Katie started grooming in 2007, where she met her husband, Nathan. She quickly fell in love with both. The pair realized grooming was their true passion, and in 2019 they opened their own salon. This is when "A Cut Above" was born. Katie and Nathan have two human kids, Owain and Isolde. They also share their home with many dog children, Georgette and  Champion Helios the standard poodles, Ronin the English cocker spaniel, Champion Friday and her puppy Disa the Scottish terriers, and Neptune the mini poodle. Katie became a National Certified Master Groomer in 2019, and two years later became the Vice President of the Scottish Terrier Club of Northern California. Kathlena and her husband welcomed their first litter of Scottish Terrier puppies into the world in summer of 2022. Although she won Best First Time Competitor at her very first grooming competition, her true love is in showing dogs in AKC conformation. In 2024 Katie won AKC Master Groomer of the year following in her husbands footsteps! This year they have also spent the year traveling and teaching new groomers. Katie loves expanding her knowledge of breed standards and dreams of someday winning at Westminster.  Katie's newest venture is becoming a certifier for AKC/NDGAA for the next generation of Master Certified Groomers.

Nathan has been grooming since 2007 and was the first of us to become a National Certified Master Groomer in 2017. Shortly after this already massive step in his career, Nathan jumped into competitive grooming. He won first place in poodles with a very hairy Georgette! This was just the beginning for Nathan. Nathan has won numerous first place placements, multiple group placements, A Best Overall Groomer in show award, and was nominated for Best Up and Coming Groomer of 2022! While competing has always been a dream of Nathan’s, he has been known to help in the ring for AKC conformation whenever his wife needs him. Both Nathan and Katie have mentored under Ann Martin and Nancy Han. They can do a multitude of breed specific grooms including show grooming for; English Cocker Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels, Scottish Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Poodles, Soft coated Wheaton Terriers, long haired and wired haired Dachshunds, Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Setters, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Wire Fox Terriers and Bedlingtons. In 2023 Nathan won the very first AKC Master Groomer of the year award for his outstanding skill. In 2024 Nathan won a Best in Show with his dog Helios and is now an AKC/NDGAA master groomer certifier. Nathan ended 2024 ranked 3rd in the entire country and is proudly on GROOM TEAM AMERICA which is the highest honor. Nathan And Kathlena have traveled all over the country teaching grooming but also have traveled around the world, so far teaching in Poland, Canada and New Zealand.

Kat's journey in the world of dog grooming began as a Junior Handler with her beloved Maltese, Lady Roxanne. Inspired by her passion for animals, she officially launched her grooming career in 2004. Kat achieved her National Master Groomer title in 2020 and is currently completing her AKC Master Grooming Certification.

On weekends, Kat actively participates in the AKC conformation ring, where she has successfully shown her two Bichon Frises, achieving AKC championships for both. Over the past two years, she has consistently ranked among the top 10 AKC owner-handled Bichons in the country, earning several Owner Handled Best in Show awards with her Bichon, Lumiere.

Kat lives with her daughter, Elinor, and their dogs, Pixel, Lumiere, and Tallulah. She aspires to establish a successful Bichon Frise breeding program and aims to compete at prestigious events such as the AKC National Championship and Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

With over 11 years of grooming experience, Ashley brings a deep passion and dedication to every pet she works with. One of her favorite parts of the job is introducing puppies to grooming, helping them feel comfortable and confident from their very first appointment.

Building strong, trusting relationships with the dogs she grooms is a priority for Ashley. She has a special place in her heart for pets that struggle with the grooming process — especially those who have been turned away from other salons. Her goal is always to provide a patient, positive experience, making every dog feel safe and loved.

While she loves grooming dogs of all shapes and sizes, some of her favorite breeds to work with are Pomeranians, Poodles, Bichons, Cavapoos, and Cockapoos. Ashley specializes in customizing haircuts to suit each dog’s unique features, enhancing their natural cuteness and charm.

Outside the salon, Ashley has competed in grooming competitions and dreams of one day owning a Bichon Frise. She is currently working toward becoming a Certified Master Groomer and is committed to continuing her education, perfecting breed-standard grooming techniques, and using her advanced skills to elevate every pet’s grooming experience.

Jeanette began her grooming career in 2022 and has been an integral part of the A Cut Above team ever since. With a passion for both grooming and canine structure, Jeanette is currently working toward her AKC Master Groomer certification and is already halfway through the program. She has also entered the competitive grooming ring, where she continues to grow her skills and sharpen her eye for detail. Jeanette shares her life with two dogs who play a major role in her grooming journey: Rune, a Wire Fox Terrier, and Lore, a Portuguese Water Dog. With Rune, she has gained experience in hand stripping and terrier grooming, and regularly presents her in AKC conformation. Lore, her curly-coated partner, has helped her master coat maintenance and grooming techniques specific to water dogs and working breeds. Both dogs actively compete in the conformation ring, giving Jeanette hands-on experience maintaining show-quality coats to breed standard. Her grooming style focuses on combining technical precision with a calm, stress-free experience for the dogs she works with. Jeanette believes that every dog, whether a champion in the ring or a beloved family pet, deserves to feel their best after a groom. Outside of grooming, Jeanette stays active in the world of dog sports and continues to expand her knowledge through workshops, seminars, and hands-on training. Her long-term goals include completing her AKC Master Groomer certification, competing at a national level, and continuing to develop her skills in both show and pet grooming.

Jazmyne began her career in animal care in 2019, working as a kennel assistant. This role sparked a deep passion for animals and inspired her to enroll in veterinary technology school. Through hard work and dedication she graduated with her degree in 2021. Eager to continue her education she took on a pet bather position at a grooming salon. Jazmyne fell in love with all things grooming, leading her to their current role as a grooming apprentice. In this position, Jazmyne is refining her skills in breed-specific cuts, skin and coat health, and client communication, with the goal of becoming a certified master groomer. Jazmyne has 3 cats she adores at home, and is a co-owner of a German shepherd mix. One day she hopes to own multiple dog breeds such as a poodle, Scottish terrier and a wired hair dachshund!