Cassie- Owner of Scallywags
Hi! I’m Cassie, and many of you know me as Norman’s mom. But I’m also the proud owner of Scallywags!
Animals have always been a huge part of my life, and I can’t imagine living without them. My journey with animals started in high school, and while working as a grooming assistant in college, I discovered my true passion for grooming. This led me to enroll in the NY Pet Styling Academy in Clifton Park, where I met Lori.
In 2013, I moved to Maryland and operated my own grooming business at Dog Senses Unlimited, a dog training facility. I had the honor of grooming several dogs for the Westminster Agility competition, which was a highlight of my career.
In 2016, I returned to New York to take on a teaching position at the NY Pet Styling Academy, where I also honed my breed standard grooming skills while working alongside a talented local groomer.
In 2022, an exciting opportunity came up for Lori and me to reconnect, and I became part of the Scallywags team. Lori and I worked together to develop a plan for me to take over when she moved south to be with her family.
This new chapter has been full of personal milestones as well. I married my best friend, John, became a stepmom to his son, Alan, and in April 2025, we welcomed our son, Robbie, to the family! I’m not sure who was more excited to meet him—Alan or me. Alan shares my love of grooming and dreams of one day joining the family business, so it’s been especially sweet watching him step into his role as a big brother.
John, Alan, Robbie, Norman, and I are so excited to get to know each and every one of you as we continue to serve this amazing community. We’re incredibly grateful to be a part of the Scallywags family and can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings!
SCALLYWAGS MISSION STATEMENT
Compassionate and expert grooming care is what we offer every customer at Scallywags Dog Salon. Grooming is our passion and our clients are very special and important to us. Our goal is to provide each of our clients with the style they want in a loving, caring and stress-free environment.
We realize many of our furry friends don't always love coming to the grooming salon. It can be scary for them, which is why we recently expanded our salon to cut down on the noise for a quieter, more relaxing groom. Successful grooming is a partnership between our customers and staff. We are always willing to share our knowledge of grooming and pet care AND to listen to your advice on how to work with every pet entrusted to us. Thank you!
SCALLYWAGS STAFF
Kay
Kay, is one of our front desk receptionist here at Scallywags!
Kay has always had a passion for animals and even participated in 4H dog training growing up.
After recently graduating high school, she knew she wanted to continue working with animals — and we’re so excited she chose to join the Scallywags family!
Next time you stop by, be sure to give Kay a warm welcome!
Davi
Hi everyone! I’m Davy — a recent Hudson Valley grad with an Associate Degree in Science My love for animals started when I was little, and I’ve always known I wanted to work with them.
I joined the Scallywags family to follow that passion, and I’m so grateful to be part of such an amazing, supportive team. Everyone here truly feels like family, and I can’t wait to meet all your pups!
Clara
Hi everyone! My name is Clara Filiault — I’m 20 years old and currently a student at Hudson Valley Community College studying Animal Law and Zoology. I’ve always had a huge love for animals, and getting to work with them every day truly feels like a dream come true!
I recently became a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in NYS, and I’m so excited to continue learning and growing in the animal care field. I’ve always had pets in my life — right now I share my home with two parakeets, a rescue mourning dove, and two dogs — so working with animals of all kinds comes naturally to me.
I’m so happy to be part of the Scallywags family and can’t wait to meet all your furry (and maybe even feathery!) friends!
JESS
Jessica has always had a passion for working with animals and humans. She began her career with animals by going to animal behavior college, and graduated in 2016.
Jess loves training all size dogs and cats. Her two cats at home think that they are dogs. After years of training dogs she decided to make the change to become a pet groomer. In January of 2022 Jess became a member of the Scallywags team.
You will often see her grooming or training dogs on Saturdays. She looks forward to growing with the company and meeting lots of new faces, (both human and furry) for years to come.
Kellie
After graduating from SUNY Potsdam with a BA in Business Economics and spending several years in Human Resources, I decided to refocus my energy on something that truly brings me joy - pets! I have always tried to help people and now I’m happy to do the same for pups. I graduated from NY Academy of Pet Styling in 2023 and was fortunate to become a part of the talented team here at Scallywags.
I have had several breeds of wonderful dogs over the years. My current fur baby is a sweet gentleman rescue cat named Bacchus.
Our furry friends deserve compassion and empathy when they are being groomed. I take pride in my work and will always make sure that your dog is comfortable and happy while I make them look fantastic!
Mady
Ever since she was little, Mady has had a special connection with animals — especially dogs. Her first childhood dog was a Golden Retriever, her very best friend (who even learned to play dead on command! ).
These days, Mady shares her home with two beautiful pups — an Australian Shepherd and a Rough Collie. Her love for grooming started when she began helping a friend bathe dogs and prep them for their haircuts on weekends. It didn’t take long for her to realize she’d found her calling!
Mady went on to attend the New York Pet Styling Academy, where she received hands-on training in professional grooming techniques and compassionate pet care.
She’s now bringing her passion, skill, and gentle touch to the Scallywags salon — ready to make every pup look and feel their best!
Taylor
My name is Taylor, and I have been a part of the Scallywags team since May 2024. I graduated from Castleton University of Vermont in 2023 with a major in Photography and a minor in Studio Art.
My very first job, at 16, was working as a veterinary assistant. I quickly discovered how much I loved working with animals, and in 2024, I decided to follow that passion and switch careers to become a bather here at Scallywags. Since August 2025, I have taken the next step in my career and am now grooming your pups!
With my background in photography and studio art, I love bringing my creativity and artistic eye into my grooming. I especially enjoy getting creative with color and finding ways to make each dog’s personality shine.
I have two rescue dogs of my own—a Lab mix and a Beagle—and animals have always held a special place in my heart. I love getting to know all of your pups and building relationships with both them and their families. I’m so grateful to be part of the Scallywags team and look forward to seeing you and your furry friends!
Susie
Susie’s love for animals started early — first with horses as a kid, then pet sitting as a teenager, and later working in the veterinary field. When she saw Scallywags was hiring, she decided to step into the world of grooming — and we’re so glad she did!
Susie has a soft spot for senior pets and nervous pups, finding it incredibly rewarding to earn their trust and make them feel comfortable.
She’s currently completing her Professional Pet Styling course through the New York Academy of Pet Styling in December 2025 and is be ready to deliver adorable haircuts!
Dee
Affectionately known as “Mama Dee” by our clients, Dee has been a beloved part of the Scallywags family for over four years. With her fun, outgoing personality and genuine love for animals, she has a special way of making every dog feel right at home.
Dee treats every dog in our care like one of her own. Whether she’s joining in on playtime, giving out cuddles, or simply making sure everyone is happy, comfortable, and safe, she brings warmth, energy, and plenty of love to everything she does.
