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Marcia Strong | Judge & Event MC
Marcia Strong is an award-winning Certified Master Groomer and competitive grooming standout, bringing energy, expertise, and real-world experience from the show ring. As Master of Ceremonies for Groom Texas 2026, she blends industry knowledge with a strong stage presence to keep the competition engaging, professional, and running seamlessly. Expect a host who understands groomers, competition, and what it takes to win.
Judging
Poodle (Intermediate)
All Other Pure Breds (Intermediate)
Christina Pawlosky | Judge & Educator
Chris Pawlosky is a legendary, award-winning groomer and former GroomTeam USA member with decades of experience competing at the highest levels of the industry. As an internationally recognized judge and speaker, she brings unmatched expertise in show grooming, poodle styling, and competition strategy to the stage. If you’re looking to sharpen your competitive edge, learning from Chris means learning from a true icon in grooming.
Education Classes
Difficult Customers & Difficult Dogs
Grooming to Structure & Outline on a Poodle
Judging
Sporting (Entry, Intermediate, Open)
Best In Show (Entry, Intermediate, Open)
Jay Batista | Judge & Educator
Jay Batista is a globally recognized grooming artist known for bold transformations, precision styling, and creating looks that reflect each dog’s personality. With international experience and a massive following, he brings real-world techniques, creative inspiration, and modern styling trends into every class. If you want to elevate your finishes, refine your style, and learn how to stand out behind the table, Jay’s session is one you don’t want to miss.
Jay Batista es un artista del grooming reconocido a nivel mundial, conocido por sus transformaciones audaces, su precisión en el estilismo y por crear looks que reflejan la personalidad de cada perro. Con experiencia internacional y una gran audiencia, aporta técnicas prácticas, inspiración creativa y tendencias modernas a cada clase. Si quieres elevar tus acabados, perfeccionar tu estilo y aprender a destacar detrás de la mesa, la sesión de Jay es una que no te puedes perder.
Education Classes
The Groomers Prep Blue Print (English & Spanish)
Dog vs Cat & Salon vs Mobile with Dana Chavez-Rey
Hands On Asian Fusion (Model Provided) - Additional Ticket Required
Judging Classes
Salon Freestyle (Entry, Intermediate, Open)
Michelle Evans | Judge & Educator
Michelle Evans is a multi–Best in Show and Best All Around award-winning groomer and former GroomTeam USA member who has competed and won on the world stage. As an internationally sought-after judge, speaker, and demonstrator, she brings real competition insight and elite-level expertise to every stage she steps on. If you’re serious about leveling up in competitive grooming, learning from Michelle means learning from one of the best in the industry.
Education Classes
12 Steps To Rehabilitate Your Style
Sporting Dog Techniques
Judging
Wire Coat (Entry, Open, Intermediate)
All Other Pure Breeds (Open)
Best In Show (Entry, Open, Intermediate)
Samantha Neitzke - Palya | Judge & Educator
Samantha Playa is a highly accomplished groomer, educator, and industry leader with decades of experience in both competition and salon success. Known for her expertise in hand stripping and her passion for mentoring the next generation, she brings a well-rounded, real-world approach to every class. If you’re looking to strengthen your technique, grow your business, and refine your skills with purpose, Samantha delivers insights you can put into action right away.
Education Classes
Step by Step: Wire Coat Prep
How To Improve Behavior Through Enrichment
Mastering Employee Hiring and Onboarding
Pricing Precision: Mastering Profitable Pet Grooming Rates
Judging
Poodles (Entry)
Lori Craig | Judge & Educator
Lori Craig is a highly accomplished creative groomer, competition judge, and longtime salon owner with a passion for artistic expression in grooming. With decades of experience and multiple competition wins, she’s known for turning dogs into true works of art and helping groomers think outside the box. Whether you’re stepping into the creative ring or refining your style, Lori brings the kind of insight and inspiration that pushes you to the next level.
Education Classes
Flower Power
Judging
Creative (Entry, Intermediate)
Runway (Open)
Carol Fellbaum | Judge
Carol is an award-winning Certified Master Groomer, accomplished competitor, and respected industry professional with decades of experience in both pet and show grooming. With multiple Best in Show wins and a deep specialty in Bichons and sporting breeds, she brings a trained eye and real ring experience to the judging table. Competitors can expect fair, knowledgeable evaluations from someone who truly understands quality, technique, and presentation at a high level.
Judging
All Other Pure Breds (Entry)
Michelle Caluneo | Judge
Michelle Caluneo is a passionate professional groomer and salon owner who brings fresh energy and a sharp eye to the competition ring. With a strong dedication to growth and mastering her craft, she represents the next generation of groomers raising the bar in the industry. As a judge, she delivers fair, thoughtful evaluations while celebrating the skill, effort, and creativity behind every groom.
Judging
Texas Team Duo (Intermediate)
Kelsey Ann Sexton | Educator
Kelsey Ann Sexton is an award-winning Nationally Certified Master Groomer and 2024 Barkleigh Honors Seminar Speaker of the Year, known for delivering high-impact education that groomers can actually use. With over 20 years in the industry, she brings real strategies for building a stronger clientele, refining your style, and improving efficiency behind the table. If you want practical takeaways that elevate both your skills and your business, Kelsey’s sessions are a must-attend.
Education Classes
Client Curation
Confessions Of A People Pleasing Groomer
Doodle It
Dealing With The Delusional Client
Dana Chavez - Rey | Educator
Dana is the industry’s go-to feline grooming expert and the only cat-focused educator at this event. With a background in veterinary medicine and years of hands-on experience, she brings unmatched knowledge in feline handling, safety, and technique. If you’re ready to confidently work with cats and expand into a specialized, high-demand niche, Dana’s session will give you the skills to do it right.
Dana es una experta líder en grooming felino y la única educadora enfocada en gatos en este evento. Con formación en medicina veterinaria y años de experiencia práctica, aporta un conocimiento inigualable en manejo, seguridad y técnica felina. Si estás listo para trabajar con gatos con confianza y expandirte en un nicho especializado y de alta demanda, su clase te dará las herramientas para hacerlo correctamente.
Education Classes
Feline Aggression & Behavior *Certificate Course (English & Spanish)
Dog vs Cat & Salon vs Mobile with Jay Batista
Christie Henriksen | Educator
Christie Henriksen is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer and GroomTeam USA member with over two decades of experience in both the show ring and salon. Known for her expertise in terriers, hand stripping, and precision scissoring, she brings a refined, competition-level eye to every class she teaches. If you’re looking to elevate your technical skills and develop cleaner, more polished trims, Christie delivers the kind of detail-driven education that makes a difference.
Education Classes
Best In Show: Lil Darlin' Westie
Best In Show: Lil Darlin' Bichon
Amy Coffman | Educator
Amy Coffman proudly serves as Secretary and Board Member of the Texas Professional Pet Groomers Association, where she plays an active role in strengthening industry standards, supporting groomers statewide, and helping guide the future of professional pet grooming across Texas.
A lifelong groomer and second-generation industry professional, Amy began learning the trade at just 10 years old alongside her mother. Today, with more than 40 years of hands-on experience and over two decades as the owner and operator of two successful grooming facilities in the greater Dallas–Fort Worth area, she brings both deep technical knowledge and real-world business insight to everything she does.
Amy is passionate about raising the bar for the profession — from mentoring and upskilling her team to improving safety practices, advancing grooming techniques, and advocating for fair, livable wages for groomers. Her leadership style blends practical experience, education, and a forward-thinking mindset focused on professionalism, sustainability, and long-term growth for the industry.
When she’s not working with clients, staff, or serving the association, Amy enjoys traveling, spending time on the lake, and making memories with her family. She’s a proud mom to two adult children: Cheyenne, an alum cheerleader at SMU, and James, who serves in the U.S. Army.
Education Class
Pet CPR & First Aid
Sarah Mock - Mason | Educator
Sara Mock-Mason is an award-winning groomer and mobile salon owner known for combining technical skill with strong branding and business strategy. With a background in veterinary care and design, she offers a unique perspective on efficiency, client experience, and building a standout brand. If you’re looking to refine how you present your business and elevate your work behind the scenes, Sara brings a fresh, well-rounded approach.
Education Class
All Eyes On Your Unit: Mobile Round Table Q & A