MEET THE JUDGES

Diane Betelak - Sponsored by Andis

Diane Betelak, NCMG, has owned Heads and Tails Professional Dog Grooming, Inc. in Liverpool, NY since 1982. She groomed competitively in the U.S. and abroad and has numerous “Best in Shows” and “Best All-Around Groomer” wins and placings in prestigious competitions. In 1996, Diane qualified for the GroomTeamUSA traveling team and went to Milan, Italy, where she won “Best in Show” with her Standard Poodle, helping the team clinch the gold medal. In addition, she has judged all major grooming shows throughout the United States and Canada and is a certifier for N.D.G.A.A. In 1997, she was the recipient of the Cardinal Crystal Award for American Groomer of the Year, and in 2011 was named its Grooming Competition Judge of the Year. Although now retired from competitive grooming, Diane remains active as a grooming educator for Andis Company where she teaches the finer points of grooming across North America. Diane has also been showing championship Standard Poodles in confirmation and obedience since 1987, winning multiple titles. She is now actively competing in agility with her current poodles, Sid and Rickie Boa.

Irina "Pina" Pinkusevich

Irina “Pina” Pinkusevich immigrated from The Ukraine in 1989. She realized her passion as a Pet Stylist while working part-time as a bather. In the earlier part of her career Irina worked as a Pet Stylist at some of the most high-end grooming salons in New York. Looking to improve her skills & expand her horizons, Irina entered the world of Competitive Grooming in 2006. In her competitive career Irina has won multiple BIS & Best All Around Groomer awards. She is a two time recipient of the Lynne Carver Award for the most Best All Around Groomer wins in 2008 & 2010. Irina was also honored to win the Liz Paul Memorial Award for the most Best in Show wins in 2010. She is the winner of the Winner’s Circle Jackpot 2011 where she won $32,500 for grooming Lucas, her champion American Cocker Spaniel. In 2013 she was the winner of another Jackpot & in 2017 she won The World Dog Show’s World Champion Award. Irina was a member of GroomTeam USA from 2008 through 2013. She competed in the World Championships for the United States in 2009, 2011, & 2013 helping the U.S. team bring home a Silver & two Golds. Currently, Irina is a national & international judge & lecturer. Irina was awarded the Cardinal Crystal Award for Judge of the Year 2014 & the Barkleigh Honors Award for Up & Coming Speaker of the Year 2014. She has also been nominated for multiple Cardinal Crystal & Barkleigh awards in 2015. Irina is a National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) with the National Dog Groomers of America. She is also a Certifier for their company. Dedicated to improving the industry, Irina travels the world educating through conferences & seminars & is an integral part of Artero’s Jornadas events. Irina is associated with Kiyara Poodles, owned by Michael Lamb & Bill Jividen Jr., Kiyara is a top breeder of miniature poodles in the United States. She is also associated with Kerryfield Kennels, owned by Virginia Harding & Krizma Kennels owned by Lois Grier, top breeders of Kerry Blue Terriers. With these kennels, Irina has bred & co-owned numerous champion Poodles & Kerry Blue Terriers.

Lis Johnston

Lis Johnston boasts a remarkable two-decade journey in the world of dog grooming and showing, with her passion ignited as a young child. She began showing AKC collies at age 12 and began her grooming career in 2004. Lis has continually risen through the ranks, securing her place as one of the Top 10 GroomTeam USA competitive groomers. With over 15 years of professional grooming experience, Lis holds the prestigious title of a Nationally Certified Master Groomer, earning international recognition and numerous awards for her exceptional styling.

In 2014, Lis realized a lifelong dream with the opening of Serenity Pet Spa, a grooming salon known for exceptional care. The spa’s success led to a second location in 2017. Beyond her salon, Lis generously shares her expertise through nationwide seminars and runs an apprentice program to help groomers become master certified.

Lis’ passion extends to hand scissoring large breeds, particularly Standard Poodles, Black Russian Terriers, and Irish Water Spaniels as well as the Scottish Terrier. Her dedication to perfecting her craft shines through in every groomed coat. She has dedicated countless hours to honing her skills in hand stripping and breed profile.

Since 2021, Lis has consistently ranked in the top 5 on Groom Team USA and achieved her goal of becoming a member of the USA travel team in 2023, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the grooming community

Priscilla Suddard

Priscilla has been grooming full time since graduating high school. Let’s just say it’s been over 40 yrs. She owned Cilla’s Canine Coiffure in Oshawa for over 30 yrs. She got her first poodle in 1980 and has had poodles ever since. She bred toy and mini poodles under the kennel name Paisley for 8-10 yrs . She’s been active in many dog sports including conformation , obedience, agility and rally-o. She’s been active in many clubs including ODGA , PCC , MCPCA , And Oshawa Obedience Association. She started competing with her first poodle and has won and placed at many many competitions – mostly in poodle, creative and freestyle classes. She still steps into the competition ring on occasion. She has recently relocated to Belleville and lives there with a houseful of poodles and 1 annoying cat. She still works full time grooming as part of the Doggie Detailing team.

Nancy Bryson - Sponsored by Wahl

Nancy has been grooming since 1974. Her salon “Dogs by Bryson” has been in Caledon East Ontario since 1984. She is IPG certified. A founding member and two-time past president of the Ontario Dog Groomer Association and still active, also past president of Groom Team Canada. She competed from the mid-1980s to the early 1990’s, being undefeated in Terrier, Sporting, and Creative. When she was asked to judge in the 90’s she retired from competing. Nancy also operated a very successful grooming school “Bryson Academy of Grooming “ for 15 years closing in 2008. She still coaches, gives workshops and mentors groomers in skills advancement and has mentored or coached some of Canada’s top competitors on the international and world stage. Along with Pet Supply House Nancy organized and was the MC for 13 “Canada Grooms” educational conventions from 2007 to 2013, bringing for the first time to Canada, Jodi Murphy, Melissa Verplank, and Lisa Leady to name a few. Nancy has been on the Sheridan College advisory committee for over 25 years. She is a grooming ambassador for Wahl Canada, Soos Dead Sea Salt Pet Products and a spokesperson for XPOWER Canada. She has also worked for Disney, appeared on T.V. and has been featured in National Magazines.