Judges' Bios
Laurel Shouvlin
Heart of VA Show Judge: Halter (all) and Production
Certifications: Huacaya Halter, Suri Halter, Fleece, Performance Laurel Shouvlin and her husband Tim have been raising alpacas since 1997 on Bluebird Hills Farm in Springfield, Ohio. Laurel has been fascinated with the camel family since her childhood and has also enjoyed working with natural fibers, learning to weave, knit and spin while in high school. All facets of the alpaca industry appeal to her, including husbandry, fiber arts, veterinary medicine, breeding and birthing, and the show ring. She first considered becoming a judge after volunteering as a ring steward at various shows. Laurel believes the show ring is one of the best tools available to breeders to continue to improve both the fiber and conformation of alpacas in North America. The show ring also provides a great opportunity to help educate breeders about fleece and conformation. Laurel has served as editor and publisher of the Ohio Alpaca Breeders Association magazine, Ohio Alpaca Life, as a director for the ARI, AOA, and the Suri Network. She feels privileged to have the opportunity to evaluate North American alpacas and their fleeces in AOA and international competitions. |
Frauke Berman
Heart of VA Show Judge: Walking Fleece (all)
Certification: Fleece, Halter Frauke resides with her husband and four children in Manhattan and South Salem, New York. She has a background in hospitality and interior design and showed horses back in Germany. In design school she discovered alpaca fabrics and their unique qualities. Soon after, she visited several alpaca farms which consequently inspired her to acquire her first alpaca in 2014. Ever since, she passionately embraces learning about every facet of the industry. In September 2021 she became a certified AOA fleece judge. Since December 2019 she has been working on completing her halter and performance judge certifications. Frauke is enthusiastic about helping the alpaca industry continue to reach its vast potential. |