About Maria
Look at me in this picture!  Perched up in a tree, without a care in the world - you may wonder how I can guide other people to "create wellness" out of pain, hardship or confusion.  It may help you to learn about my journey.

I am healthy now, but that has not always been the case.  When I was 13, my lung collapsed three different times.  Eventually, I had major surgery to fix the problem.  I recovered completely and have competed in tennis tournaments, triathlons and climbed Mount Marcy with my friend Jane.  I understand physical challenges and how difficult it can be to face them.

The biggest emotional pain in my life has been my youngest brother Evan who was born with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and severe mental retardation.  Watching Evan have numerous seizures each day and learning that he would never be able to sit up or talk was heart wrenching for my family and me.  What helped my Mother get through these hard times was going to an exercise class each week that included a long relaxation at the end.  I want to offer the same relief to people who are caretakers.

During my teaching career of over 20 years, I have guided each person to create an action plan for what he or she wants to achieve and facilitated group work using the Native American Four Directions. I started my career teaching math at the community college level, then expanded into teaching college success and most recently yoga, which has become my passion.  I understand that taking charge of your life to create wellness is a learning process, and have the skills to support and guide clients through their learning.  I am expanding my experience of teaching the Four Directions, integrating this ancient wisdom to my current life in simple ways and sharing this with people through Workshops, classes and eventually my book. 

I practice yoga through classes, private lessons and my daily yoga routine.  Through yoga, reflective writing and simple spiritual practices, I have learned to make healthy life decisions about what I eat, how I exercise, when I rest and what activities will make me feel happy.   Each day is different, so I adapt my practices to what I need at each moment, just as I adapt to each person that takes my class.

I expanded my ability to offer healing opportunities through studying Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy.  I guide people to find wisdom from inside that is directly applied to their life.  I continue to expand my learning by studying energy work, circle gatherings and past life explorations.

I know that life is stressful for all of us.  Most people that I have met are trying so hard to be the best they can be.  We strive to be productive employees in the face of economic challenges and difficult working conditions.  We love and suffer heart-breaking losses.  We live with physical and emotional challenges that sometimes threaten to break us.  In my work with students and clients, I strive above all to help people in ways that will work for them-I understand that even a little relief can make a difference in a stressful world.  If I can help someone on their path to wellness, it becomes as much a gift to me as it is to them.

Following is a list of my education:
*  Daily Reflection
*  Bachelor of Science, Penn State University
*  Masters of Education, George Washington University
*  Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Certification
*  Yoga Alliance Certification through Yoga-Fit 
*  Wellness Coach through the Spencer Institute

Suggested reading on Yoga for healing:
Yoga as Medicine by Timothy McCall, M.D.
The Molecules of Emotion by Candace Pert, M.D.
The Forgotten Body by Elissa Cobb
Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy by Michael Lee
Calling the Circle  The First and Future Culture by Christina Baldwin

Check out Experiential Workshop and Individual Wellness Guidance plus Yoga pages!