Founder
Melannie Macias
Mel opened Central Bark in 2011, with the intention of creating a safe and positive environment for your fur babies. Having experience as a Vet Tech and even starting schooling to become a vet, Mel found her true calling as a groomer. Her attention to detail, compassion and bubbly personality made many clients want to follow and support her on her journeys, as she had a style unlike any other. Mel had the goal of creating a family, not only with her staff, but with her clients as well; She has now handed down her business to Conner, who will continue this legacy.
Mel has now retired and is beginning a new chapter of dreams with her husband and two beautiful children. Although she misses everybody dearly, she has left with full faith in her work family to continue this previous chapter and start their own story. Rumor has it that if you come to the salon during busy seasons, you may even see Mel helping out her girls like nothing has changed!
Groomer/Salon Owner
Conner Maynard-mee
Conner is the current business owner and groomer at Central Bark. From a young age she had always wanted to work with animals or help people, and being a groomer she gets to do both!
Conner started her journey at Sheridan College in the Animal Care program, where she studied Animal Nursing, Grooming, Ethics, and Animal Nutrition and Wellness. During which she did her work placement with a groomer and former president of the Ontario Dog Grooming Association; during which time she solidified her love of dog grooming! After College, Conner started her journey working with animals at PetSmart in a PetsHotel where she continued her education on Animal handling, Wellness and Nutrition, as well as her management skills. Wishing to do more grooming and bathing she worked at Yellow Dog in Ancaster, furthering her love of the trade and knowledge of different skills. After Moving to Cambridge Conner started bathing at Central Bark and proceeded to apprentice under Mel for 3 years before taking over the business. Mel and Conner bonded over their love of animals, desire to continue learning, and to create a salon that feels like a family! In her spare time Conner provides pet care with Waterloo Pet Services, as well as taking care of her own special rescue dog Sookie. Her love of animals never ends when she leaves the salon, it carries through even to her days off! You can always trust Conner to do what is best for your pets, and give you any information she can to help you provide your pet with the best care imaginable.
Groomer's Assistant/Apprentice
Shayla Davey
Shayla started her career with us as a co-op student in her grade 12 year, knowing that she wanted to work with animals but not sure which avenue to take. After her co-op Shayla continued to work with us part time and found a passion for dog grooming. Shayla has a love for animals and a sensitive
soul, she works miracles with making puppies and nervous pets feel more comfortable and giving them the best, most positive grooming experience possible.
Shayla is currently apprenticing under Conner, as well as learning what she can from other groomers in the ODGA and KW area, She and Conner are both continuously furthering their education with online courses and activities, because it is our belief that pet grooming will always have new techniques and skills to learn and acquire.
When Shayla is not at CentralBark she is practicing with her own dog Guizmo, and spoiling him rotten! Shayla believes that all dogs should be treated Guizmo! Gizmo may be a small pup but Shayla loves dogs in all shapes and sizes, from Shih Tzu to St Bernard!
Bather/Groomer's Helper
Maddie McHarg
Maddie is a newer addition to the Central Bark family, but has become an essential part of the team! She is confident with her abilities at the front desk, and always has fun getting wet with the dogs!
While Maddie is currently attending University of Guelph for Sociology, she applies these skills to working with you and your pets! She has a positive attitude and never ending patience for those who need some extra comfort. Maddie has a lot of experience working with children, but has always wanted to work with animals, following in her mom’s footsteps.
Maddie’s patience stems from working with her own “Covid Puppy” Bowser, she understands the struggles many pet parents are facing now that things are returning to normal. Bowser is a loveable and playful bull dog, who enjoys spending time in the salon with all of his new friends! Thanks to him, we get to send your babies home not only clean, but tuckered out for the day!