Meet our judges

GroomFest VA Championship, Tag Team

Irina Pinkusevich, NCMG, has been in the grooming industry for over 20 years and currently teaches the art of pet styling at Merryfield School of Pet Grooming in Ft. Laugerdale, FL. She was a 2011 Barkleigh Honors Awards nominee, is a multiple BIS and Best All Around winner and Best American Groomer 2008 at Intergroom. Irina was a member of GroomTeam USA travel team in 2008 and competed in World Team Championship in Dachau Germany in 2009 where she helped bring back the gold for the U.S.

Next Big Thing Mentor Challenge

Nadia Bongelli brings nearly 15 years of professional pet grooming experience from Toronto Canada, where her journey began in 2012 with her Miniature Poodle, Juno, and a passion for competitive grooming. By 2015, she was a regular competitor across Canada and the U.S., earning prestigious accolades such as Barkleigh Honors’ “Up and Coming Groomer of the Year” (2015), “International Speaker of the Year” (2023), and “Groomer of the Year” (2024). As Canada’s top-ranked competitive groomer since 2018, her career highlights include winning the Superzoo SuperJackpot (2022), earning top placements at Belgium’s Groomania Competition (2024), and securing a Silver Medal with Groom Team Canada at the 2024 World Grooming Championships. A sought-after speaker and Canadian Kennel Club advocate, Nadia’s expertise, passion, and engaging teaching style continue to inspire and elevate the grooming industry worldwide.

Freestyle Championship, Freestyle Mentor Challenge

Jennifer Anders has always had a passion for working with animals. Anders attended Virginia Intermont College, majoring in Horsemanship and Business. After years of training, both horses and riders, Anders decided to turn her focus to canines. Anders is graduate of Nash Academy of Animal Arts, a certified Nash Instructor, and a certified groomer through the National Dog Groomers Association. Located in southwest Virginia, Anders began a mobile pet styling business in 2011, and within 6 months had established a waiting list. In 2012, Anders entered the competition ring, where she continued to compete and learn the craft. In 2016, Anders opened a stand alone salon, and less than a year later,  the salon was relocated to a larger facility. In 2017, Anders accepted an invitation to be on the USA Model Dog Team. Anders took 2nd place on the International Live Dog Team, in addition to earning a World Championship Title for Model Dog Purebred and Creative Model Dog. In 2018, she was named Captain of the Virginia State Grooming Team. Anders’ experience and knowledge base, allowed her to earn a Best in Class award at an international level in South Korea among several other awards.  Anders began breeding and showing poodles in 2018 and has finished multiple AKC & UKC Champions, Grand Champions and Best in show dogs. Anders has not stopped here, she is expanding  her breeding program and currently has her breed by toy poodle in the number 4 spot for year end ranking in UKC.

Mentor: Next Big Thing Mentored Challenge, Freestyle Mentored Challenge

Sophia Staples is a self-taught groomer who began her professional grooming journey in 2018. Through dedication, perseverance, and a passion for the craft, she has earned recognition as a Nationally Certified Master Groomer and an AKC Certified Master Groomer, as well as becoming an AKC Coat Type Certifier. Her talent and commitment were recognized when she was honored as Barkleigh’s 2023 Up-and-Coming Groomer of the Year.

A firm believer in continuous education, Sophia strives to improve her skills and elevate the industry. She views competition as one of the fastest ways to grow and is dedicated to pushing herself at every opportunity. Her passion extends beyond the competition ring—she is devoted to educating groomers on proper coat care and maintenance through her role as a Botaniqa Educator, helping others understand the science behind skin and coat health.

As an Open Level competitor, Sophia’s ultimate goal is to earn a place on Groom Team USA and continue her journey as a teacher and mentor, shaping the next generation of groomers through education, innovation, and excellence.