Jessica Knoepfler had a lifelong dream of working with dogs, stemming from her family's purchase of its first dog, which helped bring her out of her shell. After completing grooming school, however, she had difficulty keeping up with the pace at big-box grooming salons. Kaposia employment services worked with Jessica, who has short-term memory, to locate an pet grooming employer that would accommodate her needs. 

Working with a smaller pet salon owner was a turning point for Jessica, her mother said. "Brenda was patient and willing to mentor Jessica. She had suggestions on accommodations to help Jess through her learning period, such as using a white board to write instructions out for her daily cut."

Through changes in ownership of the salon, Jessica began taking responsibility for everyday running of the business in addition to grooming several dogs per day. When the most recent owner decided to close the business, Knoepfler's parents bought the salon, where she now has another employee and continues to receive support from her Kaposia job coach.

"When she was given this chance to fulfill her grooming dream," Jessica's father said, "Jessica's confidence grew in all facets of her life."