Enhancing Your Journey in Pet Care

Committed to nurturing your growth, every step of the way.

Trusted by the International Association of Professional Esthetic Groomers for our commitment to excellence and rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for success in the pet grooming industry.

Licensed and approved by the Department of Education in NH because of our strong curriculum that consistently meets and exceeds educational standards, ensuring top-tier training for our students.

Our Mission & Vision

We stand out by not only offering exceptional pet care education but also by focusing on your success as a student. Our instructors, seasoned professionals with a deep passion for animal care, are dedicated to transferring their real-world expertise directly to you. They don’t just teach—they mentor and inspire, ensuring that you gain both the knowledge and the confidence to excel in your career.

We provide a solid educational foundation and support your ongoing development for a flourishing career.

We promote a holistic approach to pet care, empowering you to nurture every aspect of an animal's well-being.

Our curriculum evolves with industry trends, ensuring you remain ahead and adaptable in your career.

Our Values

At the Whole Pet Grooming Academy, our core mission is to raise the bar in pet care education, providing top-tier training and resources. We are here to help you—our students—thrive in your careers as pet care professionals. Our vision centers around nurturing a community of well-trained experts who not only meet industry demands but also pioneer new standards of care and compassion. Every course we design, every standard we set, is focused on enhancing your skills and expanding your professional opportunities. We support your journey from the outset, ensuring that our achievements are reflected in the success you find with every step forward.

Meet the Team

  • Chrissy Neumyer Smith, MGBS, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, CPG, FFCP

    Dean of Academics

    Chrissy oversees our curriculum to ensure it remains at the forefront of industry advancements. As the developer of our flagship Master Groomer Behavior Specialist program, she plays a pivotal role in shaping not only our educational offerings but also setting new standards for pet grooming education nationwide.

  • Dara Forleo

    Founder and President of the Whole Pet Grooming Academy

    Dara combines over 20 years of industry expertise with a passion for teaching to elevate pet grooming standards nationwide. Her visionary leadership not only shapes our curriculum but ensures that every student gains the skills and confidence needed for a successful career. Dara is known for her unique blend of creativity and business smarts.

  • Jennifer Thurston, MGBS, PCS

    Dean Of Students

    Jennifer is a graduate of our academy and ensures every student’s journey is successful and fulfilling. Her firsthand experience as an alumnus uniquely positions her to nurture students effectively, understanding their needs and challenges from an insider's perspective. Her commitment to student happiness and progress supports our learners and enriches our educational community, making her invaluable to our academy.

  • Vickie Hart-Zwart

    Student Recruitment & Engagement

    Vickie leverages over three decades of pet care industry expertise to guide potential students and teach essential finance and canine science courses. Her award-winning experience enriches our academy, ensuring students gain a well-rounded education and practical business insights.

  • Kristi Lowenthal, Col, USAF (ret)

    School Certifying Offical

    Kristi is instrumental in managing our academy’s VA status. Her diligent efforts to regain and maintain this important recognition ensure that veterans have access to our educational programs, highlighting her critical role in expanding our academy's reach and support to all students.

  • Bullet Brown, MTPAe

    Pet Esthetics Specialist & Certification Program Developer

    Bullet, founder of IAPEG, which partners with WPGA to provide innovative certification programs. She is key in credentialing students and enhancing their qualifications with recognized standards. Bullet also teaches an advanced course on salon sanitation and safety, elevating grooming industry standards.

  • Latifa Meena, PAC

    Animal Communication Specialist

    Latifa brings unmatched expertise in intuitive animal understanding to our academy. Her deep insights into animal behavior and communication not only enrich our curriculum but also empower students to forge deeper connections with the animals they care for, enhancing both their professional skills and personal growth.

  • Dave Campanella

    Product Specialist

    Dave brings over 25 years of pet industry experience to ensure the proper use of grooming tools like dryers and shedding equipment. An engaging seminar speaker and seasoned grooming enthusiast, Dave enriches our curriculum with practical knowledge and insights, drawn from his extensive background including co-owning a full-service pet salon. His expertise helps students master essential grooming techniques efficiently and safely

  • Lisa Herbold, MGBS, MPAe, ICMG

    Pet Health & Safety Specialist

    Lisa, a proud graduate of WPGA and co-owner of Groomerverse, brings her expertise in First Aid, CPR, anatomy, and physiology to our students. As an expert in these essential areas, she ensures that graduates are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective emergency response and a deep understanding of animal biology.

  • Robert Wylie

    Personal Awareness & Safety Specialist

    Robert specializes in Threat Detection & Mitigation, equipping our students—especially in our woman-centric industry—with the skills to stay safe at work. His courses cover the precursors and biological responses that attackers cannot conceal, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to protect themselves in any situation.

  • Kara Richardson, MGBS

    Feline & Geriatric Pet Care Specialist

    Kara is a distinguished graduate of our academy and specializes in the unique needs of aging pets and feline care. Her expertise provides students with specialized knowledge essential for advancing their skills in these critical areas of pet care.

  • Hollus Gressler

    Retail & Marketing Strategy Specialist

    Hollus is a seasoned business educator and co-founder of Groomerverse, collaborates with the WPGA to offer cutting-edge certificate courses and seminars. Her expertise in retail, marketing, and advertising enriches our curriculum, providing invaluable insights to aspiring pet industry professionals.

Our Alumni Experience: In Their Own Words

  • "The support from the academy was unparalleled, and I felt guided and encouraged every step of the way."

    Jenny Salyers, Professional Animal Communicator

  • "The whole staff was incredible, supportive, and beyond talented. I learned so many skills and gained knowledge during my time here."

    Kaileen Donahue, Professional Canine Stylist

  • "The team at The Whole Pet Grooming Academy is a positive, supportive group that goes above and beyond to provide the tools and knowledge you need to succeed."

    Jessie Ray, Professional Canine Stylist

  • "Learning from the world's top educators was a 20/10 experience—grooming truly is a craft, and mastering the 'how and why' elevates our profession and benefits the pets we serve."

    Liz Leonard,Course Graduate

Our Journey

Recognitions & Awards

Ready to Shape Your Future in the Pet Industry?

Join Us Today!