Diana is an AOA Halter, Senior Fleece Judge, Judge Trainer, and Instructor in the United States. Diana received her Certification as an International Alpaca Judge trained in Peru at the International Alpaca Judging School (IAJS) in 2004. She has actively judged in Canada and the United States since 2001. Diana has over 35 years of experience breeding, showing, and raising alpacas and other breeds of livestock.

Along with her husband, Tim, they established Aussie Acres Alpacas in 1994. We became known for our ability to successfully produce grey and sought after Huacaya breeding stock. Both Diana and Tim were honored to share those grey genetics worldwide. Diana's love for alpacas and her commitment to fleece education was the inspiration that led to the purchase of The Alpaca Breeders Fiber School, LLC. Diana also serves as an alpaca industry consultant, educator, Fiber Sorter, Grader and, continues working on her Wool Classer status and is always available for consultations.

Diana currently serves on the AOA Judges Advisory Committee (JAC), AOA Judge Training and Certification Committee (JTCC) as Liaison and served on the Advisory Board for the Mid-America Alpaca Foundation, the Board of Directors of Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies and past leader of the Leading Llamas and Alpacas 4-H Club.

Diana was born in Germany. At eight years of age, she moved to Colorado with her parents. She earned an Associate Degree in Occupational Studies with an emphasis on Medical Billing and Coding and maintains her Paralegal and Medical Billing and Coding certifications. Prior to acquiring alpacas Diana was employed as a Paralegal for the Weld County District Attorney. She has one son, Jeff and grandson, Alden Ray.

Amanda VandenBosch is a Senior AOA Halter and Fleece Judge and an Alpaca Judge Trainer and Instructor in the United States. Amanda qualified as an International Alpaca Judge trained in Peru at the International Alpaca Judging School (IAJS) in 2000. She has judged shows in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and Peru gaining an international perspective and true love for the art and science of alpaca judging.

Amanda travels worldwide judging alpacas, instructing, presenting seminars and workshops to breeders and judges. Her "hands on" approach is greatly sought after. Amanda worked with the British Alpaca Society (BAS) for 7 years to help develop the Judge Training Program, and with the New Zealand Judges for continuous training. She has been honored with regular appointments as an AOA Senior Instructor and Judge Trainer in both Fleece and Halter in the USA.

Amanda has spent many hours volunteering over the years at AOBA National Conferences and regional events. She has participated on numerous committees. She is past president of CALPACA a Regional Affiliate and past co-chair of the Judges Advisory Committee (JAC). Currently she acts as a liaison for the Judge Training & Certification Committee. Amanda has had the opportunity to work with some of the world's leading experts in the study of alpacas.

Amanda is a native of the United Kingdom. She traveled and worked for The National Stud (UK) Lindsay Park Stud (Australia) and Lanes End Farm (Kentucky, USA) the premier thoroughbred breeding operations worldwide. In 1991 she settled in the USA. For the last 23 years, Amanda has been involved with alpacas in all aspects.

Amanda is also a co-author of the book "The Art & Science of Alpaca Judging" published by AOBA and used as a training tool. With her husband, Vince, and two sons, Cody and Hunter, they operate Flying Dutchman Alpacas, in Bend, Oregon, successfully raising both huacayas and suris. Along with raising high quality breeding stock, they also own a partnership in Spring Harvest Mill, completing the circle of taking fleece to processing and end use, with these fine products being offered for sale at their local business Tumalo Coffee House.

Arturo Pena is from Arequipa, Peru. He has an educational background in animal science and management. In 2003, he moved to the United States, since then he has been working as a herd manager for large alpaca farms operation. His fascination for alpacas and its luxury product "The Fleece" motivated him to get into the AOBA Judging Apprentice Program. He completed his training and became an AOBA Certified Halter, Performance and Fleece Judge for both Huacayas and Suris. Arturo, his wife Kat and son Nicholas recently moved to the East Coast area.

Arturo believes that education and mentoring are the keys to promote and develop a strong Alpaca industry.

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.