Administrative Assistant & Senior Pet Wellness Mentor

Alyssa Lion

Administrative Assistant, Senior Groomer, Mentor & Pet Wellness Educator

Pittsburgh, PA - 412-***-**** - *********@*****.*** Professional Summary

20+ years of client relationship management. 5+ years of processing sensitive client information while maintaining IRS compliance protocol. Experienced grooming professional and mentor with 13+ years of expertise in dog and cat grooming along with pet health education. Highly skilled in translating grooming and pet-health knowledge to diverse audiences, including students, groomers, and clients. Excels in high-stressed environments with sound judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to animal wellness with empathy and care. Trusted advisor to clients and peers, with a strong ability to adapt instruction to meet individual learning styles, pet needs, and business objectives.

● Grooming Instruction and Mentorship

● Core Competencies

● Special Needs & Senior Pet Accommodation

● Behavioral Observation & Risk Awareness

● Process Adherence & Documentation

● Schedule & Time Management

● Client Trust & Relationship Management

● Dog & Cat Health & Wellness Awareness

● Technical Translation for Non-Groomers

● Nutritional & Skin/Coat Health Knowledge

Professional Experience

Self-Employed - Professional Dog & Cat Groomer

Pittsburgh, PA

Deliver full-service grooming for diverse pets, including those with medical, behavioral, mobility, and breed-specific needs. Serve as a trusted advisor on pet wellness beyond grooming, including nutrition, skin and coat health, aging, and early concern recognition. Customize grooming methods to safely support pets with unique physical or behavioral needs while maintaining efficiency. Manage scheduling, pricing, documentation, and client communication for independent grooming business. Apply ongoing learning in grooming techniques, pet health, and safety best practices. Professional Groomer and Salon Operations Manager -Private Grooming Salon Pittsburgh, PA

Provided full-service grooming for dogs and cats while adhering to consistent quality, safety, and sanitation standards. Supported, assisted and trained fellow groomers and interns by sharing handling techniques, workflow efficiencies, and best practices. Built strong rapport with clients through professional communication and dependable results. Advised owner on hiring staff and safety grooming protocols. Mediated complex client and staff situations with active listening and provided mutual, beneficial solutions.

Senior Pet Stylist, Trainer & Store Associate - PetSmart Pittsburgh, PA

Delivered grooming services aligned to breed and salon standards while prioritizing pet comfort, stress awareness, and safety. Trained and mentored grooming trainees on salon policies, haircut techniques, animal handling, safety protocols, and professional conduct. Supported store operations including scheduling, client check-in/out, phone support, and retail assistance. Acted as a knowledgeable point of contact for both grooming staff and customers, contributing to improved customer experience and team capability.

Administrative & Operational Experience - BPA; Metro Benefits, Inc. Pittsburgh, PA

Supported leadership while maintaining accuracy and discretion with documentation, reporting, client communications, facilitated participant 401k loans, staff record maintenance, accounts payable, and client compliance testing. Strengthened skills in structured processes, written communication, and professional judgment.

Education & Certifications

● Pet Stylist Certificate, PetSmart Grooming Academy - Pittsburgh, PA

● Pet Grooming Certificate, Penn Foster Career School (Online)

● Associate Degree, Specialized Business - Office Administration, Bradford Business School

● High School Diploma, Specialized Business, Carrick High School

● Certified Microsoft Office Specialist

● PA Certification of Proficiency: Writing, Mathematics & Reading Mentorship & Professional Strengths

● •Mentor & Instructor: Trains groomers at all skill levels with clear, constructive feedback.

● Continuous Learner: Ongoing focus on pet health, nutrition, and grooming advancements. Trusted Advisor: Frequently relied on for guidance beyond grooming.

● Adaptable & Detail-Focused: Tailors approaches to individual student, client, and pet needs.

● Sound Judgment: Knows when to adjust methods or escalate concerns. References

Available upon request

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