2024 Seminar Speakers

MEET THE SEMINAR SPEAKERS

Jessica Adorno - Sponsored by Ren's Pets

Jessica Adorno is the owner/founder of Pupparazzi Pets Mobile Grooming. She has been involved in the grooming industry for 21 years with experience in salon and mobile grooming. Jessica was formally trained at NY Academy of Dog Grooming located in NYC and has continued her education throughout the years in breed standards, and has extensive knowledge in skin and coat conditions. Jessica is no stranger to this business and her work reflects just that. Her grooming style is a fusion of breed standards, trims, and techniques blended within everyday pet grooming. Jessica has been dubbed within her industry as the “scissor queen” due to her precise and fluid scissoring technique.

Jessica is a brand specialist for Kenchi/Joyzee grooming . She is also social media team lead for the Cuddles app. Jessica also instructs and affiliates with Groom Haus. She has worked extensively with Conair Pro Pet both on product demonstrations and has been featured in Target ads, Chewy and BabylissProPet . She assists with product development , provides groomer education and is an international educator and speaker. She also has appeared on HBO Max’s show “Haute Dog.”

Her passion is to educate and elevate the everyday pet groomer which in turn helps pets all around the world have a fantastic grooming experience.

Chantel Hunt - NCMG

In 2011, after working in the field of Biotechnology for twelve years I fell in love with a toy poodle named Maggie and my passion for dog grooming was revealed. I took a course on dog grooming at the local college and opened deTails Dog Grooming later that year. With more knowledge came an interest to compete, so I started down that path in 2014. In 2017 I completed my Master Groomer with NDGAA and then CPPS here in Canada. I have been in the Top 10 for Groom Team Canada for several years. My small business has grown from a small home based business into two locations. I always focus on education since learning never stops. I am currently a level three certified dermatological groomer working on my level four. Skin and coat health has always fascinated me and has really changed a great deal about my grooming practice.

Nick Sklar

Nick Sklar, the owner of The Windy City Grooming Show, is a seasoned professional with a deep-rooted passion for grooming tools and the art of sharpening. Raised amidst the whirling sharpening wheel, he has acquired over two decades of hands-on experience in the realm of grooming equipment and its dedicated users. Nick’s expertise lies in meticulous equipment selection and the art of nurturing their longevity.

As the General Manager of Sales and Operations at Whitman’s for just about a decade, Nick engaged in comprehensive research collaborations with renowned scissor companies, cementing his reputation as a go-to expert in the field. Notably, he has played a pivotal role in product design for esteemed brands like Chris Christensen and Whitman’s products, contributing to their success through his invaluable insights and assistance.

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