I strongly believe in elevating our profession to be respected by all who ask us, “What do you do for a living?” I have taken my passion for this and applied it to every aspect of my salon. The way my team speaks to clients and each other. How working with pride, professionalism, and confidence can create a smooth and happy work culture. The importance of setting a clear vision and established expectations through the use of handbooks and policies. These tools can allow your managers to guide your Team to success quickly, which is why I am writing this application. I want to share how I made this possible and how a professional and positive workspace can be obtained.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
SCOTT WASSERMAN
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
Friday, June 6
12 PM – 4 PM. Room A (A1-A2). Hands-on Workshop with Live Dogs: Handstripping
6 PM – 7 PM. Room B (Ba-B2). Salon Styling: The Art of Pet Styling, Part 1
7:15 PM – 8:15 PM. Room B (B1-B2). Salon Styling: The Art of Pet Styling, Part 2
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.”
PRESENTATIONS:
OLGA ZABELINSKAYA
Olga is a Nationally and Internationally Certified Master Groomer with multiple “Best in Show” and “Best All-Around Groomer” wins as well as 2 prestigious “Winners Circle Champion” titles. Olga was a GroomTeam USA member from 2008 to 2014 and received the 2009 and 2010 Cardinal Crystal American Groomer of the Year Award. Olga owns and operates grooming salon in New Jersey “Elite pet Spa & Boutique” which won a Cardinal achievement award in 2010. Her grooming experience includes styling dogs for the prestigious Westminster and National dog shows and many celebrities. Olga participates in charity events and does grooming seminars for professional groomers and pet owners worldwide. She is American, European and International grooming all breed judge. Olga produces “Modern Styles Around the World” grooming magazines/DVDs, Zolitta grooming tools and shows her AKC registered Toy Poodles under Kalinka kennel name.