From a young age, I always found myself playing with the neighbor’s dogs and they all loved me.
At age 13, my parents decided to get a Bernese Mountain Dog. The breeder told us our dog would be able to show, and I immediately learned all I could about grooming and showing dogs from our breeder Kathy and Mike Maher. It wasn’t long before I was going to dog shows myself on a regular basis. I just lived it.
Quickly, Michelle (Ostermiller) Scott took me under her wing and I learned so much from her. I would go on the road as her assistant; taking care of the dogs and getting them ready for the show ring. I worked for her for approximately 6 years, during which time I had the honor of grooming many top dogs of the time, many group winners and several best in show winners. I also groomed at Westminster where several dogs I’ve worked on won best in breed, group placements and best in show.
Also, throughout that period, I managed to graduate from James Caldwell High School, followed up by the North Jersey School of Dog Grooming.
I now have over 27 years of experience with dogs and find that I have developed the unique talent of being able to calm them down and help ensure that they enjoy grooming.
I continue to further my dog grooming education each year. I have taken classes on the following:
- AKC Safety in the Salon
- Pet CPR/First Aid
- Coloring dogs
- Handling aggressive dogs
- Handling dogs with various health related issues
- Dog breed classes.
I belong to several groups (such as the Ramapo Kennel Club, New England Groomers Association and the New England Professional Grooming Association) where I continue to learn about dogs to better equip myself for grooming.
I now compete at dog grooming competitions and have won several ribbons, including a 2nd place finish in Creative Grooming at Intergroom (the red carpet show of dog grooming). This year I plan to attend anywhere from 4-6 grooming conventions and / or competitions.
I am currently married to my wonderful husband Joe of 16 years and we have 3 beautiful children, ages 15, 13 and 10. Of course, we also have two dogs and a smattering of other animals that come and go from time to time.
I have been an EMT for 20 years. I started as a volunteer with the West Essex First Aid Squad and have now been employed by the Montclair Ambulance Unit for the last 16 years.
I love arts and crafts, being in the outdoors, riding recreational vehicles such as my ATV and I take morning walks with my lab Bristol whenever possible.
I am currently a Girl Scout leader and was previously a Cub Scout leader.