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.
Tasha Wood
Groomer
Kelsey Sponholz
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.
Kelsey started her grooming journey in her home state of Wisconsin in 2019 as a bather. She enjoyed working with dogs so much she continued grooming throughout college. Throughout the years, she’s continued her grooming education by attending the All American Grooming Show for a plethora of classes including Skin and Coat Care and Handling Fearful Dogs. Kelsey enjoys making a connection with all of her furry clients and helping them become more comfortable with the grooming process. Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys hanging with her pup, Watson, and playing computer games.
Angie King
Groomer
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.
Brandon Franz
Receptionist
Coming soon... :)
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!
Brandon joined the front desk at GVG at the beginning of September 2024, and is the newest face on the team! He has lived all over Washington throughout his life, trying out different little pockets of this and that along the way. Brandon has a unique background with animals, having worked in both the Humane Society and at a local vet clinic, a grooming salon just seemed like the next logical choice!
A self proclaimed Friend of the Fur, Brandon and his wife Benise have 3 pets currently: a cat named Bubblegum, a cat named Bud, and a dog named Loka-Moose! In his free time Brandon enjoys going on quiet backroad drives with his wife, wrestling his pets, online video games, and streaming himself playing said video games on Twitch. The next time you are in say hello!