Meet the Board

Kelli started training and competing in obedience and agility in 1994, as well as performing with an animal actors touring group. She has Titled multiple dogs in confirmation, obedience, Rally-O, agility, disc dog, herding and tracking. Certified(IPG) professional All breed Groomer. Grooming cats and dogs since 1991. She has competed and won multiple awards and placements within the Competitive Grooming Industry, and specializes in difficult to manage animals. She has been working as an “in clinic” - trained vet technician since 1998 and currently working PT and learning the vast industry of natural health care, as a Holistic Veterinary associate, as well as teaching canine foundation skills and seeing private training clients. Kelli is constantly upgrading her education in professional pet grooming and canine behaviour, with numerous seminars, workshops, webinars and certification courses, as well as volunteers with numerous animal associations. Kelli’s area of expertise is working with difficult to manage animals, both in her grooming and training platforms. Her years of grooming, training, competing, contributing education, networking and working in the veterinary field have given her a solid understanding of animal anatomy, physiology and behaviour. Her passion is helping dogs and their humans to understand one another and to help Bridge the Gap towards a harmonious balance in the household. Kelli is currently owned by two Australian shepherds(Maui),( Crue), one cat(Cheetah), 2 kids and a husband!

Christina is the proud owner and operator of Tidy Ups Pet Services in Etobicoke, ON; established in 2021. 

She is Canadian Professional Pet Stylist and Pet CPR certified with numerous grooming awards and attends contests, workshops and seminars regularly. 

She graduated from Sheridan with a Business Diploma as well as an Animal Care Certificate. 

Her strong suits are working with elderly, sick and difficult dogs and thoroughly enjoys the challenge and reward it brings. 

She started grooming in 2009 following the completion of the Sheridan Animal

Care certificate program and in 2016 owned and operated a mobile grooming business. Later, she moved into her storefront, started to compete more often and hasn’t looked back since. 

The ability to create works of art and surround herself with animals and likeminded people has been an ongoing fuel to her passion and she looks forward to what the future has in store.

Valerie has been grooming both Cats and Dogs professionally for over 10 years.

She completed a double major in Animal Grooming and Veterinary Assistant programs Which she completed with Honors at Northern College. She has continued to attend many seminars and workshops to keep up her skills sharp.

She often goes out hiking with her cattle dog mix Mogar in all weather.

Bio to Come

Emily Wiebenga has been professionally grooming since 2007, after beginning her journey in hairstyling school and quickly discovering that her true passion was working with dogs. From the very start, she dreamed of entering the competitive grooming world and developed a deep interest in poodle trims, long-legged terrier styles, and creative Asian fusion grooming. In 2016, she opened Legendary Tails Groomed by Emily, a one-on-one grooming salon focused on creating a calm, relaxed experience for both pets and their people.

In 2023, Emily attended TOGS for the first time as a spectator and left feeling inspired to compete. Just a month later, she entered the ODGA Novice Invitational with her toy poodle Penny and earned an Honourable Mention. She went on to take 1st place in Abstract Runway at OOGS 2023 with a Tinkerbell design on Penny. In 2025, Emily placed 4th out of 22 novice groomers in the Poodle class at TOGS with a modern trim she had never done before and received Best Groom by an ODGA Novice Member.

Emily continues to compete, attend seminars, and refine her skills with each event. Her goal is to keep growing in the industry and eventually teach and inspire other groomers on their journey.

Sam started professionally grooming in PetSmart in 2015. Changing corporates to Pet Valu in 2018. By the end of 2019 Sam & their older brother Martin had plans for their own dog grooming business for 2020! Russell’s Mobile Grooming! A luxury one on one mobile grooming service for dogs & cats. With their newly renovated RV turned grooming salon they are going strong & so thankful for their clients & community. 

Sam’s own dogs Hodu(Walnut) a rescued dachshund from South Korea, & Cashew a miniature poodle that came to them in bad shape as an owner surrender at 6.5months. Hodu is now 8 yrs old & Cashew is shy of 1.5yrs. always come along for the grooms. They love getting to see all their friends & help keep the anxious ones calm. 

Sam is canine first aid trained. Always putting humanity over vanity & looking out for the best of the pet. 

In 2023 Sam stepped out of their comfort zone & competed in the ODGA novice invitational with a clients pup, Fluffy, & walked away with an honourable mention! Sam then competed the same year at OOGS. In 2025 Sam tried their hand at the OPAWZ Creative Grooming Salon Freestyle competition & was given an honourable mention! 

While Sam hasn’t “won” yet they are very happy with getting the amazing critiques in order to continue to improve their grooming skills. 

Sam continues to compete, attend seminars, & hands on learning with some of the best of the best in the industry. Their goal is to continue to refine their skills & grow within the industry. Hopefully one day be known as a creative groomer who inspires others to get a little messy & add some colour!