About Us

Like many trainers, Maggie’s journey started with owning a difficult dog. Her rescue mix, Otis, needed a lot of help learning how to feel safe in the world. Along the way, she discovered that she loved training dogs and wanted to know more. She began mentoring under Marge and is currently working towards earning her CPDT-KA  (Certified Professional Dog Trainer–Knowledge Assessed) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

Maggie is newer to the world of professional training, but is certainly not new to working with dogs. She began working as a professional groomer in 2016, and after several years of working in high-volume salons, she opened her own salon, Bark and Brush Grooming, in 2020. She saw a need for a gentler, stress-free approach to working with shy and nervous pups and has tailored her business to meeting their needs. Before discovering grooming, she graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s in Biology and English and completed the coursework for a Master’s in Education at Appalachian State. She has spent time traveling the world, working as a ski and kayak instructor, and teaching middle school students. Her background in education and pet care naturally work together to make her a kind and effective teacher with both human and canine learners. 

As a lifelong learner herself, Maggie spends her free time reading books about dogs, attending seminars, competing at dog events with her Airedale terrier, and working with pet care professionals to learn as much as possible about her field. She looks forward to continuing to grow and can’t wait to help you and your pup to have the best possible life together.