Our Team
Ariel
owner & groomer
Ariel started her grooming career 10+ years ago in Los Angeles, where she was formally trained in all breed cuts. She has brought a bit of her California style back to Virginia with her, being able to do a variety of Asian fusion styles as well as creative grooming. Hair dye and mohawks available on request! While Ariel likes to have fun with her grooming techniques, she also excels in traditional breed standard cuts. Ariel is trained to provide hand stripping as well, another service she is passionate about. Away from the salon, Ariel is enjoying her new East Coast life in Frederick, MD with her terrier mix Martin.
NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Kelsey
owner & manager
Born and raised in Vienna, Kelsey has always had a passion for animals. She was lucky to find her dream job over a decade ago, starting work at Vienna Pet Spaw when she was sixteen years old. Kelsey enjoys all aspects of managing the Spaw, whether it be behind the desk, at the tub, or at the grooming table. In her spare time, Kelsey volunteers at The Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Fostering sick animals and dogs with behavioral challenges has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life thus far. Kelsey lives in Reston with her husband Colby, and their four rescued fur babies, two pit bulls and two chihuahuas.
Carol
founder
Growing up in the area, Carol always knew that Vienna was a special place. After a variety of careers in other industries, she finally got the chance to chase her dream of opening her own pet business in 2008… and Vienna Pet Spaw was born! Certainly an act of passion, Carol has devoted every day since to her beloved clients, both dog and human. (The dogs are her favorite though!) Outside of her business, Carol loves spending time outdoors with her husband Mark. The couple love to stay active together biking and hiking any chance they get. The youngest of eight siblings, Carol also adores spending time with her family. Carol and Mark live in Herndon, shockingly with no pets of their own! She says she thinks of all her clients as her own pups, but we’re hoping someday we can convince her ;)
Elena
grooming team lead
Elena came to us years ago as a sixteen-year-old bather. Her passion for animals has grown along with her skill set! She learned from the best and now teaches our apprentices, and she has mastered all breed cuts, including hand stripping! Outside of work, Elena is involved in several different equestrian programs, including therapy riding for children and adults. She lives in Frederick, MD with her Bearded Dragon, Bobbi.
NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
Katie
groomer
Katie started her grooming career with us shortly after completing grooming school at the Virginia School of Pet Grooming. Starting first as a bather and then a full time groomer, Katie has developed her skills and passion for the craft. Over her 9+ years of hands-on grooming experience, Katie has become specialized in our salon’s most popular clientele… oodles of doodles! Outside of work, Katie loves chilling at the pool, kickboxing, and spending quality time with her three nieces and nephews and her Golden Retriever, Banks. Katie lives with her family in South Riding.
Sarah
groomer
Sarah joined our team in 2022 all the way from sunny Florida. Sarah is passionate about grooming and is so happy that she found a fulfilling career so early in life. She enjoys grooming all breeds but has a soft spot for Poodles and any haircut that includes bows. From a military family, Sarah has lived all over the place, but we are so happy she found her way to us. Sarah lives in Fairfax with her husband Nate and their two cats, Kili and Tauriel.
Nikkita
groomer
Nikkita has been with us since July 2023, training with Ariel and Elena before graduating as a Fear Free-certified groomer in April 2024. She loves all dogs, especially Pomeranians, Poodles, and any curly coats, and she’s excited to keep expanding her grooming skills! Nikkita lives in Alexandria.
Cecilia
apprentice groomer
Starting as a bather in November 2023, Cecilia has been training with Ariel and Elena as an apprentice groomer since the spring of 2024. Cecy is excited to start taking on her own clients as her skills grow, and right now her favorite breed to work with is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cecy lives in Falls Church with her husband Carlos and their two dogs, Sam and Lea.
Elena E.
assistant manager
Elena E. joined our team in January 2024, assisting Kelsey with the administrative side of the business. As a local dog sitter and walker, Elena is excited to keep working around dogs while she helps manage the Spaw. Elena lives in Vienna with her Labradoodle, Coco.
Jackie
bathing team lead
Jackie joined us in January 2024 and is a fantastic bathing team lead after working with dogs for 11 years. She supervises all of the bathing and drying in the back of the Spaw, making sure every bath is on track and every pup is having a positive experience. Her favorite dogs to see around the Spaw are terriers and large breeds. Jackie lives in Reston with her fiance.