Meet our Bare Bones Team Members

Katie with her client Otis

Meet Katie Cutlip, the longest-standing employee at Bare Bones and an incredibly valued part of our team. She has been grooming since 2010 and has been a dedicated member of the Bare Bones family since 2016. With over a decade of professional grooming experience—and a lifetime spent working with animals—Katie brings both skill and heart to every dog she cares for.

Katie’s love for animals started early, growing up around Basset Hounds. That lifelong connection with dogs shaped the compassionate and knowledgeable groomer she is today. Over the years, she has developed a special talent and deep love for grooming King Charles Cavaliers, and they hold a very special place in her heart.

Outside of the salon, Katie is a proud boy mom who enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on football, and showing plenty of love to one of her favorite breeds—Poodles.

Katie’s loyal client base reflects the trust and relationships she has built over the years. Because of her full schedule and established clientele, Katie is currently not accepting new clients.

We are incredibly proud to have Katie as part of the Bare Bones team and grateful for the dedication, experience, and kindness she brings to our shop every day. 🐾

Michelle with her Standard Poodle Bonnie

Meet Michelle Hopkins, one of our talented and experienced groomers who joined our team in 2023. Michelle brings over 6 years of professional grooming experience, along with a lifelong passion for caring for animals.

Michelle is also a proud mom of three sons, and being a great mom is one of the things she values most. Her caring and nurturing nature extends beyond her family to the animals she works with every day.

Michelle’s love for animals started early. She grew up on a farm, where she spent her childhood surrounded by animals and learning how to care for them. Because of this, she has truly worked with animals her whole life.

She began gaining professional experience at 17 years old, when she started trimming nails at a spay and neuter clinic, giving her 18 years of hands-on experience working with dogs.

Michelle also has a big heart for rescue dogs and has rescued many dogs over the years, giving them loving homes and second chances.

When it comes to grooming, Michelle has a special place in her heart for big dogs—in fact, her motto is “the bigger, the better!” She specializes in grooming large breeds and is known for her confidence, strength, and gentle handling that helps even the biggest pups feel comfortable.

Michelle truly loves what she does and takes pride in helping dogs look great, feel comfortable, and go home happy. 

Meet Kaley Crites, she has been a valued member of the Bare Bones team since 2024. She entered the grooming industry in 2021 and has quickly developed a strong passion for helping dogs look and feel their very best. Her calm demeanor and natural connection with animals help dogs feel comfortable and safe throughout their grooming experience.

Before joining the grooming world, Kaley spent years working with dogs as a hobbyist trainer starting in 2016. This background gives her a great understanding of dog behavior, body language, and patience—skills that translate beautifully into her grooming work. She takes pride in making every grooming appointment a positive experience for both pets and their owners.

In addition to grooming, Kaley is also a talented small business owner who creates beautiful handmade pet collars. Her collars are thoughtfully designed, durable, and stylish, and she frequently attends dog shows to showcase and sell her work. Her creativity and love for pets truly shine through in every collar she makes.

When she’s not at the salon or crafting new designs, Kaley enjoys spending time with her two beloved dogs, Badger and Mayhem. They keep her busy with adventures, playtime, and plenty of laughter.

Kaley’s dedication to animals, creativity, and positive energy make her a wonderful part of the Bare Bones team, and we’re so happy to have her caring for the pups in our community. 🐾

Christa with her pup Kairi

Meet Christa Champagne, one of our passionate and caring groomers! Christa has been grooming since 2025 and quickly found that working with animals is exactly where she belongs. Her gentle approach and attention to detail help every pet feel comfortable, safe, and well cared for during their grooming experience.

Christa’s love for animals started very early in life. She has been working with animals since she was just 9 years old, when she began volunteering at local shelters. By the time she was 16, she started her first job working with animals, continuing to build experience and deepen her passion for animal care.

At home, Christa shares her life with two energetic companions—a German Shepherd and an Australian Shepherd. In her free time, she loves training her dogs and taking them on fun adventures, whether that means exploring new places or practicing new skills together.

Christa also has a special soft spot for ferrets, and her love for all kinds of animals shines through in everything she does. Known for being very sweet, patient, and dedicated, she truly enjoys spending time with every pet she meets.

Christa is grateful to do what she loves every day—caring for animals and helping them look and feel their best. 🐾