Team
Pooch Parlor
Meet Nicole, the Owner of Pooch Parlor
Nicole Doherty is the founder and creative vision behind Pooch Parlor, Westchester’s premier luxury pet grooming brand. With a passion for high-end design and elevated pet care, she has redefined the grooming experience by blending exceptional service with a sophisticated, wellness-focused aesthetic. Nicole oversees brand development and the creation of innovative services—including one-on-one grooming, cage-free comfort, and specialty pampering treatments—all in an elevated setting.
Nicole has been a lifelong dog lover. After earning her degree in Liberal Arts from NYU, she followed her passion and enrolled in the American Academy of Dog Grooming in New York City in 2013. Since then, she has built a thriving career in the grooming industry, reflected in the successful companies she has developed over the past six years.
Under her leadership, Pooch Parlor has expanded from a small operation into a full lifestyle destination for pets and their owners. Her newest project in Sleepy Hollow, with a projected opening of March 2026, continues this vision, offering an immersive environment where dogs receive the same quality, comfort, and attention that humans expect in luxury spaces. Known for her eye for detail and deep love for animals, Nicole is committed to raising the standard of grooming throughout Westchester and beyond.
Meet Dannie, Director of Operations & Professional Groomer
Dannie has seven years of grooming experience and has worked with animals since she was 17, beginning her career as a dog walker, then gaining hands-on veterinary experience before entering the grooming field. Over the past five years, she has attended multiple national grooming expos, earning numerous grooming certifications, as well as a dog training certification. She specializes in poodles, doodles, senior pets, high-anxiety dogs, breed-standard grooming, de-shedding, and creative grooming. Her calm, confident energy and strong understanding of canine behavior help even the most nervous dogs feel secure.
Dannie brings a blend of artistry and advocacy to her work, always prioritizing coat health, comfort, and individualized care. She has proudly been part of the Pooch Parlor family for over four years and also serves as our Director of Operations, with a focus on continuing education for our staff, supporting the team, and ensuring exceptional service.
Meet Dominique, Professional Groomer
Dominique has been a valued member of the Pooch Parlor team for nearly two and a half years. Before joining us, she worked at a local animal shelter, giving her extensive experience handling dogs of all breeds and temperaments. Her passion for animal rescue now shines through in her grooming, where she brings compassion, patience, and a calming presence to every dog. Dominique excels with nervous or previously sheltered pets, helping them feel safe and cared for during their visit. She brings enthusiasm, reliability, and a strong work ethic to the team and is always willing to help wherever she’s needed. Loved by clients and staff alike, Dominique is an integral part of our grooming family.
Meet Jen
Jen brings many years of experience in the restaurant and service industry, giving her a friendly, warm, and highly professional presence at Pooch Parlor. She became a groomer because of her deep connection with animals, and she loves combining creativity with compassion to help pets look and feel their best. Her gentle demeanor makes her especially gifted with puppies, easing their nerves and helping them build positive grooming experiences from the start. Jen enjoys the challenge of working with different breeds and personalities and values the trusting relationships she forms with both pets and their owners. Her work style, attention to detail, and dedication to exceptional service perfectly align with our luxury brand. Making animals happy brings her genuine joy and purpose, and we are lucky to have her on our team.
Meet Emma
Emma has been a valued member of the Pooch Parlor team for about a year and a half, and in that time she has quickly become one of our top groomers on staff. Mentored closely by Dannie, our Operations Director, she has developed exceptional technical skills, an artistic eye, and a strong talent for style, symmetry, and specialized Asian Fusion grooming. Emma is always excited to learn new creative grooming techniques and continuously works to elevate her craft.
Her ability to read canine body language allows her to work confidently with all temperament types, including anxious pups and senior dogs, while maintaining a gentle, compassionate approach. She regularly handles complex coat types such as Poodles, Bichons, and large double-coated breeds, and she holds a Barkleigh dog-handling certification. Emma is currently working toward becoming a fully certified cat groomer in the near future, and her passion, kindness, and dedication make her a favorite among both clients and their pets.
Meet Connor, Professional Groomer
Connor has been a dedicated member of the Pooch Parlor team for over four years, bringing with him more than a decade of hands-on experience working with dogs. His background includes professional dog training and canine handling in a busy daycare environment, giving him a deep understanding of dog behavior, communication, and comfort. Known for his calm, patient approach, Connor specializes in grooming double-coated breeds—a niche he has truly mastered. His technique focuses on maintaining coat health, managing heavy shedding, and creating beautiful, breed-appropriate finishes that keep dogs looking and feeling their best. Whether he’s working with a nervous pup or a high-maintenance coat, Connor’s steady demeanor and expert skill ensure every dog receives exceptional care. His passion for grooming and commitment to quality make him an invaluable part of our team and a favorite among clients.
Meet Cassidy
Cassidy has three years of hands-on experience and began her career through a Pooch Parlor apprenticeship, later expanding her skills through classes at multiple grooming expos. She specializes in Pomeranians, Golden Retrievers, and Bernedoodles, and focuses on creating a safe, gentle, and positive experience for every dog. Her approach is rooted in patience, compassionate handling, and helping even nervous pups feel comfortable in her care. Growing up surrounded by dogs, Cassidy always knew she wanted a career working with animals, and she brings an enthusiastic, sparkling personality that instantly puts both pets and owners at ease. Her friendly communication style and warm energy make her a favorite among clients. When she’s not grooming, she enjoys spending time with her adorable pug, Stella.
Meet Grace, Assistant to the Director of Operations
Grace is the Assistant to the Director of Operations at Pooch Parlor, the family business her mother built with love. She has been around dogs her entire life and officially joined the team in 2019. With certificates from grooming shows and a degree in Political Science and Psychology, Grace brings a unique blend of knowledge, leadership, and heart to her role. Her three rescue Mastiffs inspire her daily to care for every pet with the same warmth and dedication she gives her own. Grace’s goal at Pooch Parlor is simple yet powerful: to ensure every dog feels safe, loved, and truly part of the family. Her compassion, professionalism, and calm confidence make her an essential part of our team and a trusted presence for both pets and their owners.
Meet Nicole
Nicole Doherty is the founder and creative vision behind Pooch Parlor, Westchester’s premier luxury pet grooming brand. With a passion for high-end design and elevated pet care, she has redefined the grooming experience by blending exceptional service with a sophisticated, wellness-focused aesthetic. Nicole oversees brand development and the creation of innovative services—including one-on-one grooming, cage-free comfort, and specialty pampering treatments—all in an elevated setting.
Nicole has been a lifelong dog lover. After earning her degree in Liberal Arts from NYU, she followed her passion and enrolled in the American Academy of Dog Grooming in New York City in 2013. Since then, she has built a thriving career in the grooming industry, reflected in the successful companies she has developed over the past six years.
Under her leadership, Pooch Parlor has expanded from a small operation into a full lifestyle destination for pets and their owners. Her newest project in Sleepy Hollow, with a projected opening of March 2026, continues this vision, offering an immersive environment where dogs receive the same quality, comfort, and attention that humans expect in luxury spaces. Known for her eye for detail and deep love for animals, Nicole is committed to raising the standard of grooming throughout Westchester and beyond.
Meet Josh
Josh is one of Pooch Parlor’s most trusted team members and has been with the company for five years. With more than 12 years of hands-on dog experience—including rescue work and daycare management—he brings deep knowledge, compassion, and confidence to every grooming appointment. Known for his lighthearted, funny personality, Josh creates an easy, positive experience that both dogs and their owners genuinely love. As Pooch Parlor’s very first employee, he has played a key role in shaping the culture and standards that define the brand today. Always willing to lend a helping hand, Josh is a supportive coworker and an integral part of the team.
