Our Team

  • Nyleen Molina - Master Groomer

    Nyleen Molina - Master Groomer

    Hi, I’m Nyleen (she/her). I’m a pet groomer with over 17yrs of experience, and have been working at The Temple since 2016. My goal is to help ensure a comfortable and positive grooming experience for every pup. I do my best to build a trusting relationship with each pup and tailor my approach to each of their specific needs.

    *** It is bittersweet to share the news that Ny is retiring frm grooming. Her last day is May 11th. We are so excited for her next chapter in life, but we will miss her terribly. Please email her directly at templeofthedog2344@gmail.com for her availability before she leaves.

  • Jessica Villa  - Master Groomer

    Jessica Villa - Master Groomer

    Hi, I’m Jessica (she/her). I’ve been grooming at The Temple since 2015 and have over 16yrs of grooming experience. I pride myself in my creative grooming and hand-scissoring skills. I love working with pups that need extra love and attention in order to make them more comfortable with the grooming process.

    *Jess is an all-star groomer that is adored by all…literally everyone. She has gone viral on FB, Insta & TikTok for her hand-scissoring and colorful dye jobs on Poodles, Corgi-butts & Poms. Because of her expertise, her grooms are an additional $10-$15 of the groom package/services.

  • Heidi Lacey - Master Groomer

    Heidi Lacey - Master Groomer

    Hi, I’m Heidi (she/her). I have been grooming since 2017 and joined The Temple in March of 2023. I am passionate about working with dogs and ensuring they have a great grooming experience. I also enjoy coloring dogs and am looking forward to doing more! My favorite breeds are Labs, Goldens, Poms & Pitties.

  • Emily Fann - Pet Stylist

    Emily Fann - Pet Stylist

    Hi, I’m Emily (she/her). I started working at The Temple in 2019 as a grooming assistant. I loved the process and wanted to become a dog groomer. Thanks to Tara, Jess & Nyleen’s group effort, I have been so luck to be professionally grooming for 2yrs now. I love Schnauzers, Pomeranians, and I am especially a sucker for Shih-tzus with an underbite.

  • Quincy Weirts - Pet Stylist

    Quincy Weirts - Pet Stylist

    Hi, I’m Quincy (they/them). I arrived in Chicago in 2019, and have spent nearly all of that time dedicating myself to grooming. I pride myself on attention to detail and patience in order to ensure all of my clients strut out feeling fancy & fabulous. I find patricular joy in working with Poodles, puppies and any dog with a good sense of humor. When not at The Temple, I am usually at home, still covered in dog hair with my Akita mix, Clementine and my cat Mango, at my sewing machine.

  • Charli Peterson - Pet Stylist

    Hi, I'm Charli (they/them). I am a pet groomer, pet sitter and dog walker with over 15yrs of experience. Grooming allows me to express my creativity and ensure your pups have a very plesant time during the process. My favorite breeds are Dachshunds, Poodles and Cane Corsos!

  • Jordan Lister - Pet Stylist

    Jordan Lister - Pet Stylist

    Hi, my name is Jordan (he/them). I moved to Chicago in 2017 to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I have been professionally grooming dogs for 2yrs, and am excited to be part of The Temple of the Dog team. My favorite breed is Boxers, but I am also very fond of Schnauzers, Bulldogs, Pugs and Dobermans. When not at work, I am cuddling my two cats, Cray & Olivia, repotting houseplants or lounging on the beach with my partner.

  • Anthony Tull - Grooming Assistant

    Anthony Tull - Grooming Assistant

    Hi, I’m Tony (he/him). I have been working with dogs in various capacities for the last 15yrs. I started at a doggy daycare, then worked with Tara when she first opened The Temple, and then went on to start my own doggy daycare/boarding business. I am now back at The Temple part-time, I stil pet sit and am a tattoo artist at Old Town Tatu.

  • Lodovica Mancini - Grooming Assistant

    Lodovica Mancini - Grooming Assistant

    Hi, my name is Lodovica (they/them). I have been working with dogs since 2021 and just got started as a grooming assistant. I’m excited to have this opportunity with The Temple and look forward to working with all our furry friends. My favorite dog breeds are Corgis, Labs & Pitties. Outside of The Temple, I like to go to concerts and explore the city.

  • Damian Durian - Grooming Assistant

    Damian Durian - Grooming Assistant

    Hi, I’m Damian (he/him). I am a very outgoing person and like to learn new things. I have been wanting to work with animals for quite some time, and now I have the opportunity at The Temple. I am excited to learn and how I can help your pets love grooming.

  • Tara Evangelist - *Temple Enthusiast

    Tara Evangelist - *Temple Enthusiast

    Hi, I’m Tara (she/her). I became a certified groomer and started The Temple in 2012, for the sole purpose of never wanting to go anywhere without my beloved black Labrador, Mickey. Though, Mickey passed a couple years ago, his legacy lives on. I continue to marvel at how The Temple has grown, and is forever grateful for all the wonderful people and pets that have come through the doors…most importantly, my fellow groomers who are simply the best at their craft and just beautiful people inside and out.