BIOGRAPHY
Christein Sertzel, NCMG, ICMG, WPAPGC, AKC-MPG,CMA, CCMT, AHAE, MRP, CNAMT, CCE, DAATADG
Christein grew up in a dog-and-horse family, where early farm life instilled in her a deep respect and appreciation for animals and nature. She began grooming at a young age under mentorship and later learned proper handling and breed presentation through participation in the AKC dog show circuit.
While in tenth grade, Christein took a walk-in job at a high-volume grooming salon and quickly found her calling. After several months, she pursued formal training and certification through an internship, then spent two years traveling the grooming competition circuit, studying under industry icons and following the early GroomTeam movement. Using her remaining savings, she purchased her first grooming salon.
Over the next 36 years, Christein worked from her own salons, several veterinary clinics and corporate salons, continually refining her craft while developing a passion for learning, education and being part of industry advancement.
She expanded her studies into canine massage therapy, Reiki, acupressure, applied aromatherapy, flower essence therapy, and foundational Traditional Chinese Medicine, completing three years of hands-on apprenticeship in bodywork, energy work, and kinesiology.
Driven by her commitment to collaboration and professional growth, Christein founded the Wisconsin Association of Professional Pet Stylists (WAPPS), now the Wisconsin Pet Groomers Association (WPGA), to create networking and continuing education opportunities for groomers. She strongly advocates for collective advancement to elevate grooming as a respected career profession.
Christein regularly mentors stylists, offers hands-on seminars, and provides one-on-one training in breed grooming, applied technique, and certification preparation.
In 2021, she opened Sage Pet Grooming Academy in Mazomanie, Wisconsin, helping it become one of only four World Pet Association–credentialed post-secondary trade schools for pet grooming in the United States. She developed a rigorous testing and certification program for the Certified Master Pet Stylist designation and hosts annual educational seminars for association members. She also hosts the annual Pet Stylist Invitational, an independent trade show featuring advanced education and a three-tiered grooming competition.
Christein created GOOD KHARMA – Canine Spa Therapies & The Scentered Dog, a professional skin and coat care product line, along with her own Element Grooming Shears and a specialized line of Infinity stripping knives. She produces both hand-rendered and digital educational anatomy charts, including her complete Canine Reference Series.
Her work has earned multiple Cardinal Crystal Award nominations and, in 2021, a Barkleigh Honors Book of the Year nomination for the second edition of Caring For the Canine Coat.
Today, Christein is the only nationally accredited Holistic Animal Educator in her industry. She founded the Association of Holistic Pet Professionals/SHPS, and founded the original National Alliance of Grooming Associations, supporting collaboration and state association development nationwide.
Her largest project to date includes designing the Canine Esthetician certification course and its companion reference books, Caring For the Canine Coat and Pet Salon Therapeutics. She continues to expand on her learning and educating on canine dermatology for the pet salon. Chris has also created the Canine Esthetician Journal and the Mindful Groomer Series, all while developing numerous webinars, articles, and three additional books: Canine Massage for the Pet Stylist, The Tao of Grooming, and Creating the Complete Pet Spa.
Christein is a USA and IJA sanctioned competition judge, and a retired competitor. She previously served as State Director for the National Cavalier Rescue Trust and operated Windyway Cavaliers before retiring from breeding eight years ago. She remains active in canine rescue efforts, and recently launched Vintage Hearts Senior Rescue.
She holds a WPA-PGC, her National Master Grooming certification through both NDGAA and IPG and achieved her AKC Master Groomer certification through the AKC’s prestigious program.
Above all, Christein treasures her family—her three children and her dogs—and remains dedicated to serving the grooming profession she loves.
“It is my greatest blessing to provide for my family through work I love, to build lifelong friendships, and to share my life with so many pets.”
INDUSTRY AUTHOR, SPEAKER, EDUCATOR, MENTOR and INVENTOR :
Finer DeTails Pet Spa
Special Kneads Canine Massage
Sweetgrass Pet Wellness Center
Sage Pet Grooming Academy The Scentered Dog, products
Midwest Academy of Pet Styling Certified Canine Esthetician, course MiracleBath, product
WAPPS & WPGA- Founder The Mindful Groomer, book & class series GroomCrate, products
MPGA- Founder Caring For the Canine Coat, book Canine Spa Therapies, products
NAGA- Founder and Ambassador Creating the Complete Pet Spa, book ZenDenz, products
AHPP- Founder and Ambassador Canine Massage For the Pet Stylist, book TableHuggers, products
Holistic Grooming Quarterly- periodical The Essential Groomer, products ComfyThumb, product
The Tao of Grooming, book Element Shears & Infinity Stripping Knives, products
MY PET GROOMING INDUSTRY LIST OF CREDENTIALS IS DISCLOSED ON THE EDUCATION PAGE
