Prior to becoming a groomer, Barbara earned a Master of Social Work degree and worked as an Associate Director of Research at Arizona State University, designing a three-year study for the US Dept. of Labor. She supervised the data collection, data analysis and writing results and reports. Barbara also contracted and completed a study for the National Institute of Mental Health on the effects of closing down the State of California Mental Hospitals. In addition, she worked for several years as a clinical social worker, culminatingin a private practice counseling women in a feminist-empowerment model.
Barbara began grooming in Her speaking career started in 1994 with the Colorado Groomers’ Association
She has presented on a broad range of topics focused on understanding products, the mechanics of coat damage and improving customer She has taughtseminars at all the top trade shows and several state groomers organizations.
In 2003, She began teaching about shampoo ingredients and chemistry, initiated the call for more ingredient disclosure in the grooming This was met withmixed reaction and a loss of some speaking engagements. She then initiatedsome of the first online educational webinars for pet groomers.
In 2006, Barbara authored, edited and published Beyond Suds & Scent -Understanding Pet Shampoos & Conditioners, the first and only book about pet grooming products.
In 2010 she was the featured speaker for Chris Christensent Systems, Inc.
Tours have included England/Scotland/Ireland and NewZealand/Australia.
Awards: Cardinal Crystal (Journalist) 2006, 2007; Barkleigh Honors (Best Blog) 2011, 2012; Pet Groomering Industry Educators Award (Lifetime Contribution) 2019; Barkleigh Honors (Podcast) 2021.
