Our team are among the most talented in the business.
It would be our pleasure to put our extensive experience to work
for you and your pet.
Elliotte Groomer/Owner
I have had a passion for animals my entire life. I can't remember a time growing up that we did not have some type of pet in our home.
When I was in school I wanted to be a marine biologist, but my passion and love for dogs and cats took me in a totally different direction.
I was fortunate enough to have parents that supported my dog habit and allowed me to have a kennel and show in junior handler ship. I showed and raised rough coat collies for several years.
I started my first job working with pets in 1981 and from there it has done nothing but flourish. I showed canines, and felines both. During this time, I continued my path as a dog groomer.
Back when I first started all my training was done by mirror imaging. My instructor would groom one side and I would have to duplicate the other. I have continued my education over the years.
I have worked in both small shops, veterinarian practices, and corporate stores, and with that I have never lost sight of my love for the family pet.
I judged for The International Cat Association for over 5 years, which required me being away from home 2 to 3 weekends a month.
When I opened Elliotte's Pet Spa & Salon in 2009, it was my goal to extend my love and passion to my customers and their fur babies.
We have continued to grow over the past 8+ years but have been able to sustain our family feel. I take pride in the quality of work and our customer service, and therefore it has been challenging
at times to hire additional staff due to the high standards and expectations I have of them. I feel I have a great team with over 60+ years of combined experience and love. (updated 06/30/18)
James Manning Salon Manager/Receptionist
In the 50 plus years that I've been around, a lot of things have changed in the world but, one thing that has remained the same since day one is my love for animals.
I can't remember a time that I haven't had a Dog or Cat in my life. And my passion for animals isn't just limited to dogs and cats.
I've have just about everything over the years, birds, horses, saltwater and freshwater fish, reptiles, rabbits...the list goes on and on.
Through the years I've had several jobs that I've enjoyed. Landscaping, Bartending, Pharmaceutical Quality Inspector to name a couple.
But, the most enjoyable has been here working at Elliotte's. Between jobs, I came to work with my partner (Elliotte), almost 7 years ago and never left.
Why would I? We have awesome customers, and I enjoy the time that I get to spend with them. Best of all I get to play with some pretty awesome dogs and cats on a daily basis. (updated 06/30/18)
Linda Duffey Bather/Grooming Assistant
I have worked with dogs and cats for over 30 years in both Florida and North Carolina.
I find it very rewarding working with and getting to know each individual pet. I know pets can sometimes be nervous and uncomfortable at the groomers, I like it when I can connect with a
Pet in a compassionate and loving way and make them feel at ease. It is a rewarding experience for both of us. I now have the time to devote to doing things that I love, and I am hoping to learn to become an experienced groomer.
I am the mother of one grown daughter who is about to become a first time mother herself.
I look forward to meeting everyone at working with your babies. (updated 04/25/19)
Jenna Dearr Full Time Groomer
I have always had a passion for animals since I was a child. I have always loved being around
animals. My first job working with them was at a local animal hospital where I ended up meeting
my husband Charles who also has the same passion for animals and has worked in the vet field
for 14 years. After a few years I decided to change my career path to grooming and have been
for the past 3 years. I absolutely love it! I strive to build a relationship with my clients and their
fur babies and get to know them to give them both the best experience. Me and my husband
recently got married and bought our first home. We have a small farm in Rougemont with our 5
cats, 2 dogs, and lots of chickens and ducks. I am looking forward to meeting you and your fur
baby and doing my best to provide the best groom possible in a friendly low stress environment. (updated 03/09/20)
Noelle Groomer
I've been around animals my whole life and knew I wanted to work with them in some way but wasn't sure what route to take.
Then, in 2014, I applied for a cashier job at a large pet store and was offered the position of dog bather instead.
I accepted of course and I've been in the industry ever since! In 2016, my husband and I welcomed our first child (a little boy) into the world!
We quickly realized we needed to make some adjustments to our lifestyle. So, in 2017, I learned the trade of grooming.
Soon after, I realized, this is it! This is my passion! I can't imagine doing anything else!
I love getting to know my clients and most of all, thier fur babies!
In 2019, we had our second child (another little boy) and I made another slight change in my career.
Starting in 2020, I began grooming at a vetinary clinic and for 2.5 years, I got the chance to further my knowledge and understanding of the pets I work with.
Now, as of 2023, I'm so excited to join this amazing group of people here at Elliotte's pet spa and work alongside of like minded people that share the same love and passion as myself!
At home, my husband/partner in crime since 2009, our two incredible boys, and myself have 4 cats, a golden retrieve, 3 mini chickens, and a snake.
But at work, all your fur babies will become my babies as well! (updated 03/14/23)
Jennifer Mathis Remote Receptionist
As a child, I always enjoyed being around animals and have such a passion for them still.
My dream growing up was to become a marine biologist but my adult life never steered me in that direction.
Now, my husband and I would love to be able to have a farm one day with horses and cattle especially but I wouldn't be opposed to ALL the critters (LOL).
We have 3 children and currently have 2 Great Danes, 3 Sphynx, 1 Domestic shorthair kitty and 1 Domestic longhair kitty;
needless to say that there is never a dull moment in our household. I have never had the opportunity to work in the pet industry until now
but I am so excited to be able to provide our clients with the best possible customer experience.
(updated 7/16/24)
Lizzie Receptionist
As a Durham native, I am proud to call the Bull City home. My wife and I - along with our 10-year-old "puppy", Willow - currently live just down the street in my wife's childhood home.
Throughout my career in restaurant service, speech therapy, and the local art scene, one thing has remained constant: my passion for brightening someone's day (human or animal!) through warm, personalized care.
When I'm not at the spa, you'll likely find me with my wife and "Willow-Boo" foraging along the Eno River, needle-felting mushrooms, practicing Zentangle, or catching live music - usually featuring my wife, who is a local rock star if I do say so myself!
I am so excited to get to know this community of neighbors and furry friends. I look forward to supporting the team here and continuing the excellent care you and your four-legged companions expect at Elliotte's
(updated 12/16/25)
Al Full Time Groomer
Al has had a passion for animals their whole life, and has worked in the pet care industry for 10 years. Starting with dog walking, pet sitting, doggy daycare and boarding, and working in an upscale pet food store, grooming was the end goal.
Al has been grooming professionally for the past 3 years. There is nothing more valuable to them than the bond they get to form with every single dog that they get the privilege of working on.
Al and their wife Sadie are pet parents to one dog, Foxy, and four cats, Sisyphus, Percy, Bubba, and Lil Mama. When Al isn't grooming your pups, they can be found in nature or in their craft room.
(updated 06/10/26)
Macy Kretlow Full Time Groomer
Macy & Sir Blue here!
I'm a young, aspiring, "creative pet groomer". I've always loved art and being able to express myself creatively.
I'm so grateful to be able to make a career out of doing what I love most!
I found out grooming was my niche on our family pups during Covid, and then started in 2021.
When we were all stuck inside, I had the internet at the palm of my hands, and was inspired to recreate the adorable haircuts that I had seen online.
Since then I became a certified professional pet stylist in 2024.
I absolutely love being a pet stylist!
And when in doubt put a bow on it! (updated 06/30/26)
Erica Chrismon Full Time Groomer
Meet Erica
My journey in pet grooming began at just 13 years old with something simple: a deep love for animals and the desire to help them.
As a kid, I noticed a few neighborhood cats who were extremely dirty and covered in mats. In my young mind, there was only one solution - I had to help.
Armed with my dad's clippers and a whole lot of confidence, I attempted my first grooming project.
Shortly after, animal control was called because several cats looked like they were losing their fur.
The neighborhood thought there had been a mange outbreak...
but the truth was much less dramatic - it was just a determined kid trying to save the day.
That moment sparked something that would become my lifelong passion. The owner of the local animal shelter recognized my love and dedication to animals
and gave me the opportunity to volunteer, where I learned the proper techniques and care behind professional grooming.
I have now been professionally grooming for 13 years, and my passion continues to grow every single day.
I graduated from Paragon School of Pet Grooming at the top of my class
and continued my education through their Pet Stylist program, specializing in creative grooming and breed-specific styling.
To me, grooming is about so much more than making pets look beautiful - it's about trust, patience, and creating a positive experience.
Every pet who comes through my door is treated like my own, with gentle hands, a calm approach, and plenty of love.
You may even catch me giving your pup a little kiss on the nose... it's just part of my grooming routine.
I have a special passion for the nervous, anxious, and misunderstood pets - the ones who need someone willing to slow down, listen, and earn their trust.
This love for helping animals feel safe led me to become Fear Free Certified.
My goal is simple: to make every pet feel comfortable, cared for, and confident while helping them look their very best.
I can't wait to meet you and your fur babies and become someone they look forward to seeing. (updated 07/02/26)
