The TruNorth Cup - Christmas Canadian Pet Expo

Irina Pinkusevich

Cup Head Judge · International Master Groomer

Known worldwide as "the voice of experience," Irina Pinkusevich has built a career few can rival. Ukrainian-born and based in Florida, she is a Certified Master Groomer, breeder, educator, and international judge who has earned the respect of the industry on every continent she works on. As a competitor she has won at the highest levels across the United States; as a breeder she has taken top honours in some of the most demanding show rings in the world; and as an instructor she is renowned for distilling decades of hands-on knowledge into clear, practical lessons that groomers of every level can apply the next day at the table. Sought after by organizations across North America, Europe and Asia for her fair, precise and encouraging judging style, Irina brings a lifetime of passion for the craft — and a deep love for terriers, particularly the Kerry Blue — to the TruNorth Cup panel.

• ★Certified Master Groomer · International judge
• ★Award-winning breeder & handler (Kerry Blue Terrier specialist)
• ★Multi-time champion on the U.S. competition circuit
• ★Featured educator at Artero Grooming Slam & global grooming events

Blake Hernandez

Poodle & Pattern Judge · NCMG · AKC Certifier

Bold, brilliant and impossible to miss, Blake Hernandez is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer and a Certifier for the American Kennel Club whose signature poodle work has earned him a global following. Blake is the inventor of the MeasureMate — a training tool designed to teach groomers balance and symmetry at the table — and has designed a full line of shears for Foxy Roxy's Supply Co. A seven-time Barkleigh Honors winner from more than 30 career nominations, he has judged and certified dogs from Australia to Cyprus and everywhere in between, known for flashy retro poodle styles, technical precision and an even flashier personality. Blake brings that same energy — and a deep commitment to grooming education — to the TruNorth Cup panel.

• ★Nationally Certified Master Groomer (NCMG)
• ★AKC Certifier · International judge (Australia to Cyprus)
• ★7× Barkleigh Honors winner (30+ nominations)
• ★Inventor of the MeasureMate · Foxy Roxy's shear designer

Nancy Bryson

Master Groomer · Industry Pioneer · Brand Ambassador

With a career spanning over five decades, Nancy Bryson is a cornerstone of the Canadian grooming industry. Since beginning her journey in 1974, Nancy has been a tireless advocate for professional standards and continuing education, pioneering educational initiatives for groomers across Canada since the mid-1980s. A founding member and three-time past President of the Ontario Dog Groomers Association (ODGA), she also served as former 1st Vice President and 2nd President of Groom Team Canada. Undefeated across Terrier, Sporting, and Creative grooming categories at all competition levels, Nancy has been an esteemed judge since 1993. Today she serves as a Brand Ambassador and product development consultant for Wahl Canada and Opawz.

• ★50+ year grooming career — judging since 1993
• ★Founding member & 3x past President, ODGA
• ★Former 1st VP & 2nd President, Groom Team Canada
• ★Brand Ambassador for Wahl Canada & Opawz

Michell Evans

The Grooming Tutor · Multi-Best in Show Groomer · International Judge

Michell Evans — better known as The Grooming Tutor — has been educating groomers since 2000 and is the creator of the acclaimed 12 Step Method that revolutionized speed grooming with style. A second-generation groomer who grew up on Yorkshire Terriers in her family's kennel and salon, Michell is a multi-Best in Show and Best All Around winning stylist, a former GroomTeam USA member (2009–2013), and a hand-stripping medalist on the U.S. team in international competition. She is a Certified Master Groomer through NDGAA, IPG, and ISCC, a four-time Groomer to Groomer cover star, the 2011 Barkleigh Honors Competitive Groomer of the Year, and a sought-after judge, demonstrator and educator at trade shows around the world.

• ★Creator of the 12 Step Method · GroomingTutor.com
• ★Multi-Best in Show & Best All Around winning groomer
• ★GroomTeam USA 2009–2013 · International medalist
• ★NDGAA, IPG & ISCC Certified Master Groomer
• ★2011 Barkleigh Honors Competitive Groomer of the Year

TBA

Sporting Group Judge

Featured judge to be announced.