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 20 years. After a few
years I decided to change my career path to grooming and have been for the past
9 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.
My husband and I have a small farm in Rougemont with our cats, dogs and lots of
chickens. Besides tending to our little farm, my husband and I love traveling
with a few of our cats and going to cat shows. 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 11/11/26)
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. In 2023, I
joined the Elliotte's Pet Spa team and I have never looked back! I treasure all
the amazing connections I have made with my co-workers, clients, and most of
all, all my furry friends!!! At home, my husband, 2 amazing boys, and myself
have a golden retriever, 3 cats, a snake, and several chickens. But at work, all
of your fur babies are my fur babies as well!
(updated 11/11/26)
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
Seasonal Part
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 10/27/26)
Azzy
Full Time
Groomer
Growing up in a home filled with seven standard poodles, animals did not
just share my space - they taught me how to listen to a whole different
language. Over the last six years, working with pets has been far more than just
a career; it has been my calling. Every bark, quiet sign, and gentle interaction
tells a story, and I have made it my mission to provide patience and comfort
wherever it is needed most. My path began in doggy daycare, where I fell in love
with the daily energy and unique personalities of every pup. As I advanced, I
discovered my true passion: pet grooming. Grooming became my favorite way to
connect with, transform, and care for pets inside and out. Taking a leap of
faith, I recently moved from Mississippi to North Carolina to begin an exciting
new chapter, rekindling my spark and deepening my devotion to pet care. Thank
you for allowing me to build a safe haven where your furry family members can
feel secure, understood, and truly loved.
(updated 10/28/26)
Adrienne
Full Time
Groomer
My passion for pet care began in childhood, like many animal professionals.
Today, at 39, I balance life as a parent to a wonderful two-year-old toddler
alongside my fiancé, while dedicating my professional life to providing the
best possible care for my furry clients. My grooming career began over 20 years
ago. After an initial pet care role in Pennsylvania, I relocated to North
Carolina, where I was sponsored to attend grooming school. Over the past two
decades, I have gained extensive experience across corporate salons, private
shops, and veterinary hospitals. Today, I am proud to be back in a private salon
setting, caring for pets with the same dedication and love that started it all.
(updated 11/04/26)
