From a young age an interest in psychology bought me to the library where I would spend hours researching case studies and trying to understand the relationships and dynamics around me. Having mainly administrative jobs in my earlier years then onto working in the natural therapy industry in my early 20’s. My last 20 years in the workforce was mainly in HR, sales, advertising, marketing and training. Along the way I studied Reiki then counselling, and facilitated meditation for the requirement of assisting people to relax and de-stress. Creating my first meditation CD ‘Empower Your Spirit’ in 2005, then 'Guided Meditations For Everyday' in 2009 and the recently released 'Heart Opening'. As a workshop presenter in the area of personal wellbeing and stress management I have also become a mentor to other therapists and students. Doing further study in grief and loss, resilience, cognitive behaviour therapy and ACT (Acceptance & Commitment therapy) has assisted me to develop my own programs such as Women Nurturing Women® a personal growth journey and now a Men's Workshop to assist with practical skills to de-stress. I am absolutely passionate about my path both professionally and personally and am continually inspired by the courage and tenacity my clients and students show.  I feel privileged to share with you and embrace the opportunity to assist in your healing and personal and spiritual growth as I work through my heart with integrity in all that I do. October 2010 - Maria was a Speaker at the ARC National Conference Supporting our Community One of the most important aspects of 'community' is to ensure that we support and care for each other. Below are three causes that are close to my heart: Animal Aid - I am an animal lover and understand how they can and do enhance our lives in many wonderful ways. Our domestic animals are apart of our family, to be cherished and nurtured like our own children  Make A Wish Foundation - I had the pleasure of being a volunteer for a period of time. This organisation is for the benefit of children who have life threatening medical conditions. They grant wishes specifically requested by the child giving hope, strength and a little joy to all those involved. Family, friends and volunteers all benefit from the smile and delight of the child receiving their gift. I personally feel that these beautiful children have an amazing strength and resiliance and teach us so much about the human spirit. Scope for people with a disability - Personally I have been a volunteer with the intellectually disabled from the age of 16 and worked for a number of years raising funds for Cooinda Hill in Gippsland. In the past 14 years I have enjoyed working with a number of people with CP and was kindly asked to facilitate meditation for the clients at Wavlink. You can read some beautiful testimonials from the clients. People with disabilities have so much to share and teach us and it was Charlotte my cerebral palsy client who encouraged me to leave the corporate life and to work in Reiki full-time. She kindly told me one day that she was my messenger and this was the path that I was to travel. I listened and I have never looked back and will be forever grateful for her sharing this message with me.