Meet The Coaches!
Feline & Canine Coaches: Your source for pet training. Our experienced trainers help you and your furry friends live your best lives together. Contact us for more info!
Anne Francis
Canine Coach
Anne has been a professional pet stylist since 1995. Anne has worked managing a high volume shop to now working one on one with a slower pace. . She has years of experience with many different shop situations. Anne writes an instructional article in Grooming Business Magazine, “The Grooming Table” and she is the recipient of the Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award for journalist of the year and as well as having been named the Barklieigh Honors judge of the year. Anne was a top ten team member of GroomTeam USA for three years, and now sits on the board of directors. She is the winner of numerous best scissor work awards and has taken the “Taxi Award" more than once at the NEPGP for the best expression and character on a mixed breed. She's an international educator for the Andis Company where she shares her knowledge gathered over the many years of her successful career. Anne currently enjoys judging grooming competitions around the globe and meeting fellow groomers who share her passion for the art of dog styling.
Allie Uncapher
Canine Coach
Hey Pack! My name is Allie. I have been working on my NCMG for a little over a year now and have proudly passed my practicals for the Non Sporting and Sporting groups. I compete in grooming competitions all around the world with American Cocker Spaniels and hopefully soon another fun breed! I also have been avidly showing my American cockers in AKC conformation.
I started pet grooming about 6 years ago and show grooming for just a little over a year. I have worked with Paragon and trained many grooming students you all over the country. I worked a corporate salon for many years and am now a proud owner of 2 of my very own! I have assisted many amazing handlers and groomers all over to continue to expand my knowledge, education and talent in the pet styling industry. I love to grow my knowledge in the industry and help spread teaching it!
Cassondra Renee
Founder and CEO of Club Pawsh
The only Fear Free Certified Mobile Grooming Company in Buffalo, New York, is a seasoned groomer with over 10 years of experience in various grooming settings. She has also held corporate roles overseeing hundreds of groomers, where she cultivated a passion for coaching and advising others in the industry to achieve unprecedented success both financially and personally.
Cassondra’s journey of personal growth and healing led her to pivot towards coaching on self-love and empowerment, which she initially struggled to define her target audience for. However, a pivotal moment at a grooming industry conference made her realize the significant need for empowerment and business guidance within the grooming community, leading her to launch The Unlimited Groomer Podcast & Coaching.
With a global audience, Cassondra’s unique blend of grooming expertise and empowerment coaching has garnered praise from influencers and industry professionals alike. Alongside her podcast, she offers mindset and business coaching tailored to the pet industry, operates a monthly membership community, and is available for speaking engagements, including being on the official Speaker’s Bureau for the Fear Free Pets organization.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Cassondra is actively involved in WINC, an organization supporting women in business, an avid yogi & meditator, and enjoys hobbies like dancing, reading, roller skating, and traveling to warm beach destinations with her partner and their six pets.
Jackie Antonelli
Feline Coach
Hello, everyone! I’m Jackie Antonelli, proud owner and operator of Barks n Meows located in Hamburg, NY. With over 23 years of grooming experience, my journey began back in 2000 as a bather in New Jersey. Through dedication and hard work, I transitioned into an intern, paving the way for my official entry into the grooming profession.
In 2003, following two years of grooming experience, I returned to Western New York and established a salon within my home in Gowanda, NY. My passion for grooming and unwavering dedication to pets enabled me to build a loyal clientele.
However, in 2009, faced with a difficult decision, I opted to close my home-based salon to prioritize becoming a full-time mom to my two wonderful children.
Then in 2017, with renewed energy and commitment, I reopened a storefront location in Hamburg, NY. At Barks n Meows, we operate as a one-on-one facility, prioritizing individualized attention for every pet in our care. Specializing in grooming services for both dogs and cats, we are committed to ensuring each furry friend receives the utmost care and attention they deserve. Our philosophy revolves around minimizing stress during grooming sessions, striving to create a positive and comfortable experience for our clients' beloved pets.
Sarah Heibel
Canine Coach
Sarah is a seasoned grooming professional with over 12 years of industry experience. Starting as a bather in a corporate salon, she diligently worked her way up to become an instructor, imparting her expertise to over 50+ associates. Driven by her passion for continuous learning, Sarah has traveled extensively to further her education, culminating in her achievement of the prestigious National Certified Master Groomer status through the NDGAA. In 2021, Sarah realized her entrepreneurial vision with the establishment of Wag With Swag, a thriving mobile salon known for its exceptional grooming services. Beyond her business endeavors, Sarah is deeply committed to supporting the local grooming community, advocating for collaboration and growth. When she's not tending to her clients or being a mom, you can find Sarah in the competition ring, showcasing her skills alongside her beloved poodle Vader and wire-haired dachshund Etta. With her dedication, expertise, and passion for her craft, Sarah continues to stove to make a positive impact in the grooming industry.
Amanda Alford
A Passionate Expert in Dog Grooming
Amanda Alford is the esteemed owner of Alford's Angels Dog Grooming, a premier grooming salon, family-run business, renowned for its commitment to excellence and compassionate care. With over a decade of experience in the dog grooming industry, Amanda has built a reputation as a dedicated professional who truly understands the needs of pets and their owners.
Career Experience
Amanda’s journey in dog grooming began while she was attending Medaille College, where she received her Associate's degree in Veterinary Science. During her studies, Amanda discovered a passion for dog grooming, which quickly led her to change her career path from aspiring Veterinary Technician to devoted Dog Groomer.
She honed her skills through formal training at a grooming academy, where she learned the intricacies of pet grooming, including breed-specific cuts, health and hygiene practices, and advanced grooming techniques.
After gaining valuable experience working at various grooming salons, Amanda decided to establish her own business, Alford's Angels Dog Grooming. Her salon quickly became known for its high standards, personalized service, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Amanda’s hands-on approach and attention to detail have earned her a loyal clientele, many of whom trust her implicitly with their beloved pets.
Philosophy and Approach
Amanda's approach to dog grooming goes beyond mere aesthetics; it is deeply rooted in the overall well-being and comfort of each pet. She is dedicated to using only the highest quality products and the gentlest techniques to guarantee a stress-free grooming experience. Her core belief is that every pet deserves to look and feel their best, and she works tirelessly to make this a reality for every animal that walks through her doors.
At the heart of Alford's Angels Dog Grooming is an unwavering commitment to ethical practices. Amanda holds a profound belief in treating all beings—both human and animal—with the utmost respect, kindness, and compassion. This guiding principle is encapsulated in the Golden Rule: to never subject another to something you wouldn’t accept in a reversal of roles. This philosophy ensures that every furry guest is treated with the care and dignity they deserve, safeguarding their well-being while under our roof.
Amanda's dedication to these value not only sets her apart as a groomer but also fosters a nurturing environment where pets can thrive. Through her conscientious approach, Amanda aims to create a sanctuary of trust and love, making grooming an
enjoyable and comforting experience for all her clients.
Educational Initiatives
In addition to running her successful grooming salon, Amanda is passionate about educating pet owners on proper grooming practices. She regularly hosts workshops, such as the Perfect Paw Workshop, where she shares her extensive knowledge on maintaining pet health and hygiene at home. Amanda’s dedication to education helps pet owners develop the skills they need to keep their furry friends happy and healthy between grooming appointments.
Community Involvement
Amanda is also an active member of the local community, often volunteering her time and services to various animal rescue organizations and shelters. She believes in giving back and making a positive impact on the lives of animals in need.
Personal Life
When she's not grooming or teaching, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her family and attending community events. She also loves exploring new grooming trends, continuing her education in pet care, and connecting with fellow animal enthusiasts. Amanda is also a devoted wife and mother of four children, and their home is filled with love from their four fur babies.
Amanda Alford’s unwavering passion for pets, combined with her extensive experience and commitment to excellence, makes her a trusted expert in the world of dog grooming. Through Alford's Angels Dog Grooming, she continues to elevate the standard of pet care, one groom at a time.
Kayleigh Bertrand
Canine Trainer & Behavioralist
I have been working in the pet industry for over 15 years in many aspects. I have been using positive training for companion dogs and working on behavior modification for 15 years in New York and Georgia along side other positive trainers. I have worked in and managed a few different boarding facilities, doggie daycares, and grooming facilities. I have 4 years experience working in and managing veterinary hospitals as well. In this time I have taken many classes and seminars to further my own knowledge on behavior, nutrition, and best practices to ensure I can bring the best to every pet and pet parent I work with. Currently I am the owner and operator of K-9 Kutters Pet Grooming in Derby, NY and the owner and trainer at K-9 Training Kamp.
Nicole Beckman
Poodle Groomer
Nicole is an internationally award winning creative, abstract and poodle groomer. She will featured in the 2019 HBO documentary "Well Groomed", owns a busy salon in Lansing, NY, and currently own three standard poodles with her husband.
Victoria Perry
Canine Coach
My journey in the pet grooming industry began in 2010, at %-the age of 15, when I started working part-time as a bather and assistant at my mother's grooming salon Remi's Retreat. For six years, I gained valuable entry level experience until choosing to exploring other career paths.
In 2019, I took over Remi's Retreat with minimal hands-on grooming experience but quickly realized my passion for the profession. From there, I devoted myself to learning and improving my craft.
For the past five years, I've been committed to advancing my skills as a Pet Stylist. In my spare time, I attend trade shows and am a member of GroomHaus where I actively participate in Webinars; all of which helps me keep my skills sharp and remain informed on up-to-date trends and techniques in the grooming industry.
In October of 2023 Victoria's Luxury Dog Grooming was awarded 2nd place in The Morning Times Best of the Best awards for Dog Grooming and Remi's Retreat was awarded 3rd place.
I've developed a specialty in skin and coat health, curly coats, and authentic hand stripping, all of which has enabled me to deliver a luxurious and personalized grooming experience to my clients.
Moving forward, I plan to introduce workshops which are aimed to help pet parents in my community with basic grooming and at- home care.
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