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.
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Barbara began grooming in Her speaking career started in 1994 with the Colorado Groomers’ Association
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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.
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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.
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In 2006, Barbara authored, edited and published Beyond Suds & Scent -Understanding Pet Shampoos & Conditioners, the first and only book about pet grooming products.
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In 2010 she was the featured speaker for Chris Christensent Systems, Inc.
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Tours have included England/Scotland/Ireland and NewZealand/Australia.
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Awards: Cardinal Crystal (Journalist) 2006, 2007; Barkleigh Honors (Best Blog) 2011, 2012; Pet Groomering Industry Educators Award (Lifetime Contribution) 2019; Barkleigh Honors (Podcast) 2021.
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