About The Instructors
Irina “Pina” Pinkusevich found her calling as a dog groomer after immigrating from Ukraine in 1989 and working part-time as a bather. She honed her skills at some of New York’s finest grooming salons before stepping into the competitive grooming scene in 2006. Pina quickly made a name for herself, winning prestigious titles like Best In Show, Best All Around Groomer, the Lynne Carver Award (twice), and the Liz Paul Memorial Award. She also triumphed at the Winner’s Circle Jackpot in 2011 and earned the World Dog Show’s World Champion Award. From 2008 to 2013, Pina was a proud member of GroomTeam USA, competing internationally and helping her team win a Silver and two Gold medals.
Beyond her achievements in grooming, Pina is celebrated as a judge, instructor, and speaker. In 2014, she was honored with the Cardinal Crystal Award for Judge of the Year and the Barkleigh Honors Award for Up & Coming Speaker of the Year. As a National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) with the National Dog Groomers of America, she also served as a Certifier for many years.
Pina’s passion for education brings her around the world for conferences, seminars, and workshops, including the PM Mastery Series with Ann Martin. In 2021, she launched Niira to provide top-notch, affordable grooming tools. Her journey with Groom Haüs began at its inception, and in 2024, she officially joined as Education Director and co-owner.
Pina is also deeply involved with Kiyara Poodles, Kerryfield Kennels, and Krizma Kennels, where she has bred and co-owned numerous champion Poodles and Kerry Blue Terriers. Her dedication to excellence and education has made her a beloved, well-known, and respected figure in the grooming community for good reason.
Jayson Batista Matias aka “Jay Batista” is a distinguished stylist and expert in pet grooming, celebrated for his exceptional skills in the art of transformation and well known for his adorable Asian Fusion trims. Born in Puerto Rico, his reputation has transcended borders, bringing his talent to clients worldwide, while also serving as a brand ambassador for respected grooming industry brands Hydra, Hydra Puerto Rico, Alpha Grooming Products, and Furmade.
Jay’s fascination with the world of dog styling ignited at an early age. His teenage years were marked by styling on his own pets and those of his friends, inspiring him to dedicate his life to the realms of canine care and styling. His education under the tutelage of esteemed dog grooming educators, including Irina Pinkunsevich, helped to hone his expertise and expand his repertoire of dog grooming techniques.
Along with his love for grooming, Jay is also passionate about sharing his knowledge with up and coming groomers through demos, seminars, and workshops around the world. Beyond his technical prowess, Jay is celebrated for his affable demeanor, effortlessly putting his clients at ease and fostering a relaxed atmosphere. He has openly expressed that the most fulfilling aspect of his profession lies in witnessing the joy and newfound confidence that his services bring to his clients’ lives.
Jay’s unwavering commitment to personal empowerment through the prism of care and beauty underscores his belief that every dog deserves to revel in their finest appearance and emotional well-being. With his innate talent, unwavering dedication, and unique vision, Jay has made his mark in the dog grooming industry and is poised to remain a prominent figure for years to come.





















Katie Slavens –
Lots of new tips for miniature schnauzer breed standard whether you strip or clip, you’ll learn more about how to achieve the desired look.
Asian fusion inspired face and ears on part two was more brief than expected, not much more new than I’ve seen on other webinars on groomhaus, but nonetheless a good demo.