The Speakers

Mary Oquendo is a peer recognized pet industry educator, coach, author, and speaker who helps grooming professionals build safer, healthier, and more sustainable businesses. With decades of hands-on experience in mobile grooming, holistic practices, emergency preparedness, and professional development, Mary blends real-world knowledge with practical systems that create lasting success.

Through coaching, workshops, and educational programs, she empowers pet professionals to grow beyond the grooming table—launching businesses, improving pet care, and making a meaningful impact in the industry.

Erin Huland has been grooming since 2004. She is on the North American Model Dog travel team and is a multi award winning competitor in both model dogs and extreme creative grooming. She is an international model dog judge and speaker. She is the owner and founder of The Creative Groomer, a creative Grooming supply company and started the industry’s first creative grooming monthly subscription box. Since 2019, Erin has served on the board of the CPPGA as Secretary. In 2022, she co founded the first online Creative Grooming Summit.

Popular speaker and multiple Barkleigh Honors nominee and winner Melissa Jepson has owned and operated the award winning grooming salon Pupscale Pet Salon in Ontario, California since 2013. As a founding member of the Association of Holistic Pet Professionals she believes deeply in creating a soothing, well rounded environment for all aspects of the grooming salon. Grooming for over two decades and developing a comprehensive knowledge base have made it possible to impart a fresh take with practical, day to day applications for her students. A life-long learner with the heart of a teacher and the soul of an artist, Melissa excels at communicating and is passionate about sharing knowledge with others.

Denise Heroux has spent nearly 30 years in the grooming industry, growing from groomer to multi-location salon owner. She owns and operates multiple Ohio-based salons, including a cat-exclusive spa, and is the founder of The Ambitious Groomer, where she supports groomers and owners navigating ownership, leadership, and sustainable growth.
Denise is the President and Founder of the Pet Stylist Relief Fund, a nonprofit supporting grooming professionals in times of need, and a Barkleigh Up-and-Coming Speaker nominee. She is also launching Snapt, an innovative safety-focused grooming loop born from real salon experience, and serves as an ambassador for Cosmos Bathing Systems and Pet-X Grooming Solutions. Her work is rooted in real-world experience, honest conversation, and helping business owners build clarity, structure, and confidence without losing themselves in the process.