Meet Our Board

Gabriela Rudnick, President

Born and raised in the grooming industry, grooming has always been my dream. To my parent's demise, after obtaining a degree in Economics from JMU (go dukes!) and working two years as an international tax specialist, I decided to leave the accounting industry to follow my passion. Bringing my business knowledge to the table, combined with my love for the industry, I stepped into the family business located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I am a teacher, groomer, and competitor. As the granddaughter of the founder of the original Virginia Groomers Association, founded in 1987, it is a full-circle experience for me to lead the Virginia Professional Pet Groomers Association. I am excited to see what the future has in store!

Tosha Thompson, Vice President & Secretary

Tosha has over 20 years experience in the animal industry as both a Licensed Veterinary Technician and an International Certified Groomer. She is also an international award winning competitive groomer with a passion for sharing and increasing education with fellow groomers. She currently owns and operates Rufflections Pet Grooming.

  • Grayson Robertson

    Treasurer

    Coming Soon!

  • Guzal Adekoje

    Education Chairwoman

    Guzal Adekoje is the owner of a mobile pet grooming company and upscale grooming salon in Northern Virginia, USA. Originally from Uzbekistan, she found her destiny in the United States in 2003, when she moved with just one suitcase and $200 in her pocket. Not knowing even one person in a new country she built herself up to become a well-known business owner, groomer and speaker in the USA. Guzal is a multiple international award-winning pet stylist, national certified groomer and AKC certified dog groomer who competes in the grooming contests in the USA and abroad. Her most recent international dog grooming competition was in Barcelona, Spain in November 2023 where she took silver in a huge international class competing with groomers from Korea, China, Spain, UK, France, Amsterdam and other countries. She is a well-rounded groomer and earned multiple awards in poodle class, all other pure breeds, sporting, handstripping and freestyle classes. She is an open level competitor with a lot of knowledge ready to share. Guzal loves to learn and teach. She continuously improves her skills and shares her knowledge with others. Guzal has a very giving personality and loves helping people and animals.

    In addition to being a groomer, Guzal is also a very talented and experienced teacher. Her passion is in developing methodology that makes learning easy and fun. She believes that NOT all fits all. Guzal has developed multilevel grooming educational courses to accommodate all students with different skill levels and learning styles. Her hands on educational program focuses on individualized approach. She offers small group classes, private lessons, seminars and webinars.

    She has degrees in teaching and global affairs with a concentration in business. In the past she worked both with kids and college students. She says her passion is in grooming, her love is in teaching and her head is in business.

    Guzal recently launched her own line of scissors, tools, accessories and grooming apparel LaFursion. Guzal is a very fashionable groomer. She believes that groomers are artists and deserve to look and feel great while creating their masterpieces. LaFurion is a line that not only quality, but it is uniquely designed to make groomers feel special while working

  • Stephanie Wasser

    Membership Chairwoman

    My Life started in Fairfax, but I was raised, in the Mountains (Fluvanna). To later Settle by the Ocean! Taking full advantage of Virginia’s beauty! I’m local to Norfolk, by attending ODU. During my time there, I dual majored in Business Administration, Accounting, and Minored in Biology. Grooming was taught to me early, growing up in an AKC home. My first ring appearance was at 10, and grooming, in childhood, was just part of showing. I started working for professional handlers at 12. Handling throughout college. It wasn’t till 2018, I realized grooming, could be my career! Ever since, I’ve been in love with our industry. Completely obsessed, in 2021, Twisted Tailz Mobile Pet Spa became the result! My life has been nothing but adventure; backpacking, dogsledding, Art, and Travel. Just to name a few! And I’m excited my next Adventure is with the VPPGA!