As Groom Curriculum’s IT & Workflow Automation Consultant, Dane Nelson ensures that our administrative operations and IT infrastructure run smoothly and securely behind the scenes. He applies his technical expertise to modernize and automate complex workflows, spanning from student enrollment to institutional reporting, making data management seamless for our staff and educational partners. Dane, through his company Apogee Systems, also guides Groom Curriculum’s long-term technology strategy, ensuring all of our systems communicate effortlessly with one another. With his strategic vision and problem-solving skills, he eliminates manual roadblocks for our team, building a strong, secure technical foundation that empowers Groom Curriculum to focus fully on its educational mission.
As Groom Curriculum’s Curriculum & Web Designer, Kira Mann ensures that everything from learning materials to the company’s website looks polished, professional, and on-brand. She applies her design expertise to make curriculum resources visually engaging and user-friendly for students and instructors alike. Kira also manages Groom Curriculum’s website design, shaping the look, feel, and accessibility of the online experience. With her creative eye and attention to detail, she makes a team of education creators look their best and transform complex material into professional, visually striking resources that reflect Groom Curriculum’s mission and values.
As Groom Curriculum’s Video Production Specialist, Zoey Greenberg ensures every piece of content is engaging, professional, and aligned with the company’s mission. She edits curriculum videos with precision, focusing on pacing, captions, and clarity to make lessons easy to follow and impactful for learners. Beyond editing, Zoey provides creative strategy, developing scripts, refining content flow, and giving the team ideas to ensure each video makes sense and connects with its audience. She also edits Groom Curriculum’s reels and social media content, helping the brand reach and engage learners across digital platforms. With her creativity and attention to detail, Zoey transforms raw content into polished, effective video experiences.
Emily Fuller brings Groom Curriculum’s brand to life across everything from presentations to merchandise. She designed the full look of Packinality and supports Groom Curriculum with PowerPoint decks, flyers, and other visual materials that keep the brand clear and consistent. Emily is also the creative mind behind Groom Curriculum’s merchandise, making sure every design feels modern, meaningful, and true to the mission. With a sharp design eye and a strong grasp of the brand’s identity, she helps the team look polished, professional, and connected to the community it serves.
As Sales Lead, Colin Montag advances Groom Curriculum’s presence across institutions, schools, and workforce training centers as well as salons from national franchises to mom-and-pop shops. He represents Groom Curriculum at conferences and in onsite or virtual meetings, qualifies opportunities, and aligns stakeholders around the right training pathway through LEAD and RAP. Colin leads a disciplined, institution-ready sales process building pipeline, running discovery and demos, shaping clear proposals, coordinating terms, and delivering a clean handoff to onboarding and instructor success. His clear communication, reliable follow-through, and modern tooling help colleges and workforce centers implement programs that strengthen skills, improve safety, and elevate outcomes. Ultimately making high-quality dog groomer education more accessible, helping address the grooming talent shortage, and supporting livable-wage career pathways.
As Groom Curriculum’s Learning Experience Advisor, Carla Daugherty ensures students and instructors have the support they need for a seamless classroom experience. She delivers live instruction on durable skills, fosters positive classroom culture, and provides real-time support to instructors during virtual sessions. Carla also manages student enrollment and scheduling, making sure every learner is welcomed, prepared, and set up for success. Carla works closely with Vice President Patricia Pierce to align instructional strategy, strengthen classroom engagement, and support instructors with coaching and professional development. She also plays a vital role in tracking student progress and classroom dynamics, logging key data and feedback that inform program improvements. Dedicated, detail-oriented, and student-focused, Carla helps bring Groom Curriculum’s mission to life by ensuring every class runs smoothly and every learner feels supported.
As Director of Operations, Rachel Colant ensures Groom Curriculum runs seamlessly across both college partnerships and its growing online education programs. She oversees internal systems, marketing, and brand voice while leading affiliate partnerships, enrollment funnels, and outreach campaigns. Rachel also sources and qualifies instructors for all programs, preparing them for success before they transition to “Aunt Patty” for curriculum training and classroom readiness. A second-generation groomer, Rachel blends her industry expertise with operational leadership to support Groom Curriculum’s growth across multiple platforms. She drives online education opportunities for salons and individuals, manages digital engagement, and ensures that programs are executed smoothly from instructor onboarding to student enrollment. Her work strengthens Groom Curriculum’s impact and positions it as the trusted standard for grooming education.
As Co-Founder and Vice President of Groom Curriculum, Patricia Pierce is the architect behind the curriculum and the guiding force of student success. She oversees program design, delivery, and instructor development, ensuring every course reflects Groom’s mission and meets the highest educational standards. Patricia also serves as the main point of contact for colleges and learners, helping institutions implement Groom Curriculum smoothly from enrollment through graduation. Widely known as “Aunt Patty,” she is celebrated for creating empowering classroom cultures where students thrive. Patricia gives learners the tools, confidence, and trade skills to earn a living and transform their futures through grooming. With more than 30 years of experience in instruction and curriculum development, she blends expertise with care, ensuring Groom Curriculum not only teaches but changes lives.
President and Founder of Groom Curriculum, Sierra Elbert sets the vision and drives the strategy that positions Groom Curriculum as the leader in dog grooming education. She builds national and global partnerships, guides product development, and ensures every initiative reflects the company’s mission to elevate standards and expand access to professional training. Sierra leads with both authority and collaboration. While she provides the big-picture direction, she thrives on growing her team, encouraging bold ideas, and giving them the space to shine. She believes the best results come from collective brilliance, and her leadership style empowers her team to bring their expertise forward and make it happen. At the same time, Sierra stays close to the work she loves. Whether it’s helping a college implement a dog grooming curriculum, supporting a salon through the Lead program, or guiding a team in the Registered Apprenticeship Program, chances are you’ll work directly with her. She is a president who combines vision, strength, and passion with hands-on involvement and a deep commitment to her team’s success.