Get to know the team!
A little about us
Stacy Bengtson, CPG
Owner/Groomer
I started grooming dogs professionally in 2007. I have been around animals my entire life. My mother used to work as a Vet tech. I grew up at the Vet clinic and helped out in the kennel on weekends. I always admired the groomer and would help bathe when needed.
Once old enough to get a job of my own, it was a no-brainer that I started in the pet industry. I started at local kennels. I transitioned to helping the groomers at the kennels with handling and bathing, I learned many tips from helping side by side.
In 2006, I went to Cutting Edge Grooming School (now closed) in Brooklyn Center, MN. The kennel I was working for at the time let me groom the boarding dogs, even though I was attending school. I stayed at this location for some time after graduation.
I then wanted to further my grooming and have other groomers to work with. My goal was to gain more knowledge and experience. This led me in the direction to where I stepped into corporate grooming for a few years.
After some time at corporate, I ended up working as an independent contractor before a grooming friend/Co-worker of mine opened up a shop and could use some help. I stayed at this location working with some amazing groomers until moving in December of 2020.
In 2021, I decided to take my grooming education one step further. I decided I wanted to become a certified pet groomer with the international pet grooming association. This allows me to keep up with the ever-evolving grooming industry. While allowing me to learn from some of the top grooming all over the world to share with the community in Brandon and surrounding areas. In September of 2021, I took my certification and became a certified pet groomer with the International Pet Groomers Association. I currently try to keep up with continuing education and attend grooming seminars!
My husband and I moved to beautiful South Dakota from St. Paul, Minnesota in 2020. We have two amazing kids—our 15-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter—along with a lively household that includes three dogs (a Beagle, a Golden Retriever, and a Bernese Mountain Dog) and two cats.
We’ve fallen in love with the community here and are so grateful to now call South Dakota our home.
Christie H.
Groomer
Christie began her grooming career in 2011 and brings a wealth of experience to Dakota Dogs. Originally from Texas, she trained and worked alongside master groomers, honing her skills and developing a deep passion for animal care. A lifelong animal lover, Christie has always felt at home around pets. She has a special affinity for grooming Schnauzers—one of her favorite breeds—and is known for her gentle touch and calm presence. This makes her especially skilled at working with pets who experience anxiety or need a little extra patience during their grooming session. At home, Christie is a proud mom to her son, two pups (a Shiba and a Lab mix), a lovable Ragdoll cat, and two horses. Her compassion and experience make her a valued part of the Dakota Dogs team.
Erica H.
Groomer
Erica joined the grooming world in 2023 and has quickly become an essential part of the Dakota Dogs team. Her deep love for animals shines through in everything she does—whether she’s in the grooming shop or volunteering at the local animal shelter in her spare time. Eager to keep learning and growing in her craft, Erica is currently working toward becoming a certified canine esthetician by the end of 2025. She especially enjoys grooming double-coated breeds and finds great satisfaction in transforming their coats—not just for appearance, but for comfort and health, too. At home, Erica spends her time with her husband, their sweet beagle Violet, a couple of curious cats, and even a tortoise. Her passion, dedication, and gentle spirit make her a wonderful part of the Dakota Dogs team.
Celia W.
Groomer
Coming Soon!
Jackson N.
Grooming Assistant
Jackson brings a unique background with years of experience in showing and judging cattle—including some championship wins! He has a soft spot for bulldogs, having helped raise multiple litters, and he especially enjoys working with our bigger pups and bully breeds. Although he doesn’t currently have any pets of his own, Jackson already has names picked out for his future furry companions—now that’s dedication! We’re thrilled to have him on board and can’t wait for you and your pets to get to know him.
McKenzie S.
Grooming Assistant
McKenzie brings several years of experience in kennel and doggy daycare environments, and she’s excited to grow her skills further—especially in grooming. She’s already well-versed in bathing pups and is eager to dive deeper into the grooming world. Outside of work, McKenzie enjoys life on her parents’ hobby farm, where she’s surrounded by miniature horses, donkeys, and her two dogs—an Australian Shepherd and a Golden Retriever. We’re so happy to have McKenzie on board and can’t wait to see all the great things she’ll do here at Dakota Dogs!