Maria Sherman, now Manager of our Chantilly shop, is a graduate of Canine Clippers School of Pet Grooming. She has been with Featherle since 2000. Her awards include a 2nd Place in the Handstrip Class with a Norwich Terrier at the April 2007 Intergroom, 1st Place at MAPP 2005 for Border Terrier and a 3rd in 2003 for Scottish Terrier. Terriers, especially Scottish Terriers, are among her favorite breeds to groom. However, she finds Soft Coated dogs, like the Yorkies, Maltese and Bichons, the most challenging because they are often the hardest to style. Maria is certified in Sporting and Terriers and is working on her Masters. She is also working with Susan & Anne Sikorski, breeders of Norwich Terriers in Fairfax Station, and is now showing Norwich Terriers in the AKC show ring.

At the March 2008 Atlanta Pet Fair, Maria took 1st place in Handstripping a Norwich Terrier. She won in a competition of 14 participants, which also included Schnauzer, Irish, Westie, Soft Coated Wheaton, and Cairn Terriers.

One of the Ten Commandments of Animals is: “Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice.” Maria has found that her tone of voice is her best tool and greatest asset in calming a dog. During the grooming session, the less stress, the better for the pet.She knew she wanted to work with animals and studied Animal Science in High School. Originally, Maria wanted to train at Sea World in Florida. However, circumstances kept her north, much to the advantage of Featherle and the pets around this area. Other than grooming, Maria’s favorite activity is riding roller coasters. She also likes to spend her free time with her friends, her Guinea Pig, Annie, and her two Norwich Terriers, Hush Puppy the Beast, and Chili.