From Apprentice to Industry Pioneer

2005 marked a pivotal moment: I traded my handler's armband for grooming shears at a kennel in Massachusetts. What began as a year-long apprenticeship became a three-year journey as groomer, where I earned my stripes and my first major certifications. But here's what set me apart from day one—I didn't just learn to groom; I learned to truly see each dog as an individual with unique needs, fears, and joys.

By 2009, I was ready to change the game. As general manager and head groomer at All the Do Dog Day in Shrewsbury, I proved that exceptional grooming and daycare could coexist beautifully. This wasn't just a business—it was a laboratory for perfecting the art of canine care.

The Education Revolution

Here's where the story gets exciting: In 2015, I didn't just start another grooming school I co-founded The Whole Pet Grooming Academy with Dara Forleo, fundamentally changing how we train the next generation of pet professionals. We didn't just teach techniques; we built a curriculum that creates artists, behavioral specialists, and compassionate caregivers all in one.

Monadnock Canine Center (2016-2023) became my canvas for innovation, where I competed in creative grooming competitions (with placements in 2015, 2016, and 2018) while building a sanctuary where dogs didn't just get groomed they where understood. After seven successful years, I made the strategic decision to focus entirely on education and training the next generation.

Here's what makes me different: As a Master Groomer , I don't just work with the "easy" dogs. I also work with the challenging cases—the anxious, the fearful, the reactive. These are the dogs that need someone who speaks their language, and after 25 years, I'm fluent.

Shaping the Future

Today, I've channeled all my experience into education. As an instructor at both The Whole Pet Grooming Academy and Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School, I'm not just teaching, I'm launching careers and transforming lives. Every student who walks into my classroom doesn't just learn to groom; they learn to be the professional the industry desperately needs.

At my core, I believe every dog deserves more than just a haircut they deserve to feel valued, understood, and cherished. Whether I'm working with a nervous rescue, training a future groomer, or perfecting a creative competition piece, my mission remains the same: to create a world where technical skill meets boundless compassion.

This isn't just what I do, it's who I am. And after 25 years, I'm just getting started.