Maria Swancara worked at a pet store and a vet clinic in California before moving to Nebraska. Wanting to continue to work with pets, Maria applied at Kenl Inn and has been there since 1992. Starting as a pet care technician, Maria now works as head stylist in their salon. She also has become a member of the National Dog Grooming Association of America and has her certification in the Terrier and Non-Sporting groups. Kenl Inn provides boarding for all pets. Services offered at Kenl Inn also range from their daycare, grooming salon, training classes, indoor gym, and doggie swimming pool.
Tell me a little about your family. – I have been married for 23 years. My husband designs water bottling plans and we have a 19 year old son who is a student at Southeast Community College and is planning on becoming a history teacher. We also have 2 dogs and 5 cats.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Moving to the USA!! The best thing that ever happened to me!! Having a child was another turning point; it sure changes your outlook on life. Working at Kenl Inn is another one; I had so many opportunities to grow as a person thanks to my bosses Ben and KQ Allen. They have been a very positive force in my life.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to read and listen to music. Also watching movies, shoe shopping and catching up with friends.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – Most people are surprised by my love of hard rock music. I guess I don’t fit the image of a hard rock fan. My sarcastic sense of humor and dislike for most sports are other things that people find surprising. Something else that people find “unique” about me is the fact that while I’m Mexican, I can’t cook any Mexican food or anything else for that matter, mostly because I HATE cooking!
What are you most proud of? – Moving to a new country and learning a new language is one of the things I’m proud of. Becoming an American Citizen in 2000 is another one. Living in this country and working at Kenl Inn has given me the opportunity to help my husband provide our son with an education and a life style that in my native country, Mexico, would be impossible to achieve. I’m proud and very grateful for that.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? – Getting my Master Grooming Certification! I have to get my certification on Sporting and Hand Stripping breeds before I can test for the Master Level, so I have a lot of work to do yet.
Which talent would you most like to have? – I would love to be able to play the piano or the guitar. Painting is another talent I would like to have (and I don’t mean painting walls.)
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I have too many favorites! I love to read and the last good book I read was First the Dead by Tim Downs.
What is your favorite movie? – I like all sorts of movies and one of the best I have seen this year is The Blind Side. Excellent movie!
What is your favorite TV show? – I watch way too much TV!! Dancing with the Stars, House, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and The Glenn Beck Show are some of my favorites.
Whats the best way to contact you? Just call Kenl Inn at (402) 488-8190 or visit our website at http://kenl-inn.com/