About Our Salon
At Good Vibrations we understand that grooming is not something that all dogs enjoy. It is our mission to make the process as comfortable and low stress as possible. Grooming is done by appointment only to minimize the amount of dogs in the salon at any given time. We take our time to keep your dog relaxed and use gentle handling techniques. Because we strive to keep things calm, if a dog becomes too fearful or aggressive we will ask that you pick them up. If you are worried that your dog may become anxious, feel free to schedule a meet and greet with one of our stylists! Consultation is free and can reduce the stress of that first appointment.
Our Team
Valerie Burke
Owner / Groomer
Valerie has worked in the pet industry since 2006. In 2008 she graduated from the Academy of Animal Arts in Dearborn, MI. Upon returning to Kitsap county, she has built a career in grooming. She is a regular attendant of the Northwest Grooming Show and has taken many certification courses to further her education. Valerie has completed her Advanced Professional Groomer certification through the IPG and is a current member of the NDGAA. Valerie takes pride in earning the trust of fearful dogs. At home, Valerie enjoys camping with her husband and two children. She also has a hound named Olive and two cats, Kirk and Watermelon.
Shepherd Calder
Groomer
Tasha Wood
Groomer
Tasha is a native resident of Kitsap County and has been working in the grooming industry since 2010. As part of her effort to continue her education she received her International Master Groomer Certification through IPG and has competed in multiple grooming competitions. This has led to multiple placements in the novice division including first place with an English Cocker Spaniel, twice! Outside of grooming Tasha has her BS in Environmental Science and a GIS Certificate. She is an active member of the Peninsula Dog Fanciers Club and spends her off time training her two miniature poodles, Pippin and Lyric, in obedience, rally, agility, lure coursing, and scentwork. When not at a dog show she enjoys spending time outdoors with her two pups, husband, and son.
Emily Johnson
Receptionist
Emily joined our team in November of 2023, taking a coveted role of receptionist! Being from the area, she spent almost two years working for the Kitsap Humane Society, where she found over 600 animals their forever homes and gained an abundance of animal knowledge. Emily has a passion for helping pets and their owners through challenging situations, educating people on animal behavior, and ending unethical animal breeding. She has three animals of her own, a senior cat named Lilly and two little rescue dogs named Banjo and Danny Jo (AKA The Jos). Emily is always excited to meet new faces and snouts and help you with whatever you need!
Shepherd is from Vashon Island and started his grooming journey back in the summer of 2019. He was a bather that showed great potential to learn and grow in the industry. Shepherd did take a break for a year but decided his love for grooming was too strong to ignore. He is very well experienced in a variety of breed cuts, and while he prefers working on larger dogs, he gives just as much love and care to the littles! Our team has a general love of all animals, and Shepherd is no exception. He currently lives with four cats, but his furever soulmate is a sweet black kitty named Wednesday.
Courtney Parker
Bather
Courtney has been such a delightful addition to our team! She has five years of experience working in vet clinics and three years working in doggy daycares. So we can say she’s an expert for sure! Courtney lives and breathes animals and tends to her horse in her off time. She has two children and two furbabies dogs as well! Port Orchard was where she grew up so you may recognize her if you’re a local! Courtney has the magic touch and even some of our grumpiest clients have melted in her hands. She’s a wonderful bather and helps everyone on our team.
April Neely
Receptionist
April joined our team as a receptionist in May 2024. Originally from southern California, she moved to the PNW to experience all the natural beauty that Washington has to offer, and to continue her work in conservation. April loves birding, gardening, making art, and exploring the natural world with her family, and her two spoiled rescue pups, Willy and Frog. She has a lot of love and compassion for All Things Dog and is ready to assist you and your precious pups on your next visit to GVG!