School Personnel

Director
Ms. Teri L. Bialek

Teri L. Bialek - Originally from Long Island, N.Y., now resides in Largo, Fl. with a retired Whippet, a Standard Poodle, her Champion Doberman, and his son. Her love for the Dogs came from her parents Blossom and Don Bialek who showed and bred Irish Setters in New York. Her influence from her parents and genuine passion for dogs brought her to the dog show ring at ten years of age. As the years went on she continued to show, groom, and breed dogs of many types, winning in American and International competition. Teri opened Grooming by Teri in 1979 in Seminole, Florida, and Grooming By Teri II, a full service salon in 1986, featuring boarding, pet and show grooming, and retail supplies, in Largo, Florida. In 1999 she incorporated the Academy of Animal Arts, Inc., where she is currently teaching pet and show grooming. She attributes her ability to teach from her knowledge and handling experience of twenty plus years. Teri is currently making application with AKC to judge basenjis, whippets, dobermans and poodles, with future plans of all around judging.

Member Of:

Dedication in Memory of Peggy Brindley "Peggy", Margaret Brindley - Moved to Belleair Beach from Louisville, KY. Her background included Business Administration and Higher Education while serving as Executive Secretary to the President and Assistant to the Provost at the University of Louisville. Peggy's fondness for dogs spanned her entire life. She felt she had fulfilled a lifelong dream of working with dogs and was pleased to utilize her business background at the Academy of Animal Arts Inc. Peggy has provided many years of service in many areas and was also Assistant to the Director. Peggy is sadly missed.

Instructional Staff
Corinne Carraggi

Corinne Carraggi - Originally from Quincy, MA, now resides in Largo, FL with her son Michael and their retired Whippet Bambi. She has bred and shown Whippets for many years and began in the Pet Grooming industry at the Directors salon in 1994. Corinne worked under the direct supervision of Teri L. Bialek, the school Director, for over a decade and was trained exclusively as an Instructor. Corinne has acquired the necessary skills to teach Pet Grooming on an Intermediate level. She has a passion for animals and her enthusiasm and skills are passed on to the students.
 

Corinne was granted two Diplomas from the Academy of Animal Arts and has had extensive training as a Grooming Instructor of all levels Corinne is our head Instructor.

Veterinarian
Dean L. Moentman DVM

Dean L. Moetman - Originally from Illinois where he studied veterinary medicine at the University of Illinois graduating in 1971. He currently resides in Largo, Florida with his wife, two daughters and many pets: a horse, dogs, cats, a goat, a pig, chickens and birds. Dr. Moentman practiced Veterinary Medicine in Decatur, Ill. for five years before moving to Florida in 1977. Currently he owns and operates The Animal Hospital of Largo. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at the St. Petersburg Junior College Vet. Tech. Program.
 

Veterinary Technician
Joy David

Joy David, CVT - Originally from Muskegon, Michigan resides in Clearwater with two daughters, one son, three cats and a weimaraner named "Clarry". In 1984 she acquired an AS degree in Veterinary Technology from Saint Petersburg Junior College. She has practiced 10 years as a veterinary technician. Animals have been a lifelong love for her, especially the geriatric. She can be found attending local cat and dog shows as well as agility trials. Joy is currently teaching a program at the academy, topics to include but not limited to medical terminology, physical exams, parasites and vaccines.
 

Guest Lecturer
Dr. Kim Donovan, Veterinarian

Dr. Kim Donovan, D.V.M - Grew up in the Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, and Clearwater areas. She attended the University of Florida as an undergraduate and received a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology in 1990. She was a medical technologist in Clearwater in a private laboratory for 3 ½ years. She then attended Ross University Veterinary School on the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean. She did her clinical year at the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated from Ross in 1997. She practiced small animal medicine in Liverpool, NY for 3 ½ years. She then moved back to Florida and is currently working at Oakhurst Veterinary Clinic in Seminole. She currently resides in Clearwater with her husband and 3 cats. Her hobbies include reading novels, boating, playing tennis, playing piano, and working out. She is looking forward to retiring one day on a large piece of property in a small house and getting a horse, goat, ducks, and many more dogs and cats.
 

Guest Lecturer
Linda Tilka, CVT

Linda Tilka, CVT - Originally from London, England, where she acquired her Diploma in Art. She then relocated to Rockford, Illinois in, 1969 where she established her breeding line of Standard Poodles and learned the art of grooming and showing dogs. She relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida, where she attended the St. Petersburg Junior College to study Veterinary Technology, acquiring her AS Degree. While working as a Vet. Tech., Linda opened the Piccadilly Grooming Salon which she then owned and operated for the next 27 years. In 1999 she became an AKC Poodle Judge. In addition, Linda is also judging 8 other breeds as well as Junior showmanship. Linda is President of the Tampa Bay Poodle Club of which she has been a member since 1979. Currently, she resides on Madeira Beach with her Standard Poodles
 

The other Instructor!
Reggie

Reggie Bialek - Originally from Madeira Beach, Florida, resides with his faithful Mistress Teri and his little Whippet sister Pretzel and her grandmother Mrs. Corey, a 16 year old Whippet. Reggie has spent countless years training students from all over the World. His accomplishments other than his rather fast show career include…..His passion and desire to steal newspapers. He spends his days only part time now at the school, one day on and two days off. His contributions to the Grooming Industry continue to be endless. Reggie still can be observed at the school modeling some very interesting and wonderfully innovative Poodle Styles!