Bullet Brown, MTPAe
Bullet's lifelong dedication to animal care, coupled with diverse experience, makes her an asset to veterinary medicine and animal rescue. Her passion for pets and wildlife drives her tireless work to positively impact countless animal lives. Her journey from kennel help to licensed vet tech highlights her unwavering commitment to animal welfare and making a difference.
Her involvement in creative grooming competitions led her to establish the International Association for Pet Esthetics and Grooming (IAPEG). Under IAPEG, Bullet initiated programs for scientific knowledge and professional development for groomers worldwide.
Driven by her relentless pursuit of excellence, Bullet knew other niches within the grooming industry needed attention. Many groomers sought professional education in pet esthetics, amalgamating artistry science and a deep understanding of pet well-being. This realization led to a pivotal turning point in the organization's trajectory.
Recognizing the broader needs of the grooming industry, Bullet transformed the NAPCG into the International Association for Pet Esthetics and Grooming (IAPEG). Under her guidance, IAPEG has become a leading institution for professional development in pet esthetics, providing groomers with scientifically grounded information and empowering them to deliver exceptional care.
IAPEG provided scientific information to grooming professionals about the most volatile products available. The goal was to empower groomers with research and knowledge, so they could make informed decisions and provide exceptional care to their clients. Thanks to IAPEG, groomers no longer have to rely only on trial and error.
Bullet's global impact includes delivering workshops and lectures worldwide, notably becoming the first dog groomer to speak in Moscow, Russia. Her current focus remains to educate professional groomers enrolled at the WPGA, emphasizing premium service for their clients, and prioritizing safety.
Chrissy Neumyer Smith MGBS, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, CPG, FFCP
Grooming became a passion quickly in 1986 when I was just starting in the pet industry. I was able to jump into the grooming industry through an apprenticeship in 1992 with Lori Charette at Aintree Kennels in Boxford Massachusetts. Due to not being able to find a suitable grooming position, I stayed on as a veterinarian technician till 1995 gaining many years of veterinarian skills that have been a tremendous help in both dog training and grooming. I had the joy of working with Lynn Travers, a well known Standard Poodle breeder in the New England region, where I learned all styles of poodle grooming for pets and shows.
I was one of the first housecall groomers and opened Happy Critters in 2000. I love grooming small, as I like to call them “my little behavior cases” and thrive when working them through fears, stress and anxiety. In October 2018, I started my podcast Creating Great Grooming Dogs that is hosted weekly on Tuesdays about where grooming and dog training meet. My show allowed me the opportunity to get noticed as an educator and opened doors to speaking for Barkleigh at grooming expos. I love teaching and look at dog training as logic puzzles and grooming is the art. As much as I love teaching, I love learning and geeking out with other dog professionals. The more knowledge I possess, the more I can give back to those I educate. One of my current hobbies is strong passion for Flyball with my current Border Collies Brok and Po. Flyball started for me with Isa in 2005 and over the years have been awarded numerous titles with my other dogs.
Dara Forleo, B.A. in Business
President and Founder
Dara Forleo is the founder of multiple entrepreneurial businesses.
She started The Whole Pet Grooming Academy, an arts and sciences school specializing in training professional pet stylists. She and her husband, Lee, created Come What May Racing, a Thoroughbred racehorse syndicate operation based in Kentucky and the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Dara has been recognized as Educator of the Year, Emerging Business Leader, and a Pet Age Icon Awards honoree for her experience and long-term contributions to the pet industry. She recently was top in her Executive Education Women's Leadership Program class at Yale University and had a B.A. in Business from Ottawa University. Her insights have been featured in multiple publications, and she often shares her expertise, speaking at conferences nationwide.
Dara has honed her education and experience over the last two decades culminating in her mentor program for business owners nationwide. Having experienced firsthand how being a successful business owner can give life to your dreams as with her Come What May Racing passion, she is uniquely suited to help any entrepreneur do the same.
Dave Campanella
Dave Campanella is an informative and entertaining seminar speaker, contributing trade columnist and genuine grooming enthusiast. He is Best Shot Pet Products sales and marketing director and has over 25 years of pet industry knowledge and experience. He and his wife Tracy co-owned a full-service pet salon and self-wash in Ohio prior to relocating with Best Shot to Kentucky. Together they enjoy exhibiting at grooming shows, being industry ambassadors and showing their Kerry Blue Terrier and Samoyed dogs.
Hollus Gessler
Hollus Gessler is the founder and owner of Wigglyville Inc. and a graduate of the University of Illinois, where she earned her degree in Advertising. Her passion for animals led her to start her career as a Veterinary Technician and Emergency Hospital Administrator, seamlessly combining her medical knowledge and business acumen.
In 2005, Hollus opened her first pet retail location, followed by a second in 2011. She recognized the growing demand for pet grooming services and expanded her business model to include grooming. After completing a comprehensive grooming academy program and apprenticing under a renowned local Standard Poodle breeder, Hollus became the lead groomer at her salon, where her expertise continues to shine.
Recently, Hollus co-founded Groomerverse with Lisa Herbold, a state-of-the-art facility that merges a pet grooming retail showroom and dedicated workshop space. In collaboration with the WPGA, Groomerverse will offer certificate courses and seminars, with Hollus also serving as an online business educator. She specializes in retail, marketing, customer relations and advertising, drawing from her extensive experience to teach and mentor others in the pet industry.
Beyond her business ventures, Hollus has been an active community member, serving on the board of her local Chamber of Commerce. Since 2019, she has been a vital part of the Illinois Professional Pet Groomers Association, where she currently serves as Board President, championing the interests of pet grooming professionals across the state.
Jennifer Thurston, MGBS, PCS & Dean of Students
Jennifer Thurston spent 17 years working at a leading manufacturer of firefighter suits. She held various positions during her tenure, such as stitcher, customer service representative, and office administrator. Jennifer's lifelong love for animals led her to leave her previous job and pursue a career as a Professional Canine Stylist. She graduated from WPGA in 2022 to achieve her dream. She has attended pet industry expos and conventions for educational and personal enjoyment and is Pet CPR certified through Pet Tech. Jennifer is a valuable member of the WPGA team, thanks to her expertise in assisting Lory Belanger with students on the floor, her work behind the scenes on the academy's online Global Campus as an administrator, and her new role in assisting students with their tuition finances and lending. Jennifer is passionate about animal rescue and a strong advocate for bully breeds. Throughout the years, she has collected funds and donated various items to multiple local rescues. Additionally, she has dedicated her time to volunteering at local dog shelters, where she takes the dogs for walks and baths.
Kara Richardson, MGBS
Kara has worked in the animal field since 1992, starting as a volunteer at the local zoo and then progressing to vet offices, including an exotics vet office, until 2004. In May 2004, she decided to become a professional groomer and apprenticed at a shop in Chantilly, VA. She started her business, The Purrfect Paws, on October 31, 2016. It began as a house call business and expanded to include a stationary location in 2018. In 2023, she decided to limit house calls to cats and select toy-breed dogs while keeping most breed dogs in the salon setting.
After completing her Fear Free Certification, Kara started her canine behavior path in 2020. In August 2022, Kara graduated from the WPGA as a Master Groomer Behavior Specialist. This set her on the path of learning beyond and helped her gain knowledge in other niches of the grooming industry, such as holistic grooming. Additionally, she aims to continue her education in feline behavior; she believes it is an often overlooked field, and pet owners may not have complete knowledge of their feline friends' needs.
As an apprentice groomer, learning hands-on in a busy salon environment without the benefit of a structured classroom education, Kara feels that missing out on a more formal education held her back, and she is making up for that with a drive to continue learning and advancing her skills to offset that imbalance. Nowadays, there are limitless topics to learn about in the grooming industry that hadn't even been thought of twenty years ago! Her hope and dream is to inspire other stylists to keep learning and understand that education is a never-ending journey. At WPGA, Kara's passion for education inspires her students daily.
Kristi Lowenthal, Col, USAF (ret)
Kristi brings a distinguished 24-year career in the United States Air Force to her role as our School Certifying Official (SCO) for Veterans Affairs. Throughout her service, Kristi distinguished herself academically, being selected twice for the United States Air Force Academy's faculty preparation program. This initiative enabled her to pursue advanced education while serving her country.
Her academic journey began with a Master's in History from the University of Nebraska. Building on this foundation, she later earned a Ph.D. in History from Kansas State University, which marked her as an expert in her field. Kristi's commitment to education extended into her military service in Nashua, New Hampshire, where she leveraged the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to initiate an online MBA program with the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs. Upon reassignment to Colorado Springs, she completed this degree in a traditional classroom setting, demonstrating her adaptability and dedication to continuous learning.
After retiring from active service, Kristi continued to expand her knowledge and skills. Utilizing the remainder of her VA education benefits, she pursued Portuguese and Art History courses, showcasing her broad academic interests and commitment to lifelong learning.
Today, Kristi contributes her extensive experience and insights to the academic world by teaching history and advising graduate students online through Air University and Norwich University. Despite describing herself as a "slow but diligent" Portuguese student, her journey reflects a passionate and unending pursuit of knowledge.
Kristi is an exceptional person who works as the WPGA's SCO. She is highly committed to providing excellent service to veterans pursuing their education. With her extensive experience and dedication, she is always ready to help and guide them in every possible way to ensure their success.
Latifa Meena, PAC
Latifa became the FIRST State recognized Professional Animal Communicator in the world in 2017 and was the first online instructor at the academy, teaching a variety of courses in Animal Communication, Massage and Aromatherapy. Latifa is eloquent and quick, with an infectious giggle. She began her professional career in the corporate world as a Microsoft Trainer and has been speaking in front of audiences since 1991.
She has always been drawn to animals and today her topics are a bit different. She is likely to bring tears of comfort to a hurting pet owner as she describes their recently euthanized dog as being happy and grateful after having crossed over. Latifa captivates the audience and can keep her composure while moving from one person to the next.
Over the last several years, Latifa has been studying Animal Communication and Esoteric Healing. She has attended multiple classes receiving hands-on training and experience with a variety of sources.
She subscribes to the Code of Ethics for Interspecies Telepathic Communicators, formulated in 1990 by internationally-acclaimed, pioneer Animal Communication Specialist, Penelope Smith. She has clients all over the world and has also conducted workshops and events along the east coast. She has been featured worldwide including Animal Planet, MTV, Horse Illustrated and more.
Lisa Herbold, MPAe, MGBS, ICMG
Lisa Herbold has worked with animals for over 30 years. Her experience began in 1985, in a small animal hospital as a receptionist and technician assistant. Her duties soon expanded to include technician duties and dog grooming. While pet sitting for a client, she developed a business plan for a pet sitting service. The service, the first of its kind in the area, expanded to include 4 counties and employed over a dozen people.
Lisa is a self-taught groomer who sought out the guidance of the award-winning groomers in the area to perfect her skills. She went on to earn the title of International Certified Master Groomer, Companion Animal Hygienist, and become an award-winning competitor specializing in hand-stripped terriers. While competing in grooming competitions, she taught at a grooming school and managed a pet salon. She also became involved in the grooming certification club holding the title of secretary.
Over the years, Lisa has maintained her skills as both a groomer and veterinary technician by working in both fields. She has worked in and managed grooming salons, taught in 2 different grooming schools, and developed a grooming program for Harper College. She has also worked as a veterinary technician in traditional veterinary practices as well as specialty practice and emergency medicine. She was part of the Harper College faculty for the Veterinary Assistant program for 8 years and co-wrote a portion of the curriculum.
Currently, Lisa is Head Groomer at a grooming salon and working nights at a veterinary emergency clinic. She is now developing a program to open a grooming school where she will mesh her grooming knowledge with her veterinary knowledge to make one of the most comprehensive programs available.
Additionally, she has become a Master Pet Aesthetician, able to mix custom therapeutics to address different skin issues and is about to earn the Master Groomer Behavior Specialist certification learning behavior techniques to make grooming a better experience for the pet.
Lisa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. She lives with her husband and daughter in a house full of pets. In her free time, she loves to read, knit and crochet.
Robert Wylie
Robert and his wife Catrina own DPPDefense; they teach Threat Detection & Mitigation. The DPPD stands for Daily Practical Personal Defense. It is based on the understanding that your mind is your best weapon and everything around you can be used as tools to defend yourself. The belief is that personal defense is being prepared for any threat. Including but not limited to predators (animal and human), weather, and the elements.
For over the last 30+ years, Robert has studied Personal Defense and Weapon craft skills. He has learned from a solid pedigree of world-renowned experts in the fields of combat, situational awareness, body language, and self-defense, including the opportunity to train with multiple law enforcement agencies. Thru the years, he has taught self-defense to youth groups and adults. Over his career, he has worked with many companies to help establish multiple policies and procedures to increase the safety of their employees, customers, and communities and how to approach their inventory control proactively.
Robert is now sharing his experience, knowledge, and guidance with WPGA students and the women in the pet grooming industry. He teaches them about the various precursors and biological responses that attackers cannot conceal.
Watch for his book “Defense against Frogs, Dogs and Humans (and everything in between).”
Vickie Hart-Zwart
Vickie Hart-Zwart is a distinguished figure in the pet grooming industry, with over three decades of experience shaping pet care standards. As the owner of the award-winning Heritage Pet in Colorado, her salon was celebrated as the “Nicest Grooming Salon in America” by Groom and Board Magazine and featured on the cover of Sam Kohl’s “The Business Guide to Pet Grooming.” Vickie’s expertise led her to serve as Director of Grooming for a national company overseeing more than 175 locations across 31 states.
Currently, Vickie operates a high-end mobile grooming business in the South metro Denver area and a thriving bandanna company. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends into the pet dental sector, where she represents a renowned Canadian pet dental company. Vickie's passion for English Cocker Spaniels has resulted in prestigious accolades, including achieving the #1 Breeder, Owner & Amateur Handled dog in the country. Her dogs have not only succeeded in competitions but also graced various movies and films.
Beyond her professional life, Vickie is a seasoned business consultant with experience in Japan and Europe and an avid traveler, often accompanied by her service dog, Flint. She manages two real estate companies and enjoys a dynamic life with her dogs, horses, and the occasional company of wild deer at her home. Vickie’s diverse interests and her commitment to excellence in pet grooming make her a respected leader and innovator in the industry.
This Could Be You: Join us as an Educator
Are you passionate about pet grooming and love sharing your expertise with others? If so, The Whole Pet Grooming Academy wants YOU! We're looking for enthusiastic and talented educators to join our dynamic team.
Why Teach with Us?
Inspire Future Groomers: Help shape the next generation of pet grooming professionals. Your knowledge and experience can make a significant impact on their careers.
Continuous Learning: We believe in growth for our students and educators. Enjoy access to ongoing professional development and advanced training opportunities.
Fun and Engaging Environment: Our academy is not just a place to teach; it's a community. We foster a positive, collaborative, fun atmosphere where you can thrive and make lasting connections.
Flexible Schedule: We understand the importance of work-life balance. Enjoy a flexible teaching schedule that fits your lifestyle.
Who We're Looking For:
Passionate pet grooming professionals with a knack for teaching
Strong communicators who can engage and inspire students
Team players who thrive in a collaborative environment
Individuals committed to staying updated with the latest grooming techniques and trends
Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Click [here] to apply and take the first step towards joining The Whole Pet Grooming Academy family!
Let's make grooming education fun and impactful together!