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OUR
TEAM
TRAINERS
MEET OUR
Our professional and talented teachers boast over 55 years of combined experience in the grooming industry and hold a multitude of achievements and qualifications amongst them. Their first-hand knowledge, hands-on training techniques, and valuable tips and tricks will help you master the foundations of dog grooming and take your skills to the next level.
James Bennett
DIRECTOR & EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Meet James Bennett, a multi-award-winning dog groomer with over a decade of experience specializing in breeding and showing poodles. As a third-generation poodle breeder and dog groomer, he has earned a global reputation and is highly regarded among the top Poodle enthusiasts worldwide. James's expertise extends to hosting grooming seminars across the globe and in Australia, where he imparts his invaluable knowledge to fellow groomers.
Nicknamed "Mr. Scissor Hands" for his exceptional all-hand scissoring skills, James's grooming artistry sets him apart. He is a guru of Poodle grooming and deshed’s, ensuring every detail is immaculate. His commitment to using only the finest products guarantees outstanding results.
Together with his partner Kirri, James co-owns the renowned La Casa De Pooch Grooming Salon, honoured with "Brisbane's Best Grooming Salon" award for two consecutive years. Additionally, James has been selected for the prestigious Plush Puppy Master Coat Care Specialist 2023 team, solidifying his place at the forefront of the grooming industry.
In James Bennett's capable hands, your beloved dogs receive unparalleled care and emerge as stunning examples of canine elegance, reflecting his passion, talent, and dedication to the art of grooming.
NICKY RENWOOD
FOUNDER & EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Nicky founded the Australian Dog Grooming School in 2003 and is also the co-founder of igroomhub. She is the only Australian and New Zealand certifier for the International Professional Groomers Inc. (IPG), a grooming judge and a licensed dog show judge being a member of Dogs Victoria, NSW & SA for over 35 years showing and handling all breeds taking many to best in show level.
Her skills and experience developed from being a second generation in the dog industry along with owning her own grooming salon for 25 years and in 2003, opened The Australia Dog Grooming School.
Nicky has been awarded, Best in Show's for grooming, in Australia & New Zealand. She is highly respected within the industry for instruction & development by the Australian Pet Association.
"You can only be as good as the teacher that's teaching you" - Nicky
Jessica Renwood
ASSISTANT TEACHER/TAE ASSESSOR & TRAINER
Jessica Renwood has been in the grooming industry since she could crawl, having two parents who both groom (yes, this is Nicky's daughter).
Jess embarked on her journey as a professional groomer in 2016 when she started working in her Nicky's grooming salon as a bather/brusher and receptionist for 2 years. She quickly progressed to Senior Stylist, and is now managing her own salon, Crackin Dog Grooming.
Jess loves to compete and has travelled Australia-wide to compete at various grooming competitions. Her highest achievements so far are BEST IN SHOW 2nd at Bathurst Grooming Competition with a Lakeland Terrier, and BEST IN SHOW 3rd at MelbGroom Grooming Competition with Shetland Sheepdog. She also loves to style and regularly competes in Asian Fusion.
Additionally, Jess is qualified in Dog Behaviour and Training through the National Dog Training Federation, has completed her Cert IV in Workplace Training and Assessment and is a qualified TAE Training and Assessor for our Heiniger Academy Students.
michelle weber
EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Michelle is a multi-award-winning groomer and one of our talented Education Specialists at Australian Dog Grooming School. She boasts over 25 years of experience in the industry, including 10 years' experience in teaching and training and assessment.
She describes grooming as her passion, hobby and career, and her grooms have been featured in Opawz ifashion.pet - Creative Grooming Collection Book 2020 Edition
Michelle has travelled around Australia competing in various grooming competitions and she loves specialising in English Springer Spaniels, Poodles, and Asian Fusion Styling. Some of her achievements include:
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1st place in Gundog (twice!)
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Best in Group
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1st place in Poodle (twice!)
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Best Transformation
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First in Dual - Master Groom
"I believe we never stop learning" - Michelle
Lainey Bott
EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Introducing Lainey, one of our incredible Grooming Education Specialists!
With 7 years of experience under her belt, Lainey's journey began at the young age of 18 when she embarked on her grooming career while simultaneously pursuing a degree in Veterinary Science. Driven by her true calling, Lainey made the decision to pursue grooming full-time, turning her passion into a way of life.
She not only excels in her craft but also thrives as a fierce grooming competitor, capturing multiple first-place titles across state lines. However, for Lainey, winning is just a part of the journey. She finds immense joy in sharing her knowledge and skills with others, making sure that learning and growth never cease.
Prepare to be amazed by Lainey's exceptional talent and contagious enthusiasm for all things grooming. She's here to inspire and guide you on your own grooming journey, ensuring that you'll be well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
ADMIN TEAM
MEET OUR
Meet the superstars who keep things running smoothly behind-the-scenes. They organise everything you need and ensure you are ready to go for your course!
xuan nguyen
ADMIN OFFICER
TENEAL WELLINGS
MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR
