The Meditative Groomer Academy
Get in touch with us at info@meditativegroomer.com
Rooted in Racine, WI – Where passion and education grow
Seed Program
The Seed Program is the first building block to becoming a groomer. This program will introduce you to the world of pet grooming with proficiency in the foundational job of pet bathing. This introductory course will prepare the student to join the workforce in a bather position.
Instructors for Seed
Stephenie Calhoun
Stephenie Calhoun is an Autistic and ADHD self-taught groomer with over a decade of experience, proudly serving as the Owner and Head Instructor of The Meditative Groomer Academy. She is also known as one half of the dynamic duo behind 'Grooming on the Spectrum,' a podcast and support group dedicated to empowering neurodivergent pet groomers and their allies.
Stephenie’s leadership and expertise shine through her past roles as Training Manager at Calling All Paws, former Illinois State Grooming Team Captain, and certified Nash Academy instructor. In 2024, she was honored with the prestigious 'Up and Coming Speaker of the Year' award at Barkleigh Honors, further solidifying her influence in the grooming industry. She is also a proud member of the North American Model Dog team.
Based in Racine, Wisconsin, Stephenie lives with her husband John and their beloved pets: a cockapoo named Nibbler, Irish wolfhound mix Addison, two playful cats Chiana and Fry, and a curious turtle. When she’s not grooming or teaching, Stephenie enjoys gardening, painting, and foraging, channeling her passion for creativity and connection into every aspect of her life.
Michelle Knowles
With over 34 years of experience as a private and professional pet care provider, Michelle Knowles brings unparalleled expertise to the grooming industry. As the owner of All Things Paw, Michelle is a Certified Master Groomer and Master Pet Aesthetician with a focus on pet skin and coat care, fear and trauma recovery, elderly pets, and managing allergic and dermatological disorders. Her career has taken her across the country, working in salons, kennels, zoos, and veterinary hospitals, as well as training in Tuscany, Italy in therapeutic work, hand stripping, and advanced dermatological care. Michelle is certified through NDGAA and IPG, teaches advanced pet aesthetics at the Whole Pet Grooming Academy, and serves on the Master Groomer Council of Best Practices. A nationally recognized speaker, Michelle continues to lead the way in education and innovation in her field
Chris Anthony
After years in retail management and office work, Chris Anthony found her true calling in pet grooming. With nearly 20 years of experience, her career has taken her through countless opportunities, from grooming and managing in small and corporate salons to building her own successful house-call grooming business in New Jersey. Passionate about education and innovation, Chris has dedicated herself to advancing her knowledge in pet care, grooming techniques, tools, and products. She also focuses on scissors, scissoring techniques, ergonomics, and self-care to preserve health and longevity in her profession. As the owner of Have Shears Will Travel and VP of Customer Service and Sales at Evolution Shears, Chris continues to make a lasting impact in the industry. She is also a co-founder and current Chairwoman of the New Jersey Professional Pet Groomers Alliance
Meg Ioffredo
Meg Ioffredo has been a dedicated pet professional since 2012, starting as a bather in a corporate salon and evolving into a highly accomplished groomer and educator. With a commitment to lifelong learning, Meg holds numerous certifications, including Certified Pet Tech Instructor, Certified Feline Master Groomer, Certified Rabbit Groomer, Certified Canine Esthetician, and Fear Free Certified, among others.
As a partner of The Meditative Groomer Academy, Meg is passionate about giving back to the grooming community, focusing on cat and rabbit grooming education. They are also co-host of the 'Grooming on the Spectrum' podcast, championing neurodivergent groomers, and the owner of 'Meg the Traveling Groomer,' providing expert grooming services to pets and their families.
Meg continues to inspire and educate, sharing their expertise to elevate the industry and support fellow professionals.
Melissa Jepson
A popular speaker and Barkleigh Honors Up and Coming Speaker of the Year 2021, as well as a Seminar Speaker of the Year Nominee in 2022, Melissa Jepson brings over two decades of grooming experience to the industry. Since 2013, she has owned and operated the award-winning Pupscale Pet Salon in Montclair, California. As a founding member of the Association of Holistic Pet Professionals, Melissa is dedicated to creating a soothing and well-rounded environment in grooming salons. Partnering with Precision Sharp to offer high-quality, American-made products, she also enjoys teaching webinars and classes and attending trade shows. A life-long learner with the heart of a teacher and the soul of an artist, Melissa combines her comprehensive knowledge with practical, day-to-day applications to inspire and educate her students
Anjie Coates
With 34 years of experience in the grooming industry, Anjie has dedicated her career to mastering every aspect of grooming and business. Her passion for sharing knowledge led her to teach both grooming and business skills, helping others achieve success in the industry. Anjie also teaches Pet Tech First Aid & CPR classes for pet professionals and pet owners, reflecting her commitment to education. As a Certified Master Rabbit Groomer (CMRG) and holder of CCE, ACG, and PGC certifications, she continues to pursue excellence in her field. Anjie is a brand ambassador for All For Groomers and is currently publishing the first rabbit grooming book in the industry.
Gina Lee
Gina Lee is a Reiki Master and Reiki Master Teacher in Usui Reiki with a career dedicated to service, education, and wellness. With a background in emergency medical services, Gina has served as a paramedic and 911 dispatcher, bringing compassion and expertise to critical care situations.
As a nationally certified EMS instructor, Gina has trained individuals at all levels, from First Responders to Paramedics, sharing her passion for education and her commitment to excellence. Her dedication to health and wellness extends beyond the physical, focusing on nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.
Gina’s experience and passion make her an inspiring advocate for holistic care and lifelong learning.
Classes in Seed
Total Credit Hours (Courses)
28
Ouch! Don't Do That, It Hurts! Ergonomics, Grooming, and You
Credit hours- 1
Instructor- Chris Anthony
In this webinar, Chris will teach us common pain points that come along with being a groomer and how we can use ergonomic tools and practices to keep us healthier longer. After all, grooming shouldn’t hurt us!
Providing Excellent Customer Service, Without Being A Doormat
Credit hours- 1
In this webinar, Chris will teach how to set boundaries with our grooming clients and how to enforce them politely but firmly, without letting clients walk all over us.
Instructor- Chris Anthony
Salon Sanitation
Credit Hours: 5
Instructor: Anjie Coates
In this webinar, Anjie will go over how to effectively and efficiently clean, disinfect, and sanitize your grooming area. We will also learn the importance of sanitation.
Animal Esthetician Level 1
Credit Hours: 4
Instructor: Michelle Knowles
In this introduction course, Michelle will teach about canine skin and hair, product ingredients, oils and masks, and finishing sprays. Students will learn about proper brushing and de-matting techniques, as well as drying and fluffing a coat properly.
Holistic Grooming for Newcomers
Credit Hours: 1
Instructor: Melissa Jepson
In this course, Melissa will introduce us to the world of holistic grooming and how it benefits everyone from the groomer, to the pet, to the client.
Pet First Aid and CPR
Credit Hours: 5
Instructor: Stephenie Calhoun
In this hands-on workshop, Stephenie will teach us lifesaving skills like pet CPR, rescue breathing, bleeding management, choking protocols, etc.
Lupine to Design
Credit Hours: 1
Instructor: Stephenie Calhoun
In this course, Stephenie will teach us the wonderful history of dogs and how they came to be domesticated.
Grey(Hounds) Anatomy
Credit Hours: 1
Instructor: Stephenie Calhoun
In this course, Stephenie will teach us basic anatomical pieces that make up our salon dogs. Knowledge of anatomy helps us with both handling and pattern placement.
Social Media Introduction
Credit Hours: 1
Instructor: Meg Ioffredo
In this webinar, Meg will teach us a brief history of Facebook and Instagram, as well as take us through several important features of these platforms.
Reiki 1
Credit Hours: 8
Instructor: Gina Lee
In this course, Gina will teach us the history of reiki, the core of energy practice, and how to use reiki in everyday life.
Skills Demoed and Practiced
Pre-Bath Check In
Prepping the Area
Bathing
Blow Drying
Brushing Out
Total Credit Hours (Skills)
76
Deshedding
Nail Trimming
Nail Grinding