Kim Gradous

Owner and Master Groomer

Kim is the owner of Springwood Kennel and has been proudly serving pets and their families since opening its doors in 1997. Before starting the kennel, she worked for 11 years as a veterinary assistant under her father-in-law, Dr. Bruce Gradous. Kim treasures time with her two sons, their wives, and her granddaughter. When she’s not at the kennel grooming, she enjoys relaxing at home with her three longhaired Dachshunds—or traveling the world, her favorite pastime.

Nikki Boutwell

Manager and Registered Veterinary Technician

Nikki grew up around the kennel and officially joined the team in 2010 when she turned 16. Between 2012 and 2016, she earned her associate degree in veterinary technology and went on to work as a Registered Veterinary Technician under Dr. Bruce Gradous from 2016 to 2021. While Nikki is deeply passionate about veterinary medicine, she decided to pursue a slower pace as she started her own family. She returned to the kennel to help Kim with management, and we’re grateful to have her expertise and dedication on our team. Outside of work, Nikki enjoys spending time with her husband, their two children, and their Yorkie Terrier.

Beth Coile

Groomer

Beth began her grooming career over 45 years ago and has been part of Springwood since our opening in 1997. In 2002, she and her family relocated to Maryland, where she continued working in the animal field. When she returned to Georgia in 2014, we were thrilled to welcome her back to our team. Beth has many years of experience showing dogs and now enjoys spending her time at home with her Golden Retrievers and Grand Champion Toy Poodles.

Sylvia Parr

Groomer

Sylvia joined our kennel in 2009 and brings nearly 60 years of grooming experience. In addition to her grooming expertise, she has a background in showing dogs and still enjoys attending local dog shows. When she’s not grooming dogs, Sylvia can often be found working in her yard and tending to her garden.

Maria Knight

Receptionist and Kennel Tech

Maria has been part of our team since 2021. Before joining us, she worked for 16 years as a veterinary assistant and receptionist at a well-established clinic. She has a strong passion for animals—especially reptiles and cats. At home, Maria cares for four beloved cats and a ball python named Gretchen. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children and tending to her plants in the yard.

Heather Wilson

Receptionist and Kennel Tech

Heather joined the kennel team in 2023, bringing with her eight years of experience in veterinary medicine—four of those spent working alongside Dr. Bruce Gradous. Her background in vet med has made her a valuable asset to our team. When she’s not at work, Heather enjoys spending time with her two children, her Pitty, and two Bullies. She has a deep passion for animal health and continues to be a strong advocate for the well-being of all pets.

Patty Oglesby

Kennel Tech

Patty joined our team in 2013. Although she was a bit apprehensive about working around dogs at first, she quickly overcame that fear and has been an essential part of the crew ever since. Her favorite part of the job is blow drying and brushing the dogs after their baths—she loves seeing them looking and feeling their best! When she’s not at the kennel, Patty enjoys spending quality time with her children, grandchildren, and her lovable Doodle, Bodie.

Alexus Duckworth & Oz

Kennel Tech

Alexus joined our team in 2021 and brings over eight years of professional experience working with animals. She became Pet CPR & First Aid certified in 2024 and has extensive knowledge in providing exceptional care for pets of all kinds. Passionate about continuing her education in the animal care field, Alexus hopes to expand her skills into professional grooming in the future. When she’s not at the kennel, Alexus loves spending time with her furry family — a spirited Chihuahua, her loyal Cane Corso, Oz, and an affectionate American Bully.

You’ll often find Oz alongside her at the kennel, keeping a watchful eye to make sure his crew is safe and happy!

Kaylin Kurtz

Veterinary Technician and volunteer kennel tech

Kaylin grew up around the kennel and officially joined the team in 2017. In 2021, she began working with Dr. Bruce Gradous and continued her journey in veterinary medicine after his retirement in 2022. Although her career has taken her beyond the kennel, Kaylin still volunteers her time with us whenever she can. Outside of work, you’ll often find her adventuring with her rescued German Shorthaired Pointer, Tipsy. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus at just six weeks old, Tipsy required special care—and Kaylin didn’t hesitate to provide it. She is deeply passionate about animal health and continues to advocate for the well-being of all pets.

Erin Glisson

Kennel Tech

Erin started working here at the kennel in 2023. She was interested in

Diana Reese

Volunteer

Diana

Pup, Cindy Lou, and Jingles

Kennel Mascots

Pup, our beloved black Lab, joined our family in 2018 after retiring from his job guarding the fishponds. These days, he enjoys soaking up the sun, indulging in plenty of treats, and napping in his cozy room.

Cindy Lou,  our dilute calico, became part of the family during Christmas 2024—hence her festive name, chosen also in loving memory of her previous owner. She’s a charming cat who insists on attention… until she doesn’t! Be prepared for the occasional surprise nibble. You’ll often find her running the front desk with style.

Jingles, our spirited brown tabby, was rescued by a kind coworker in the winter of 2024 when she was just a 5-week-old kitten. Full of personality, she loves batting at her toys, snacking throughout the day, and receiving head scratches in the cat room.