Colin Taylor

One of the most dynamic and forward-thinking forces in the grooming world, Colin Taylor brings decades of global experience, innovation, and unmatched charisma to Mastergroom 2026.

Beginning his career in the UK, Colin sharpened his skills in Hong Kong before spending 20 years in the U.S., becoming one of the most decorated competitors in grooming history.

• Intergroom International Groomer of the Year
• World Cup Grooming Games Winner
• Countless Best in Show & Best All Around titles
• Multi-year Groom Team USA member
• Featured on the cover of Groomer to Groomer five times

Colin later returned to the UK, where he wrote the bestselling “What Would Colin Do?”, founded the Colin Taylor Academy, and created Mastergroom UK, one of England’s most prestigious grooming events.

He became a beloved television judge on Pooch Perfect Australia and Pooch Perfect UK, known for his fairness, humour, and heart for groomers. Today, Colin continues to educate and inspire worldwide through seminars, judging, and his global product lines, including Colin Taylor Products and FAME.

We’re thrilled to welcome Colin Taylor to Mastergroom Canada 2026!

Kitty Dekeersgieter

We are honoured to have the greatest of all time… Announcing Mastergroom Canada Master of Ceremonies: Kitty Dekeersgieter!

A global icon in professional dog grooming, we’re honoured to welcome back Kitty Dekeersgieter as our official Mastergroom Canada master of ceremonies!

A world-renowned groomer, educator, and industry innovator, her career began as a skilled dog handler, presenting champion dogs at top conformation shows worldwide.

• World Champion Poodle Groomer and internationally decorated competitor
• International Groomer of the Year – Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award
• International contest judge, speaker, and grooming educator
• Co-founder & designer at Transgroom, creating 2,500+ professional grooming products
• Founder & co-organizer of Groomania, Belgium’s world-class global grooming event.

Beyond the competition ring, Kitty has made a profound impact as an international grooming judge, educator, product designer, and event founder. Through her seminars and widely followed YouTube channel, she continues to uplift and inspire groomers around the world.

We’re thrilled to welcome back Kitty Dekeersgiester as our Mastergroom Canada 2026 master of ceremonies!

Sue Zecco

Certified Master Groomer (NDGAA & IPG), national AKC/NDGAA certifier, and one of the most decorated groomers in the world.

• 45+ years grooming
• Intergroom International Groomer of the Year
• GroomTeam USA member since 1997 – with gold & silver World Team medals
• Groomers Hall of Fame inductee
• Recipient of the Artero Lifetime Achievement Award
• International judge, speaker, educator & co-founder of Super Styling Sessions.

Jay Scruggs

One of the industry’s most celebrated competitors and educators.

• First recipient of the Westminster Groomer of the Year Award
• First male groomer to finish #1 on GroomTeam USA
• Best in Show wins across every class
• Gold & bronze World Team Championship medals
• American Groomer of the Year at Intergroom
• Honored multiple times for Groomer of the Year, Speaker of the Year, Congeniality & more. And co-founder of Super Styling Sessions.

Together, Sue & Jay have shaped modern grooming education and inspired groomers worldwide. We are honored to have them teaching and judging at Mastergroom 2026!

Kitty Ponnet

We’re honoured to welcome the brilliant and internationally respected Kitty Ponnet to the Mastergroom 2026 lineup!

Known for her lifelong mission of “aiming for perfection,” Kitty has spent decades pushing the grooming industry forward through education, innovation, and mentorship.

For 25 years she ran her successful salon Kitana before becoming Grooming Consultant at Transgroom, where she works closely with professionals on cutting-edge products, tools, and techniques.

• Multiple Gold, Silver & Bronze medals across Europe & the U.S.
• Best in Show titles
• EGA-certified judge
• Renowned international educator & mentor
• Co-organizer of Groomania, Europe’s largest grooming education event

With a passion for helping groomers reach their highest potential, Kitty brings world-class expertise, heart, and inspiration to every stage she steps onto.

We’re thrilled to welcome Kitty Ponnet as a Mastergroom Canada 2026 speaker and judge!

Romana Kania

We are thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed groomer Romana Kania to the Mastergroom 2026 lineup!

Romana is the owner of a thriving salon in Prague and one of Europe’s most decorated competitors – earning multiple Gold, Silver & Bronze medals, Best in Show wins, and Best All-Around Groomer titles across both Europe and the U.S.

• Two-time European Champion – the only groomer in history to earn the title twice
• Champion with Poodles, Bichons, Schnauzers & American Cockers
• Multiple-time Best Czech Groomer of the Year
• Founder of the Czech Dog Grooming Association
• EGA member & all-round judge

She is also a respected educator, seminar presenter, and published grooming author.

A passionate Poodle lover, Romana’s own dog earned Best of Breed and World Winner at the 2014 World Dog Show in Helsinki.

We’re honoured to have Romana Kania join Mastergroom Canada 2026 as a speaker and judge!

Isabella Doblas Jones

A true global icon in the grooming world, Isabella brings over 40 years of experience, unmatched expertise, and a lifetime of passion to the 2026 Mastergroom stage!

Starting at just 13 years old in a Standard Poodle show in England, Isabella went on to groom professionally across Europe – opening her first salon at 21 and becoming a renowned show handler for breeds including Poodles, Bichons, Scotties, Kerry Blues, Giant Schnauzers, Airedales, Afghans, and Lhasas.

• Won 2 Golds + BIS at her first grooming competition
• Multiple-time Gold, Silver & Bronze medalist
• IGA Judge
• Speaker of the Year
• Has taught seminars & workshops in nearly every country

She has traveled the world sharing her artistry, technique, and passion – shaping modern grooming education and inspiring groomers everywhere.

We’re honoured to welcome Isabella as a speaker and judge at Mastergroom 2026!

Marcia Strong

We’re thrilled to welcome Marcia Strong – Certified Master Groomer, Groom Team Canada member, Ukal Canada competitor, and five-time Barkleigh Honour Award winner.

Marcia competes at the Open level across Poodles, AOP, and Salon Freestyle. She has built three successful salons, grooms for film + TV, and has been featured in international publications. She’s travelled across North America and the UK to teach, compete, and inspire groomers at every stage.

Her favourite class to judge? First Timers – where she can help new groomers find their confidence.
Outside the ring, you may know her as “I Like Dogs More Than You” on TikTok, or from the Kerry Blue Terriers she proudly raises and shows – all while being a dedicated mom and wife.

Help us welcome Marcia to the 2026 Mastergroom stage!

Nathan Austin

An internationally recognized educator, competitor & judge with nearly 20 years in the industry, known for his precision and genuine passion for teaching.

• 2023 AKC Master Groomer of the Year
• Multiple Best All Around winner & a Best in Show winner
• 2025 Content Creator of the Year (Barkleigh Honors + Liz Paul Awards)

Co-owner of A Cut Above Grooming Salons, AKC & NDGAA certifier, and co-host of the award-winning Another Grooming Podcast.

Kathlena Austin

Globally recognized educator, judge & open-level competitor known for her artistry, technical precision, and compassion.

• 2024 AKC Master Groomer of the Year – following Nathan’s 2023 win!
• Expert in hand-stripping, coat preservation & Scottish Terriers.
• AKC & NDGAA certifier, VP of the SF Bay Scottish Terrier Club, and founder of Earthbound Scottish Terriers.

Also a co-host of Another Grooming Podcast, two-time Podcast of the Year.

Together, Nathan and Katie bring unmatched skill, heart, and education to the grooming community – and we can’t wait to learn from them at Mastergroom 2026!

Maryam Jajouei

I was born and raised in Iran, where my love for animals began early—often bringing home injured birds, cats, and dogs to care for. After completing a degree in engineering, I moved to Canada at 22 to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I earned a second bachelor’s in Animal Science from Dalhousie University and, in 2008, was accepted to the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, where I earned my DVM.

Since graduation, I’ve worked in both primary and emergency clinics in Calgary, learning the importance of the human-animal bond. In 2016, I expanded my skills in alternative healing, becoming certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and, later, Canine Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy. My dogs, Luna and Aida, inspire my practice with their mindfulness and compassion. I’m also grateful to my husband, Hamed, who supports me in every step of this journey.

At Legacy Veterinary Clinic, my goal is to provide a stress-free, integrative environment where pets receive both conventional and alternative care options. I look forward to meeting you and your pets, and helping them live their healthiest, happiest lives.