ISABELLE MICKENS
Fort Walton Beach,FL
Summary
Experienced animal care professional with over six years in grooming, husbandry, and animal behavior. Skilled in managing pet salon operations, training staff, and providing exceptional customer service. Holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology with a passion for marine life and conservation. Seeking Apprentice Marine Mammal Trainer role to apply expertise in companion animal care to marine mammal training and enrichment.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dog Groomer
Pet Supplies Plus
Destin, FL
05.2025 - Current
- - Perform breed-specific grooming, ensuring pet safety and comfort.
- - Engage with pet owners to understand grooming preferences and ensure client satisfaction.
- - Maintain clean, sanitary conditions in grooming spaces and uphold safety protocols.
Grooming Salon Leader
Petco
Manhattan, KS
12.2024 - 05.2025
- - Managed salon operations, scheduling, and performance of grooming staff.
- - Trained new groomers and enforced quality and safety standards.
- - Boosted sales through client retention, upselling grooming packages and pet products.
Pet Stylist
Petco
Manhattan, KS
08.2022 - 12.2024
- - Delivered full-service pet grooming for dogs of various breeds and temperaments.
- - Conducted consultations to match services with pet needs and client expectations.
- - Maintained grooming logs and managed client relationships.
Live Animal Department Manager
Pet Supplies Plus
Destin, FL
12.2021 - 05.2022
- - Cared for reptiles, birds, and small mammals with strict attention to feeding, habitat maintenance, and health observation.
- - Supervised team members in animal care, sanitation, and customer education.
- - Educated customers on proper care and supplies for exotic pets.
Manager
Marco’s Pizza
Niceville, FL
07.2020 - 12.2021
- - Led store operations and trained employees on customer service and food handling standards.
- - Maintained inventory and managed staffing during peak hours.
- - Implemented team-building techniques to boost staff performance.
Junior Pet Stylist
Petsmart
Destin, FL
05.2019 - 06.2020
- - Assisted in grooming services including bathing, trimming, and brushing.
- - Supported team during peak grooming times and special events.
- - Maintained grooming tools and ensured hygienic grooming spaces.
Animal Caretaker
Petsmart
Destin, FL
02.2019 - 05.2019
- - Provided husbandry for birds, reptiles, and small animals.
- - Observed behavior to monitor health and advised customers on pet selection and care.
- - Performed daily feeding, cleaning, and habitat enrichment.
Manager
Hungry Howie’s Pizza
Niceville, FL
02.2017 - 04.2019
- - Managed food prep, scheduling, and customer relations in a fast-paced environment.
- - Trained new staff and ensured health and safety compliance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR12.2024
Associate of Arts -
Northwest Florida State College
Niceville, FL12.2020
High School Diploma - undefined
Niceville Senior High School
Niceville, FL05.2018
Skills
- Animal Behavior Observation
- Marine & Terrestrial Animal Husbandry
- Grooming & Handling Techniques
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Sanitation & Safety Compliance
- Customer Service & Communication
Certification
PADI SCUBA Certified
Timeline
Dog Groomer
Pet Supplies Plus
05.2025 - Current
Grooming Salon Leader
Petco
12.2024 - 05.2025
Pet Stylist
Petco
08.2022 - 12.2024
Live Animal Department Manager
Pet Supplies Plus
12.2021 - 05.2022
Manager
Marco’s Pizza
07.2020 - 12.2021
Junior Pet Stylist
Petsmart
05.2019 - 06.2020
Animal Caretaker
Petsmart
02.2019 - 05.2019
Manager
Hungry Howie’s Pizza
02.2017 - 04.2019
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
Oregon State University
High School Diploma - undefined
Niceville Senior High School
Associate of Arts -
Northwest Florida State College