KARLA ADDINGTON-SMITH

KARLA ADDINGTON-SMITH is a Certified Master Groomer from Cincinnati, Ohio. During her 32 years in the world of professional dog grooming, Karla has been an international contest judge, grooming contest winner, noted speaker and writer. She was a member of GroomTeam USA in 1988 and 1989 and won the 1988 Creative Grooming Competition and 1989 Best American Groomer title at Intergroom. Karla has received four Cardinal Crystal Achievement Awards: 1988 American Groomer of the Year, 1990 Congeniality Award, 1991 and 1996 Grooming Journalist of the year. In 1996, Karla also received the prestigious Scratchex Award for Journalistic Excellence in Dog Grooming and Skin Care. Well-versed in business relations, she was named the 1988 Outstanding Young Entrepreneur in America by the United States Association of Small Business & Entrepreneurship. Karla and her husband, Craig W. Smith, now own and operate PetSmith LLC, A Fortunate Dog, and Smart Dog Publishing.

DARYL CONNER

DARYL CONNER is a certified Petcare Dermatech Specialist and Master Pet Stylist, Meritus, from Rockport, Maine.  A contributing editor for Pet Age magazine, and co-editor of the New England Pet Grooming Professionals’ newsletter, Daryl's musings have also been found in Dog World, Groomer to Groomer, and on many Internet sites. She is the 2005 recipient of the coveted  Cardinal Crystal award for Journalism and the award for Congeniality in 2006 and 2007.  Daryl is proud to be the U.S. ambassador for the German Red Clipper. Known for her fun and informative educational classes at grooming shows across the country, Daryl's grounded, friendly style makes her an approachable and popular teacher.  With more than 23 years of grooming experience, Daryl's abiding love of animals and passion for our trade radiates out to everyone she touches through her work.

CHRISTINE DEFILIPPO

CHRISTINE DEFILIPPO, with over 30 years of experience in the pet styling industry, was among the founding members of the New England Pet Grooming Professionals, Inc. She owns Twickenton in Dedham, Massachusetts, one of the largest professional pet styling salons in the New England area. Over the years her staff has increased to include several award-winning stylists. Christine is the producer of Intergroom, the largest international grooming and pet styling conference of its kind in the world. Christine is an accomplished pet stylist, lecturer, judge, and industry leader. She has recently completed the judge’s orientation/training program required by the United Showmanagers Alliance, and was approved as a Sanctioned Judge.

TERI DIMARINO

TERI DIMARINO, CMG, NCMG, CAH, is a thirty-five year veteran of the pet styling industry. She previously owned and operated a large and successful South Florida salon for twenty-seven years. As a winning grooming contest competitor, Teri was a member of the ’88, ’89, and ’93 GroomTeam USA Gold Medal winning teams, served as GroomTeam USA team coordinator for the ’90 and ’91 teams, and is currently the GroomTeam USA Treasurer. She is a multiple Cardinal Crystal Grooming Achievement Award nominee and winner. Teri is a popular speaker and judge at seminars and trade shows across the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, and Australia. She has written regular columns and feature articles for the industry publications Pet Business, Grooming Business and Groom & Board magazines. Teri now calls Barkleigh Productions home and has taken on the position of Industry Consultant, Sales and Marketing, along with writing the business column and feature articles in Groomer To Groomer magazine. She has also contributed to the new Animal Planet reality show, Groomer Has It, acting as the show’s Professional Consultant. Teri regularly lectures at trade shows and consults with pet styling businesses, specializing in teaching no-nonsense, everyday grooming and bathing techniques, salon set-up, and time management efficiency. Teri now resides in Southern California, has owned and operated a successful mobile business, State of the Arf Mobile Pet Styling, and still enjoys keeping her “hands in hair.”

MICHELLE FELTZ

MICHELLE FELTZ started grooming at age 15, working for a show kennel in California. She opened her first grooming salon in 1998 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. An innovator in spa concepts, she realized the need to set her shop apart. Best Friend Dog Spa was born, offering holistic grooming, a self-service facility, and upscale retail. Her newest shop, Pink Poodle Dog Spa, is in The Woodlands, Texas, and offers every client aromatherapy baths, massages, and facials. She will be adding self-service to her new spa in the coming months. Michelle has six wonderful children and three beautiful grandchildren.

KRISTEN FULTON

KRISTEN FULTON is a mother to three children and resides in Chuluota, Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida with her degree in Animal Science but decided not to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine. After speaking at a National Conference for Victims Advocacy, Kristen was hired by an independent company that did motivational speaking and training to direct-sell markets. In 2003 she wanted a change in life, as her kids were getting older, and decided to pursue her love for animals. Kristen opened Faux Paws in May 2005 and has continued to strive for excellence. Faux Paws now consists of one salon, three mobiles, and one independent consultant mobile.

DANELLE GERMAN

DANELLE GERMAN, a South Carolina resident, owned CFA’s Bara Cattery from 1999 to 2005. She produced and showed many National and Regional award-winning Persians, including CFA’s third Best Cat in Premiership in 2005. She retired from showing to focus on her feline-exclusive spa and resort, The Catty Shack Ltd. Danelle is a member of Foothills Felines Cat Club, previously serving as president, and has produced and managed several CFA Cat Shows since 1999. In addition to her articles published in Groomer to Groomer and Pet Spa and Boutique magazines, she has written articles on cat grooming and behavior for local publications. Currently, Danelle serves as President and Certifier/Instructor of the National Cat Groomers Institute of America, speaking regularly on topics related to cat grooming. She is the inventor and patent-holder, along with her husband, of the Catty Shack Vac Drying System and a member of the Wahl Xtreme Team.

SAM HYER, of Hyer Luv Kennel and Groomers in the quaint countryside of Rockford, Michigan, prides herself on creating a fun and innovative learning atmosphere at her presentations. She has been speaking for various organizations for over 25 years. Her success as a speaker rests on her love of impacting the lives of others as she considers herself blessed. Sam and her husband, Fred, have been involved in all areas of companion care and are excited to make a great living fulfilling their passions for animals and the people who love them. When asked about the greatest reward in sharing her vast collection of knowledge and expertise in the field of business and pet care, Sam responds that it is the overwhelming joy she experiences when at another seminar, in e-mails or calls, attendees seek her out to tell her how she has increased their business and/or their joy in their career. Let Sam share her joy with you . . . . It is infectious!

PAM LAURITZEN

PAM LAURITZEN, of Garland, Texas, has been a leader in the pet styling industry for over 30 years. She is a nationally recognized lecturer, workshop consultant, author, contest winner, and judge. The creator and Executive Director of the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists and producer of the U.S. Pet Pro Classic and Gateway to the West styling shows, she conducts a variety of continuing education seminars. Pam was a nominee for the Cardinal Crystal Achievement Mary Bucklew Award for outstanding service to the industry, the David G. Salzberg for outstanding contributions by an individual, and also for Journalist of the year. More recently, Pam has developed the PowerPoint program for the judge’s orientation/training program currently being used by the United Showmanagers Alliance to sanction judges. She continues to develop new and innovative concepts and pet styling techniques that improve the speed, quality, and productivity of professional pet stylists.

LISA LEADY

LISA LEADY is a third generation groomer with over 25 years’ experience. She is also a clinician, speaker, Certified Master Groomer, and Certifier for IPG. She has been a GroomTeam USA member since 2000, and has many Best All Around and Best in Show placements. In 2004 she qualified to travel with GroomTeam to France, where she helped bring home the silver medal, and also went to Italy in 2007. Lisa is a multiple Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award nominee and was the recipient of the 2003 Congeniality Award. In 2002 Lisa sold her shop of ten years and began a new career as a grooming school instructor. After five years in the classroom, Lisa has made the move to mobile. She is now the proud owner of Primp My Pooch Mobile Pet Salon based in Genoa, Illinois. Lisa has also shown and bred champion Smooth Fox Terriers for 15 years. Lisa is currently a GroomTeam Board Member and has recently completed the judge’s orientation/training program required by the United Showmanagers Alliance, and was approved as a Sanctioned Judge.

JODI MURPHY

JODI MURPHY, a Master Pet Stylist, owns The Puppy Spa Mobile Grooming in New Jersey. She has been a four-time member of GroomTeam USA and ranked within the top four competitors in the country for four years. Jodi is a multiple Best In Show and Best All Around winner and won a gold medal in Milan, Italy. In 2005 and 2006 she was awarded Best American Groomer at Intergroom and in 2005 she captured the title of World Grand Champion in the Oster Invitational Tournament of Champions amongst forty-two competitors from around the world. Jodi is an industry speaker and contest judge, traveling internationally, educating groomers here and abroad. Currently she is producing the Jodi Murphy Instructional DVD Series to bring advanced grooming education to stylists. Jodi is also a National Grooming Consultant for Andis Clipper Company.

JULIE OSTOSKI

JULIE OSTOSKI, NCMG, born into the Ardynas (our-dye-nes) family poodle kennel in Bournemouth, England, finished her first English Champion at age 18. She was the last of her family to immigrate to the US and worked here as a professional handler for 17 years, finishing over two hundred dogs in nine different breeds. In the grooming world, Julie was a member of GroomTeam USA for eight years, from 1996 to 2004, scoring in the top four for three of the eight years.  She was instrumental in bringing home the gold at the 2001 GroomTeam competition in Calgary, Canada.  To this day she still holds the record for most GroomTeam points accumulated (124) in the fewest  shows (7). Julie has won multiple Best in Show and Best All Around Groomer awards. Her most prized achievements to date are the 2002 Intergroom International Groomer of the Year with a Standard Poodle in Continental, and her 2006 Oster World Invitational Grand Champion victory at Super Zoo taken with a Bichon Frise. On the home front, Julie has a flourishing mobile grooming business in Brevard County, Florida. She is also an Oster Ambassador, NDGAA Certifier, and accepts judging and speaking assignments worldwide.  Julie’s idea of relaxing is to travel with her husband on exotic photography trips. She has recently completed the judge’s orientation/training program required by the United Showmanagers Alliance, and was approved as a Sanctioned Judge.

ANNETTE QUICK

ANNETTE QUICK co-owned a grooming shop in Nebraska for 14 years, but relocated to Florida to work at The Dog From Ipanema in Coral Gables, where she scuba dives in her spare time. Annette is a CMG and Certifier for IPG, Inc. She has won multiple Best in Show and Best All Around Groomer awards. In 1997 she garnered the top spot on GroomTeam USA, and maintained a position on the team each year through 2000. Annette helped bring home the silver from Eurogroom, in London, England, and the gold medal from Calgary, Canada. Annette has been nominated for several Cardinal Crystal Achievement awards, and won the American Groomer of the Year award for 1999. She is a representative for the Wahl Clipper Corporation.

JOANNE RUSSELL

JOANNE RUSSELL has been a professional pet stylist since 1963. She has managed a kennel in California, tried her hand at pet sitting, and went mobile in 1973. She brought mobile pet styling to San Antonio, Texas, in 1979 with Joanne’s Proud Puppies. Joanne has worked for Barkleigh Productions for over ten years, promoting their products at pet styling shows with her sparkly smile and attire. As a former competitor, Joanne has placed in almost every competition she entered. She once competed with three entries in a Clipper Vacuuming contest, while all other contestants did one dog each! Joanne currently resides in Tampa, Florida.

CHERYL RUSSELL-MILLER

CHERYL RUSSELL-MILLER is the owner/stylist of the Grooming Gallery in Mooresville, Indiana. She shares her home with her husband, nine year old son, five dogs, and three horses. Cheryl brings a degree in Animal Science, experience teaching undergrads, her natural enthusiasm, and the experience of seventeen years behind the grooming table to share with All American attendees.

JAY SCRUGGS

JAY SCRUGGS and his wife, Michelle, own Here Comes the Groom, a highly successful mobile grooming salon in Germantown, Tennessee. Their company is in such demand that his clients pay a membership fee to get an appointment. Jay has won multiple Best in Show and Best All Around Groomer awards. He was part of the Gold Medal winning GroomTeam in Calgary, Canada, winning Best in Show with his standard poodle. Jay received the Cardinal Crystal award for American Groomer of the Year in 2001. He was also the first to receive the Wahl Groomer of the Year award at Westminster in 2002. In the World Championships in Barcelona, Spain, in 2003, Jay won an International Gold and Bronze medal in two different poodle classes. In 2004, and again in 2007, he received the Cardinal award for Grooming Judge of the year. Jay judged the last World GroomTeam Championships in Italy and will be speaking and judging in Australia this September. He is national spokesperson for the Coat Handler Company and is a representative for Wahl Clipper Company and Kenchii Shears. Jay and Groomer’s Choice have teamed up to produce the Jay Scruggs Signature Series line of grooming shears—JS Shears. Jay and Sue Zecco have also launched a very popular one-day grooming series called Super Styling Sessions and have produced an instructional DVD series.

TODD SHELLY

TODD SHELLY is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Barkleigh Productions. He has worked for Barkleigh for nearly twenty years in various part-time and full-time capacities, from trade show floor manager to his current position. Previously, after graduating from Lee University with a B.A. in psychology, Todd worked in a mental health facility, then as a case manager for a foster care agency. He was then self-employed before working for Barkleigh Productions, who is sponsoring Todd’s presentation.

CHUCK SIMONS

CHUCK SIMONS, inventor of the Groomers Helper, has more than 20 years’ experience running a successful grooming business in Margate, New Jersey, in addition to creating the leading pet safety system in the industry. He has recently begun to share that experience with pet stylists in an effort to help them learn how to increase their productivity and bottom line. He is eager to teach groomers how to work half as hard to earn twice as much. Chuck is an accomplished pet photographer, writer, and lecturer. His weekly newsletter, filled with business-building tips and humor, is now read by hundreds across the country and around the world.

MAREA TULLY

MAREA TULLY, CMG, of Naples, Florida, owned and operated Marea’s Pet Salon in Duxbury, Massachusetts, for 35 years. She has held several positions, including president, of NEPGP and also of IPG. Marea was a successful grooming contest competitor placing her on the 1994 GroomTeam USA. Among her titles is 1994 European International Best in Show in Birmingham, England. Marea has won Cardinal Crystal Achievement Awards for Congeniality, Journalist (three times), and Judge. She has given numerous demonstrations throughout the country and is a popular speaker and international judge. Marea is the National and International Groomer Consultant for Andis Company and writes “The Contest View” column in Groomer to Groomer Magazine. She has also become an expert in the field of flower arranging. Marea recently completed the judge’s orientation/training program required by the United Showmanagers Alliance, and was approved as a Sanctioned Judge.

SUESAN WATSON

SUESAN WATSON, CMG, a third generation pet stylist, began working with dogs over 37 years ago. She lives in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and operates Best All Around Groomer, a mobile service in the Chicago/Northwest Suburban area. She was Winner of the Wahl 2003 Groomer of the Year award and the Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award for American Groomer of the Year in 2002, 2003, and 2004. She has had many placements, including multiple Best In Shows and Best All Around Groomer awards, and Best Scissored Poodle at the All American Grooming Show two years consecutively. Sue’s technical skills and many wins earned her a spot on GroomTeam USA in 2000, 2002, and 2004. She has also received three humanitarian awards for her kindness and good rapport with dogs used in competitions. Retired from competition, Sue now shares her knowledge through grooming demonstrations and lectures. She is also a representative of Wahl Clipper Corporation. Sue recently completed the judge’s orientation/training program required by the United Showmanagers Alliance, and was approved as a Sanctioned Judge.

SUE ZECCO

SUE ZECCO, of Paxton, Massachusetts, is a Certified Master Groomer with NDGAA and IPG, and a breeder of Standard Poodles. Grooming for over thirty years, Sue has owned and operated the Pampered Pet since 1977. She has won gold, silver, and bronze medals at Intergroom plus multiple Best in Show and Best All Around Groomer Awards. Her Cardinal Crystal Achievement Awards include 1998 and 2000 for American Groomer of the Year, 2002 for Judge of the Year, and 2004 and 2005 for Congeniality. She was also 1998 Intergroom International Groomer of the Year, and 1999 Oster Invitational Tournament Grand Champion. Sue has been on GroomTeam USA many times including a stint as coordinator. She served for many years on the NEPGP Board of Directors and is co-coordinator of H.H. Backer’s grooming competition, Celebration of Style, in Chicago. With so many stellar achievements, it is no wonder Sue is a sought-after speaker and judge at grooming shows, where she is also a Groomer Representative for Wahl Clipper Company. Sue and Jay Scruggs have also launched a very popular one-day grooming series called Super Styling Sessions and have produced an instructional DVD series. Sue breeds Standard Poodles, but also owns a Bedlington terrier and a menagerie of other animals. She has recently completed the judge’s orientation/training program required by the United Showmanagers Alliance, and was approved as a Sanctioned Judge.