Kinley and Keyanna Spa
When Kinley joined MentorAbility Alberta, she shared her excitement for trying new things and exploring different career paths. That curiosity made her a great match for a mentorship at Keyanna Spa, a pet grooming salon known for its compassionate, inclusive approach. The connection came through MentorAbility Coordinator Susannah, who has long trusted Keyanna with her own dog. Their patience, thoughtful handling, and willingness to accommodate unique needs made them a natural fit as a mentor host.
Salon Manager Harley and General Manager Jesse were enthusiastic about participating after learning about MentorAbility. Harley shared that helping businesses build more diverse, inclusive teams is something the Keyanna staff strongly values, and they were eager to support Kinley in gaining hands-on experience.
Kinley, along with her career coach Conner from IPSESA, shadowed Jesse and learned the basics of grooming—how to bathe, dry, and brush a dog, while observing nail trimming and coat shaping. She was especially interested in how Jessie kept the dogs calm and comfortable throughout the process. Kinley was engaged and excited, proud of how much she learned in her first visit.
She returned on April 15 for a second session focused on the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the salon running smoothly. Kinley helped sweep hair, clean grooming tables, and restock treats, gaining a clearer picture of the teamwork and organization involved in the job.
Overall, Kinley had a very positive experience. She enjoyed working with Jessie, appreciated the supportive environment, and felt proud to try something new. While she is still exploring different career paths, this mentorship gave her new confidence and insight into a potential area of interest. As she put it herself, “It’s great to learn and have a new experience.”
Keyanna Spa’s warm, inclusive approach made a meaningful difference in Kinley’s comfort and success. Their willingness to share their space and support a job seeker’s learning reflects the kind of inclusive workplace culture that helps create real opportunities for people with disabilities!
