Samanntha Stout

Samanntha grew up in a military family and graduated from Austin High School in Decatur, Alabama. She went on to attend Troy University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology (Pre-Veterinary Medicine) while on a full athletic scholarship for volleyball.

Samanntha discovered that grooming allowed her to combine her passion for science, education, and animals into a career dedicated to improving the wellbeing of pets. She is an International Advanced Certified Groomer (ICG) through the International Professional Groomers (IPG), a member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA), and is Advanced Pet First Aid and CPR certified.

She regularly attends grooming seminars, training programs, and continuing education classes to stay current with the latest techniques and industry standards. Samanntha’s goal is to provide a highly skilled, education-focused grooming environment where pets receive exceptional care and leave looking and feeling their very best.

Brittany Karch

Brittany has been part of the Personal Paws Grooming team for over eight years. Before entering the grooming industry, she attended cosmetology school before discovering her passion for helping pets look and feel their best.

Brittany is a Certified Professional Groomer (CPG) and is Pet First Aid certified, providing pet parents with confidence that their pets are in safe and caring hands.

Emma McDonald

Emma discovered her passion for grooming while working with our sister company, Columbus Boarding and Training. During that time, she began assisting owner Samanntha Stout with bathing and prep work, where she developed a strong interest in grooming and the care that goes into helping pets look and feel their best.

Emma has since continued her education in the grooming industry and is a Certified Professional Groomer (CPG) as well as Pet First Aid and CPR certified.

She has completed several professional grooming courses including Feline Safety, the 2025 Professional Pet Grooming and Styling course, and Skin and Coat Care courses. Through this training, Emma gained knowledge in safe feline handling, proper bathing and styling techniques, and how to care for pets with sensitive skin or coat conditions.

Emma continues to expand her skills through ongoing grooming education and training, growing her confidence in both everyday pet trims and breed-specific styles. Her goal is always to provide a safe, comfortable grooming experience while helping every pet look and feel their best. Emma currently has two cats and a toy poodle. She has had the pleasure of caring for a variety of other animals in the past, including dogs, cats, small animals, and reptiles. Her love for animals extends beyond grooming and is reflected in the compassion and care she brings to every pet she works with.

Krystle Wynn

Krystle has over 8 years of professional grooming experience and a lifelong love for animals. She is known for wanting to help every stray she comes across, and that passion naturally led her into a career working with pets.

Krystle is a Certified Professional Groomer (CPG) and is Pet First Aid and CPR certified. She is committed to continuing her education and regularly attends advanced grooming seminars and hands-on training to refine her skills and stay current with grooming techniques and styles.

Through her training, Krystle has expanded her knowledge of canine anatomy, breed structure, and specialty grooming styles, allowing her to create balanced, flattering grooms while still prioritizing each pet’s comfort and wellbeing. At home, Krystle shares her life with four dogs, a cat, and a snake, further reflecting her deep love and appreciation for animals of all kinds.

Elissa Dabbs

Elissa has over four years of hands-on experience and is a Certified Advanced Professional Groomer (APG). She is also Pet First Aid certified, giving pet parents added peace of mind that their furry family members are in safe and caring hands.

Elissa has continued to expand her grooming education through advanced classes focused on teddy bear and Asian fusion styles, as well as grooming techniques for breeds such as Doodles, Poodles, and Yorkies. Her ongoing training allows her to refine her skills while creating balanced, stylish grooms tailored to each pet.

Animals have always been a huge part of Elissa’s life. At home, she shares her space with six dogs and three cats, affectionately calling them her “personal zoo.” With a gentle approach, creativity, and a strong dedication to each pet’s comfort, Elissa brings both skill and heart to every grooming appointment.

Jamie Salaberrios

Jamie has been working in the animal care industry for over 14 years. She began her career as a veterinary technician and receptionist, gaining valuable experience in animal health and care before transitioning into grooming.

For the past 10 years, Jamie has worked as a professional Pet Stylist, where she has developed a passion for helping pets look and feel their best. She is a Certified Professional Groomer (CPG), Pet CPR certified, and has completed advanced education in Skin & Hair care to further support the health and wellbeing of the pets she works with.

Outside of grooming, Jamie enjoys spending time with her daughter and Labrador Retriever, often going on adventures together. She also enjoys attending and working at ComicCons, as well as spending time with friends and family.