Speakers
Guzal Adekoje
Guzal Adekoje is an AKC Certified and National Certified Master Groomer with years of experience, and also an internationally recognized multi-award-winning groomer and speaker. She is the owner of a mobile pet grooming company and upscale grooming salon in Northern Virginia. Originally from Uzbekistan, she found her destiny in the United States in 2003, when she moved with just one suitcase and $200 in her pocket and built herself up to become a well-known business owner, groomer and speaker in the USA. Recently, in Barcelona, Spain, she took silver in a class competing against groomers from Korea, China, Spain, UK, France and other countries. As a well-rounded groomer, she has earned multiple awards in poodle, all other pure breeds, sporting, handstripping and freestyle classes.
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, and life lessons; including grooming and managing in both small and corporate salons, and starting her own successful house call grooming business in New Jersey. Chris always sought out innovations in pet care, education, grooming techniques, tools and products. Now her passion for grooming and 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.
Kathlena Austin
Kathlena Austin began grooming in 2007 and has spent nearly two decades developing her skills and sharing her passion for the industry. She followed in her husband Nathan's footsteps as an AKC Master Groomer of the Year and also serves as an AKC Master Groomer Certifier. Kathlena is an Open-level competitor with a special love for terriers, handstripping, and breed-standard grooming. Outside of the grooming competition ring, Kathlena is the President of the San Francisco Bay Scottish Terrier Club and actively breeds and shows Scottish Terriers. Together with Nathan, she owns two A Cut Above Grooming Salons and a luxury mobile grooming service. They also cohost the award winning Another Grooming Podcast.
Nathan Austin
Nathan Austin has been grooming since 2007 and has built a career around his love for the industry, competition, and education. He was the very first AKC Master Groomer of the Year and is also an AKC Master Groomer Certifier. Nathan earned a spot on GroomTeam USA in both 2024 and 2025, ranking third in the country in 2024.Nathan travels internationally as an educator and judge, sharing his knowledge and passion for grooming with others around the world. Together with his wife, Kathlena, he owns two A Cut Above Grooming Salons and a luxury mobile grooming service. They also cohost Another Grooming Podcast, now in its third year and celebrating three Barkleigh Honors wins and their first Liz Paul Award for Best Podcast.
Jay Batista
Jay Batista is a Certified Pet Groomer by IPG, a member of the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists, and graduated Gold with EduGroom, studying under Victor Rosado. Jay is the Puerto Rico All Other Purebred and Best in Show Champion of 2017 and 2018. A social media influencer, Jay Batista has over 34,000 followers on Instagram, which lead to many brand ambassadorships including Wahl, Fresh Shears, Pawmat, Alpha Grooming Products, Tumi Wear, Duz Dryer, and Hydra USA, Puerto Rico and International. Jay has taught in Puerto Rico, the US, and Columbia featuring unique Salon and Asian Freestyle trims.
Dave Campanella
Dave Campanella is an informative and entertaining seminar speaker, contributing trade columnist and genuine grooming enthusiast. He has over 30 years of pet industry knowledge, and has been Best Shot Pet Products sales, marketing, and product director for 15 years. He and his wife Tracy have co-owned a full service pet salon and self-wash in Ohio prior to relocating with Best Shot to Kentucky. Together they enjoy exhibiting at grooming shows, being industry ambassadors and showing their Kerry Blue Terriers, Lowland Polish Sheep Dog, and Samoyed.
Melanie Charland
Melanie Charland is a nationally certified, multi-award-winning groomer with 10+ years of experience. Melanie's grooming journey is marked by her dedication to the craft, which she views as an art and a commitment to improving dogs' lives. From competing at and attending trade shows, to teaching students, Melanie’s passion for grooming is evident in every aspect of her work.
Rachel Colant
Rachel Colant is a second-generation dog groomer with over 14 years of experience. Based in Los Angeles, she owns her own salon and serves as the LMS Director at Groom Curriculum, where she teaches college students nationwide. An award-winning freestyle competition groomer, Rachel is also a sought-after seminar speaker, known for her expertise and commitment to elevating the grooming industry through education and gentle grooming techniques. Her passion for teaching has earned her a coveted Barkleigh Honors nomination for Speaker of the Year in 2024.
Teri DiMarino
An industry veteran, Teri has owned and operated successful salons and mobiles in Florida and California. A winning grooming contest competitor, Teri was a member of three GroomTeam USA Gold Medal teams. A multiple Barkleigh Honors and Cardinal Crystal Award winner, Teri was a regular columnist for Groomer to Groomer Magazine as well as a popular speaker and judge at seminars and trade shows across the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
Mindy Dinwiddie
Mindy Dinwiddie, APG owns Classy Canine in Litchfield, Michigan. She began grooming in 2007, having her own shop by 2008. Mindy has experience in daycare, boarding and training, all while consistently furthering her education by attending expos, seminars, and private lessons from top stylists in the industry. Mindy has a passion for competing and has traveled to Taiwan as part of the US Model Dog Team. She began speaking in 2017 after having one of her grooms published in Doodle Modern Styles Special Edition. As an instructor at Whole Pet Grooming Academy, she teaches several different courses along with participating as a Pet Pro Educator. Mindy is also a Brand Ambassador for Evolution Shears.
Linda Easton, ICMG
Linda is an International Certified Master Groomer and President of International Professional Groomers, Inc. As a competitive groomer, Linda had numerous wins, including Best in Show, Best All-Around Groomer, and the Edemco Total Groom Extravaganza. She has also put several obedience titles on her dogs, and finished 42 AKC breed championships. Linda worked with the US Dept of Labor to develop a “Pet Groomer” apprenticeship program. Education programs developed by Linda are used in schools and USDL Apprenticeship programs and as a basis for IPG Safety certifications. She has taught and judged around the world, promoting excellence and safety for groomers. Linda’s grooming career began in 1973 and she still grooms in her salon and State licensed Grooming school in Salem, Oregon.
Dr. Cliff Faver
Dr. Cliff Faver, a 1987 graduate of CSU, is the founder/owner of Animal Health Services in Cave Creek, Arizona. He is the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products. He uses the two businesses as a means of merging the grooming and veterinary professions to pursue his life's passion of healing and helping pets. Dr. Faver is an international speaker and teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program. He is a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, a sponsor for the CPPGA, a Board member for the Burbank Kennel Club, and previously served on the Novartis Lead Committee, Hill's International Global Veterinary Board, and is still active in a Veterinary Management Group.
Juanita Harris
With more than 15 years of experience in the pet industry, Juanita Harris brings a unique perspective shaped by entrepreneurship, business ownership, marketing, and corporate management. Her career has taken her from owning and operating a successful grooming business to developing strategies, building industry relationships, and working with internationally recognized brands in the pet industry. As a speaker and educator, Juanita is passionate about helping pet professionals think beyond the day-to-day operations of their businesses. She connects practical, real-world knowledge with a broader understanding of business strategy and consumer behavior.
Blake Hernandez
Blake Hernandez is a NCMG and three-time Barkleigh Honors recipient. He is best known for his online persona and caterwauling lyrics that speak to our industry. Blake has brought innovation and current outside trends to the grooming industry from Personality Marketing to the FoxEye, a phone holding device for the everyday groomer or aspiring influencer. Blake runs Foxy Roxy's Pet Salon in San Diego, CA, in addition to competing in grooming contests and dog shows all over the country. He is the co-creator and founder of GroomSource, an app made for groomers' continued education, as well as creator and producer of many products with Foxy Roxy's Supply Co. Blake was also a feature groomer in Netflix's "DOGS" documentary and a contestant on ABC's Pooch Perfect Season 1.
Denise Heroux
Denise Heroux owns Awesome Paws Pet Salon, a Cleveland-based chain with two locations and active plans for expansion. Awesome Paws fosters a healthy environment for employees and pets with a focus on employee investment and learning. While managing both locations and a staff of over 20 employees, Denise finds time to work with the Ohio Professional Pet Groomers Association, which she founded. The association focuses on setting a higher standard for pet safety, business-building opportunities, versatile learning experiences, and creating legislative fluidity in the industry. You may have listened to Denise on both the Women PetPreneurs and Small Business Hiring podcasts.
Judy Hudson
International Grooming Industry Speaker and Judge, Judy Hudson, holds an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology and is a National Certified Master Groomer and certifier for the National Dog Groomers Association of America. Judy owns and operates Groomingtails Mobile Pet Grooming in Nashville, Tennessee. Judy has multiple Best in Shows and Best All Around Groomer awards to her credit and stayed in GroomTeam's top 10 groomers for four years. Having retired from the contest ring, Judy enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with new groomers. She is also a level V Rodan and Fields skin care consultant.
Lis Johnston
Lis Johnston is a National Master Certified groomer and owner of Serenity Pet Spa in Madison, WI. She has 15 years of experience as a professional groomer and more than 20 years showing dogs. Lis has won multiple awards across the United States and internationally, and made GroomTeam USA in 2018 and continues to strive for her goal to become a member of the USA travel team. In addition, she runs two full-service, kennel-free grooming salons with an apprentice program to help groomers become Master certified.
Alyssa Kasiba
Alyssa Kasiba is an international award-winning creative groomer. She has almost 15 years of grooming experience, and she began competitive grooming in 2016. Over the past years, she has specialized in creative grooming from competing on stage to teach the know-hows. In the 2022 season, Alyssa won 30+ awards nationwide, was on the cover of Groomer To Groomer magazine twice, and ended the year winning the Barkleigh Honors Creative Groomer of the Year. You may have seen her featured on Night Line News, Good Morning America, or as a Finalist on ABC's dog grooming competition show, Pooch Perfect. Alyssa has found a passion for teaching the art and creativity of grooming and can't wait to share it.
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.
Angela Kumpe
Internationally renowned creative stylist and instructor, Angela Kumpe has more placements in creative styling than anyone, worldwide. She won the first ever Barkleigh Honors Award for Creative Competitor. She is the author of A Creative Collection, a step-by-step guide to creative styling. Angela's work has been featured on Animal Planet, TLC, The Today Show, Regis and Kelly, and ABC Nightline as well as in The New York Times and on the cover of Groomer to Groomer magazine. Angela is the owner of Angela's Grooming and Pet Spa in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Adriane Pope
Adriane Pope is an award-winning Pet stylist in Breed Profile and Creative Grooming. Her specialty is extreme creative styling and creative abstract design. Adriane is owner/groomer of Adriane's Groom and Go Mobile Grooming in Conway, SC., and also the owner of Rivertown Bed and Biscuit Luxury Kennel since 2004. She has 24 years of grooming experience, and has been mobile for 22 years. She started competing in breed profile in 1997 and started the creative world in 2004.
Jess Rona
Jess Rona is a dog groomer in Los Angeles and is known for her Instagram, @JessRonaGrooming that has over 100k followers and features her signature slo-mo videos. She directed the Tegan and Sara music video for “100x”, had a dog featured in Beck’s “WOW” video, and directed a commercial for the Standard hotel featuring her grooming clients. She’s been featured in O magazine, Marie Claire, Glamour, Elle, and Paper among many others, has been featured on several news programs including the Today Show and Good Morning America, and has had several write-ups online. Some of her celebrity clients include: Katy Perry, Andy Garcia, Maria Menudos, and Marnie the Dog.
Victor Rosado
With 26 years of experience in professional grooming and conformation, Victor Rosado is a NCMG with NDGAA, ICMG, and is a certifier with IPG, as well as a Grooming Contest Judge and a Licensed All Breeds Conformation Judge for FCPR/FCI. As a competitive groomer, Victor Rosado is a multiple Best All Around and Best in Show winner, and one of the top groomers on GroomTeam USA. Victor is a member of American Spaniel Club, an AKC Breeder of Merit, and an exhibitor of American Cocker Spaniels for 20 years with multiple Best in Show and Best in Specialty Shows wins. Victor is also an Oster Ambassador in Latin America and owner of Davis Puerto Rico.
Abby Rose
Abby Rose is the General Manager of Jess Rona Grooming, the Los Angeles salon founded by celebrity groomer Jess Rona and known around the world for its signature grooming videos and star-studded clientele. Abby keeps one of the most recognizable names in grooming running at the highest level, bringing structure and stability to every part of the business. With years of experience in pet care and salon management, and a background in design from Parsons School of Design, Abby maintains the high-end, detail-driven experience JRG is known for. She is passionate about the business side of grooming and helping salons build the systems and teams they need to succeed.
Mercedes Schenk
Mercedes Schenk is a Certified Feline Master Groomer, educator, and advocate whose work centers on helping cats receive safe care. Through her house-call business, The Meow Mobile, she works exclusively with cats, specializing in anxious and shy felines. Mercedes is also the founder and president of the Association of Holistic Feline Specialists, an organization dedicated to education and collaboration in feline care. Before entering the grooming profession, Mercedes spent 15 years as an early childhood educator, specializing in Montessori philosophy and pedagogy. Her commitment to knowledge extends to her work as editor in chief of What's The Mews Magazine and the host of Pussy Talk Podcast.
Kayla Scott
Kayla Scott is a professional pet groomer from Waco, Texas with over five years’ experience. A competitive groomer and educator, Kayla also runs a salon called The Groomery where she provides exclusive one-on-one services for the dogs of Waco. She's passionate about Bedlington terriers and providing educational opportunities to both up-and-coming groomers as well as pet parents.
Jay Scruggs
Jay and his wife, Michelle, own Here Comes the Groom, a highly successful mobile grooming salon in Germantown, Tennessee. Jay has won multiple Best in Show and Best All-Around Groomer awards and helped GroomTeam USA win the Gold medal in Calgary, Canada, in 2001. Jay was named American Groomer of the Year in 2001, Groomer of the Year Award at Westminster Dog Show in 2002, and Grooming Judge of the Year in 2004. In 2003 Jay won an International Gold and Bronze medal in Barcelona, Spain, helping GroomTeam USA win the silver team medal. Along with Sue Zecco, he teaches seminars and offers a video series under the "Super Styling Sessions" title.
Kelsey Ann Sexton
Kelsey Ann Sexton is an award-winning Nationally Certified Master Groomer, international speaker, industry consultant and journalist with over 20 years of experience professionally pet grooming. She owns a top-rated salon near Nashville, TN where she focuses on routine grooming services. Kelsey is a five-time Barkleigh Honors nominee and was named the 2024 Seminar Speaker of the Year. She’s passionate about uplifting everyday groomers through confidence building education, partnerships, and inspiration.
Charles Swasho
Charles Swasho is a professional dog groomer with nearly three years of experience. Prior to entering the grooming world, he pursued his passions for videography and photography. His journey took a transformative turn after attending his first grooming expo, where he was inspired by the artistry and creativity within the industry. This experience sparked a flood of ideas on how to combine his love for grooming with his background in visual arts. Since then, Charles has collaborated with various brands in the pet grooming industry that align with his vision and values. His unique approach has allowed him to showcase the beauty and creativity of dog grooming through captivating visuals.
Arisa Thomas
Los Angeles-based dog groomer and social media influencer, Arisa Thomas is the go-to styling expert for turning dogs into cute and cuddly bears. She started her grooming career in 2010 in hopes of following in her mother's footsteps. Together they opened Blue Pooch, along with her sister. The women-powered trio quickly became popular for their Japanese-inspired pet trims. With a following of well over 300k followers on TikTok and Instagram, Arisa is making her mark as a "modern day" dog groomer by inspiring, entertaining, and educating dog groomers, pet parents, and pet-obsessed fans!
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.”
Jovi Wagner
Jovi is a second-generation groomer and has been professionally grooming for almost 20 years. She is the proud owner of one of the top grooming salons in Saskatchewan called Churchill Dog Groomers. She is also an integral part of Saskatchewan's Finest, which hosts seminars to encourage further education for groomers. Jovi has been competing for almost six years now and hopes to be able continue educating groomers by eventually speaking at more events. Jovi competed for Team Canada at the World Grooming Competition in Belgium in 2022.
Dan Williams
Daniel J. Williams is the managing director of EZ-Groom Pet Products Inc. in Oak Park, Michigan, U.S.A. He holds an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Lawrence Technological University, earned a master’s degree in business administration from Baker College, and has completed the University of Chicago Advanced Leadership program. He has authored numerous articles on cosmetics, and metallurgy as it relates to pet grooming shears. Dan has designed and engineered a number of manufacturing projects at metal-making factories in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Over the past 22 years, Dan has served as president and CEO of three small closely held organizations where he managed a number of mergers and acquisitions. Dan has worked with EZ-Groom since 2002.
Joe Zuccarello
Joe’s journey in the pet industry started in 1986, and he spent over 22 years in the pet services industry before focusing on new product development and management for 10 years at a leading manufacturer of grooming and dental products. In 2018, Joe joined the team at Paragon School of Pet Grooming and Learn2GroomDogs.com. As President, he led the company’s educators in providing learning solutions for the pet grooming services industry. Joe has a Master’s Degree in Business, is a freelance pet industry consultant, and is also the creator and host of the popular Hey Joe! Podcast. Joe now leads groomer services, product development, and innovation at the nation’s largest grooming distributor, Groomer’s Choice Pet Products.