The Meditative Groomer Academy
Get in touch with us at info@meditativegroomer.com
Rooted in Racine, WI – Where passion and education grow
Sprout Program
The Sprout Program is our longest and most hands-on program. This group of courses will prepare students with proficiency for an introductory groomer position.
Instructors for Sprout
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
Amy Triezenberg
Amy Triezenberg is an award-winning groomer renowned for her exceptional skills, creative styling, and commitment to animal safety and wellbeing. A six-year member of GroomTeam USA, Amy has represented the United States at international grooming competitions, earning accolades like the People’s Choice Award, Best Scissored Dog Award, Best in Show, and Best All-Around Groomer. She has also been nominated for Groomer of the Year, highlighting her dedication and talent.
As a certified Pet Tech Instructor, Amy ensures animals under her care receive the highest level of attention. She shares her expertise through educational videos, seminars, and articles, including a feature on the cover of Groomer to Groomer magazine with her impactful fallen soldier design. Amy’s passion for grooming and education continues to inspire professionals across the industry
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
Samantha Payla
Samantha Palya began her grooming career in 1996 at Great Lakes Academy of Professional Pet Styling. A skilled competitor, she earned placements at the All American Grooming Show and was awarded Best Groomer and Best Groomed Dog at the 1998 Groom Expo for her exceptional hand-stripping skills.
Samantha is the owner of Absolutely Pawfect Pet Styling, Inc. and The Enrichment Stylist Pet Business of Consulting and Education. She mentors apprentices, creating opportunities for future pet care professionals, and holds numerous certifications, including Pet Tech Instructor, Skin and Hair, Salon Sanitation, Canine Body Language, and more.
As a speaker and educator, Samantha is proud to introduce Enrichment Grooming to the pet care industry, combining her expertise with a passion for innovation and education.
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 Sprout
Total Credit Hours (Courses)
49
Enrichment Grooming
Credit Hours: 8
Instructor: Samantha Palya
In this workshop, Samantha will show us a new way of grooming that leaves the pet, client, and groomer calmer and happier. Hands-on included.
Working Within Canva
Credit Hours: 1
Instructor: Meg Ioffredo
In this webinar, Meg will talk about the features of the app Canva and how we can use these features when creating social media or print images for our business.
How to Read Breed Standard
Credit Hours: 3
Instructor: Amy Triezenberg
In this course, Amy will teach us how to read a breed's standard, analyze the terminology used, and understand how to apply that to the dogs in front of us.
Basic Hand Stripping
Credit Hours: 8
Instructor: Stephenie Calhoun
In this course, Stephenie will explain the basic idea of hand stripping, what coats this technique can be used on, and how to maintain wrist and hand integrity while stripping. She will demonstrate the skill of hand stripping on multiple pet dogs.
Pet Professionals and Loss
Credit Hours: 1
Instructor: Chris Anthony
In this webinar, Chris will guide us on how to handle a pet passing, both for the clients and for ourselves.
From Corporate to Private to the Toughest Boss - ME!
Credit Hours: 1
Instructor: Chris Anthony
In this webinar, Chris will talk about the pros and cons of working for a big box corporate store, a small private salon, and herself.
A Brief House Call How-To
Credit Hours: 1
Instructor: Chris Anthony
In this webinar, Chris will explain what house call grooming is and what one might need to get started with it.
Burnout: Do Something About This Career Killer
Credit Hours: 1
Instructor: Chris Anthony
In this webinar, Chris will point out all of the signs of burnout and advise us on how to prevent it from ever happening.
Animal Esthetician Level 3
Credit Hours: 8
Instructor: Michelle Knowles
In this webinar, Michelle will take us through allergies, formulations, and compounds to help the furry clients on our table.
Assisting the Entrepreneurodivergent
Credit Hours: 1
Instructor: Stephenie Calhoun
In this class Stephenie will discuss different situations where our neurodivergence throws us a curveball and what we can do to turn it into a home run.
Reiki 2
Credit Hours: 8
Instructor: Gina Lee
In this class, Gina will teach us how to use advanced practices that enhance the energy healing experience of Reiki. We will facilitate deeper emotional healing and send Reiki through time and space.
Discovering Focus
Credit Hours: 1
Instructor: Stephenie Calhoun
In this class, Stephenie will talk about the super powers we neurodivergent individuals have and walk us through how to avoid our own kryptonites.
Mental Health in the Grooming Salon
Credit Hours: 2
Instructor: Melissa Jepson
In this webinar, Melissa will talk about our unique needs as groomers and will cover coping mechanisms, tips for self care, help when it seems hopeless, and more.
Equipment Woes
Credit Hours: 2
Instructor: Melissa Jepson
In this webinar, Melissa will cover different types of shears, brushes, combs, dematting/deshedding, and teach us how to make our equipment work for us so we can buy with confidence!
Improving Communication in the Workplace
Credit Hours: 1
Instructor: Stephenie Calhoun
In this class, Stephenie will talk about how neurodivergent and neurotypical brains can communicate effectively and healthily in the workplace.
Skills Demoed and Practiced
Smoothie Clip
Kennel Clip
Lamb Trim
Face Type
Tail Types
Total Credit Hours (Skills)
150
Ear Types