Melina Talavera
Washington ,DC
Summary
Reliable and results driven canine stylist with 3 years of grooming experience and nearly 10 years of animal handling expertise. Known for working efficiently, managing time effectively, and delivering consistent, high quality grooms. Able to work independently, maintain productivity, and adapt quickly in both salon and mobile environments. Continuously advancing skills in breed-standard styling, with a focus on poodles. Seeking part-time opportunities where strong performance and reliability are valued.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Sylist
Masterpiece Canine Spa
11.2024 - Current
- Promoted from Junior Stylist to Senior Stylist in July of 2025.
- Attend one on one and group hands on training to continue improving my craft and keep up with latest dog grooming trends.
- Contributed to client retention by consistently providing outstanding customer service to both clients and pets.
- Greeted pet owners and went over available services, and determined special needs of animals under care.
- Monitored animals for signs of disease, illness, or injury and communicated concerns to owners.
Dog Groomer
The Dog Park
02.2023 - 09.2024
- Marketing material development to reach out to new and previous clients.
- Developed pricing structure and setting up online appointments with MoeGo.
- Bathing, drying, nail trimming & filing, haircuts on dogs, walk-in services, scheduling appointments, direct customer service, ordering supplies, booking appointments, answering phones, worked register, educated customers on food, grooming, and supplements.
Pet Bather/Dog Groomer
Loyal Companion
09.2022 - 02.2023
- Bathing, drying, nail trimming & filing, haircuts on dogs, walk-in services, scheduling appointments, direct customer service, ordering supplies, booking appointments, answering phones, worked register, educated customers on food, grooming, and supplements.
- Recieved an Acknowledgment of Achievement for distinction of PetGroomer from The Paragon School of Pet Grooming.
Dog Trainer & Sales Associate
Loyal Companion
10.2021 - 09.2022
- Evaluated pets to determine temperament, abilities and aptitude for training.
- Implemented positive reinforcement with high value treats, verbal commands, as well as clicker training.
- Instructed owners and dogs on basic obedience commands using different techniques to match dogs' drives for reward.
Dog Trainer
Petco
07.2017 - 07.2021
- I developed a directed training program to help over 200 pets improve their behavior and meet owner's goals.
- Observed animals closely to understand individual needs and behaviors.
- Employed positive reinforcement with animals using hand cues method, voice rewards and food rewards and clicker training.
- Modified undesirable behaviors with use of successful and safe behavior modifications techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
University of Maryland, College Park
College Park, MDSkills
- Work Ethic
- Empathy
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Efficient time management
- Outstanding client retention
- Animal handling
Certification
Certificate in Pet Grooming from The Paragon School of Grooming January 2023
Timeline
Senior Sylist
Masterpiece Canine Spa
11.2024 - Current
Dog Groomer
The Dog Park
02.2023 - 09.2024
Pet Bather/Dog Groomer
Loyal Companion
09.2022 - 02.2023
Dog Trainer & Sales Associate
Loyal Companion
10.2021 - 09.2022
Dog Trainer
Petco
07.2017 - 07.2021
Bachelor of Science - Public Health
University of Maryland, College Park