Joyce Kahakakau
Secretary & Legislative Liaison
Joyce brings over 30 years of experience as a pet groomer and a former legal secretary to her role as Secretary and Legislative Liaison of the NEPGP. Her passion for grooming extends beyond mastering the technical aspects—she is committed to ensuring that all pet professionals continue to grow and perfect their craft. Joyce joined the NEPGP team because of its dedication to continuing education on various topics, aligning with her belief in the importance of lifelong learning in the grooming industry.
As Secretary, Joyce is responsible for keeping meeting minutes, managing communications, and serving as a point of contact for NEPGP members. In her role as Legislative Liaison, she coordinates actions to represent and protect New England groomers in the face of proposed legislation. This includes organizing petitions, writing letters, setting up email campaigns, and delivering testimony at City Hall to advocate for fair policies.
Joyce has also played a key role in organizing educational events for NEPGP and has fought against unfair legislation affecting groomers in Massachusetts multiple times. Outside of her work in the grooming industry, Joyce runs a small community-focused art gallery in Providence and actively volunteers at various charitable events.
Certifications & Education:
Grooming Certification, Mt. Ida College
Dog Behavior & Training Certification, Mt. Ida College
Small Animal Massage Therapy Certification, Bancroft School of Massage
Advanced Scissoring with Mario Difante
Hill Nutrition Specialist, Hills
Flea & Tick Specialist, Zodiac
“As pet professionals, it’s our responsibility to continuously improve our skills—not just for better grooming, but for the overall well-being of the animals we care for. NEPGP’s commitment to ongoing education ensures we all stay at the top of our craft, and that’s why I’m proud to be part of this team.”
