Equipping Communities for Unity, Healing, Faith, and Belonging

A Life of Impact and Leadership

Maria’s impact spans schools, churches, nonprofits, and wellness organizations across Canada and the United States. As a speaker, leader, trainer, and curriculum designer, she collaborates with leaders, educators, and families to build spaces of oneness and belonging, including trauma-informed environments. Maria is also passionate about equipping and mentoring women leaders in the church, encouraging them to boldly step into their God-given callings with confidence. Maria currently serves on staff with an incredible global church.

A Voice for Healing and Oneness

Maria is an accomplished author with three children’s books, a family devotional, and a new book set to release soon—Called to Love. Her books reflect her heart for cultivating love, belonging, and healing in families and communities.

A Personal Journey of Oneness and Healing

Maria’s passion for John 17 unity and trauma healing is deeply personal. As an immigrant and mother to nine children—two biological and seven adopted—her family represents seven cultural backgrounds, six racial groups, and ten additional (special) needs. Alongside her husband, Sam, of 27 years—who is also an immigrant and adult adoptee—they have built a home defined by love, faith, and bold trust in God’s plan. Their journey of adoption, foster care, and walking in faith demonstrates the transformative power of God’s best stories.

Passionate About Oneness, Belonging, and Trauma-Informed Care

Maria holds a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University, where trauma and belonging concepts were foundational to her training and clinical licensure since 2001. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from a Christian university in Canada, one of the first nations to adopt a national multicultural policy. She also holds a related certificate from Cornell University, is a TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) trained practitioner through Texas Christian University, and is a certified School Counselor. Maria’s expertise lies at the intersection of trauma-informed practices and fostering authentic environments of connection and belonging.

A Legacy of Faith and Love

Maria’s life is a testament to living out Micah 6:8—walking humbly with God, acting justly, and loving mercy. She believes that the greatest calling is to love God and others, a central theme in her upcoming book, Called to Love. Grounded in Jeremiah 29:11, Maria’s journey reflects her trust in God’s best stories, even through challenges and unknowns. She encourages others to embrace their own God stories, trusting that He is always writing something beautiful and redemptive. Through her work and life, Maria seeks to leave a legacy of faith, love, and Biblical oneness that inspires others to live boldly for God.

Join Maria’s Mission

Through her faith and background in trauma-informed care, as well as her leadership in fostering unity and belonging, Maria equips communities to build healthy environments of healing, value, and connection. Whether through her books, speaking engagements, coaching, or resources, Maria invites you to join her in championing differences—creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. Maria invites you to take a seat at the table, joining the journey of growing, maturing, and learning together as we listen to and learn from one another.