ABOUT YOU
The focus is on fostering your growth, building your confidence, and empowering you to uncover the potential that has always been within you. Recognizing that each person is unique, the support is tailored to align with who you are.
Together, we create a personalized plan to address areas of interest and need, helping you develop the skills for an authentic and fulfilling life. Services are available for individuals, families, workshops, and consultations. |
A bit about me
Appreciating the transformative and magical journey of being a mama to a creative and curious little being. It’s a privilege to learn from him, witnessing his "firsts" and being reminded with every challenge and laugh what a gift each moment is. I love to play, sing, dance and spend time with dear ones. I find joy in nature, basking in the warm sun, and embarking on adventures big and small.
Since 1998, I have worked in both public and private settings. In 2011, I founded SHINE with the vision of offering personalized, person-centered support to children and families, integrating cross-modal strategies with a focus on executive function for children, teens, adults, and families. Over the years, I have expanded my approach to include self-care and well-being practices that promote self-awareness, with a strong emphasis on cultivating confidence and self-esteem to empower individuals to truly thrive and enhance their quality of life. While continuing to nurture my private practice, I’m also dedicated to fostering a long-time dream into reality. In collaboration with like-minded parents and educators, we’re cultivating something truly special. Learn more about it at www.bearfootlearners.org |
Kind Words from SHINE Families
Maria has worked with all three of my children for various needs. She is energetic and engaging and can create calm when appropriate. She made a huge difference in our lives teaching us great ways to respond and better understand ourselves and our kids. We are so happy to have her in our lives!
~Mom of 3 We love Maria! She has excellent attention to detail. She made acute observations with how we interact as a family and with some tweaks, what a positive change! Her habit and accountability support has been most valuable to us. Family nights are a lot of fun and we as individuals and together are so much happier and working together in ways I only dreamed.
As we reduced sessions the daily reminders as check-ins made sure we kept up with the strategies. Sometimes when we have a problem my daughter says “Maria can help us find a solution to this challenge!” When we contacted her she said “yes and I will help you learn how to be a solution finder too!” ~Family of 5 I have been seeing Maria since I was a kid. I’m in high school now and I don’t think I would have made it this far without her help. She is taught me so much about my brain and how to take care of myself. I am more confident and believe in myself now. ~16 year old
From our intake call, I felt Maria really listened and understood. I left in tears because she was able to reach my child in a way no one has in just one session. I could see my baby making progress in as little as 10 session where all the years at school never could.
~Mother of 6 year old boy My favorite thing is I can email or text Maria whenever I need. She will text or set up a zoom call to help me when I get stuck in between sessions. Her forms are fun too with little messages and tips.
~17 year old teen |
We’ve never raised a concern with Maria that she wasn’t able to help me with her response is always “we’ll let’s figure this out together”. It’s nice to talk to someone but it’s so good for us to have someone to make a plan and get out from feeling like there’s a huge problem. And having a way to address it as a manageable challenge.
~Parents of two kids with ADHD Maria is a lot of fun. She can drive you crazy sometimes but I know she is really doing it to help me. She showed me how much progress I made with our forms and tracker activities. I didn’t realize how much I’ve changed and when I look back I am feeling a lot better and things I thought were hard are much easier now. ~13 year old
Sometimes I just make appointments to talk things over with Maria. Her insight is so helpful and I never feel judged or criticized as a person or parent. Maria has offered valuable insight that has allowed me to grow as a person and mother. I have learned so much about myself and understand my kids and other’s so much better.
~Parent of 3 rogue children Maria has been able to host family nights and teach us applicable conflict resolution and listening abs sharing skills. She shows us how to appreciate each other and focus on what matters.
~Single dad of two boys. |