Founding Directors & History

On behalf of the Canadian Professional Pet Stylists, its Board and Membership, we are delighted to recognize our Founding Directors. As a Founder, their commitment and vision for the future of pet grooming were instrumental in shaping the present. It is through the dedication of individuals like them that the Canadian Professional Pet Stylists exists to serve the pet stylist community across Canada while continuing to pursue its mission of standardizing the industry.

It all started fifteen years ago, in 2010, when Michele Grenkow rallied others to launch a Canadian certification program. The organization was originally founded under the name Canadian Professional Groomers, which later dissolved and became Canadian Professional Pet Stylists in 2012 as a Federally Incorporated Not-For-Profit in Canada.

  • CPPS Logo

    Dina Popadiuk

    Founding President from April 2012 and as Vice-President for a period of time. She was active as an Executive and Director from 2012 to 2021, when she retired as Vice-President. Dina, obtained her Master Groomer status in October of 1989. Dina has provided many years of service as a Senior Certifier for CPPS from 2012 to the present.

  • CPPS Logo

    Sandy Potter

    Served as founding Vice-President from April 2012 and also as President for a period of time. She was active as an Executive and Director from 2012 to 2021, when she retired as President. Sandy obtained her Master Groomer status in 1990. Additionally, Sandy has provided many years of service as a Senior Certifier for CPPS from 2012 to the present.

  • CPPS Logo

    Lorraine Stewart

    Served as Secretary/Treasurer from April 2012, then as Treasurer, starting in 2016. Lorraine was active as an Executive and Director from 2012 to 2021, when she retired as Treasurer. Lorraine obtained her Master Groomer status in 1997. Lorraine has provided many years of service as a Senior Certifier for CPPS from 2012 to the present. 

  • CPPS Logo

    Michele Grenkow

    Served as Director from April 2012 to 2016, Michele contributed significantly to the training guides and was instrumental in establishing exam standards. Michele obtained her Master Groomer status in 2006. Michele has provided many years of continued support to CPPS via her art and knowledge. Michele is currently a CPPS Certifier.