Speakers
Stephanie Calhoun
Stephenie is an Autistic and ADHD self-taught groomer of 10 years and the Owner and head instructor of The Meditative Groomer Academy, which specializes in neurodivergent groomers. You also may recognise her as one of the two faces of “Grooming on the Spectrum,” a support group and podcast about being or knowing a neurodivergent pet groomer. She is the former Training Manager of Calling All Paws, a certified Nash Academy instructor, and Illinois State Grooming Team Captain.. Stephenie lives with her husband, John, in Waukegan with her cockapoo, Nibbler, Irish wolfhound mix, Addison, three cats, Chiana, Fry, Banner, and three turtles. Stephenie is obviously passionate about animals and teaching, but also enjoys her hobbies of gardening, painting, and foraging.
Anjie Coates
During her 36 years in the grooming industry, Anjie spent a significant amount of time learning about every aspect of grooming and business. She knew she had to share the knowledge she had gained and began teaching grooming and business so others could learn the secrets of her success. This has also led her to teach Pet First Aid & CPR classes for pet professionals and owners and become a HELP Master Chief Instructor. Her passion for continuing education is evident in her achievements, including CMRG, ICMCG, CCE, PGC, CMPTI, and PGCE. In 2023, her book, the first rabbit grooming book in the industry, “The Quintessential Rabbit Book,“ was published. She has been a web designer for over three decades and owns Coates Design, a web design company specializing in the needs of the pet industry.
Michelle Knowles
Michelle Knowles, MPAI, ICMG, owner of All Things Paw, has over 30 years of experience as a private and professional pet care provider. Michelle is a Certified Master Groomer and a Master Pet Aesthetician. She has apprenticed, volunteered, worked, owned and managed in salons, kennels, zoos, and veterinary hospitals across the country. Michelle has also been trained in Tuscany, Italy in therapeutic work, hand stripping and advanced dermatological care. Michelle wrote the foundation of the ISB esthetician program and has extensive experience with fear and trauma recovery, elderly pets, and a focus on managing allergic/dermatological disorders. Michelle is certified through NDGAA, IPG, The Whole Pet Academy, and teaches advanced aesthetics at the Whole Pet Grooming Academy and is a nationally recognized speaker in her field.
Two days of education to help you provide safety for yourself, your staff and your clients!
Schedule
Sunday August 17, 2025
9AM PST Thriving in the Salon, A Groomer's Guide to Neurodiversity (4 hours)
To empower pet groomers with neurodiversity to understand their unique brain wiring, develop personalized coping strategies, and create a sustainable, successful, and fulfilling career in pet grooming.
Monday July 21, 2025
9 AM PST Improving Communication in the Workplace: Aligning the Neurodivergent and Neurotypical
Build a healthier, more respectful workplace through better understanding. This class helps teams learn communication tools that support both neurotypical and neurodivergent team members.
10:30 AM PST Metamorphosis in Business: Nurturing Neurodiversity for Growth
Witness a transformative journey as we delve into the realm of neurodiverse grooming business ownership. Uncover the potential to amplify support for neurodivergent employees through an immersive seminar focused on workplace neurodiversity. Embrace the advantages it offers and gain tangible strategies to cultivate a culture of inclusiveness and encouragement. Engage in dynamic discussions and hands-on activities designed to seamlessly integrate these strategies into your business landscape. Join us for an empowering seminar, where we foster a thriving environment of diversity and unity for all participants.
12 PM PST Unleashing Your Best: Navigating Pet Grooming with Neurodiversity
Get ready for an eye-opening seminar tailor-made for the coolest pet groomers out there – yes, that means you! We're diving into the nitty-gritty of emotional balance on the job. Think of it as your secret recipe for keeping your cool, even when things get furry (pun intended). We'll spill the beans on grounding techniques, backed by science, that can be your superpower in those 'ruff' moments. But it's not just talk – you'll be rolling up your sleeves with hands-on activities and chats that make learning feel like a walk in the park. Join us in this laid-back yet empowering seminar, and let's rock the pet grooming world together!
1:30 PM PST Staying Round in a Square World (2 hours)
The discipline of being abstract, and how to navigate your differences and find joy instead of frustration in your daily life
