I have extensive experience as a coach, workshop leader, consultant, and facilitator that includes a twenty-year history of nonprofit experience in crisis counseling, advocacy, and teaching. I began my work as an organizational development consultant with CompassPoint Nonprofit Services working in both their training and consulting departments. As a trainer I taught workshops on Effective Communication, Conflict Resolution, and Supervision. My work in conflict resolution is informed by The Center for Understanding in Conflict where I received much of my mediation training.
In my coaching and consulting work I often use the Interpersonal Leadership Styles (ILS) assessment, Conflict Styles assessment, and Change Cycle Locator to help individuals and teams gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the many dynamics at play in the workplace.
For fourteen years I was a trainer with Rockwood Leadership Institute, a national leadership development organization dedicated to training social justice activists in cutting edge, state of the art transformational leadership.
I received my law degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law and undergraduate degree from the University of California – Berkeley. After law school, I worked in the field of domestic violence prevention as a victim advocate with the Family Violence Prevention Fund (now Futures without Violence) and, later, in the field sexual harassment prevention as an educator.
Want to know more about me? Who I am? What else is important to me? What I’m thinking about these days? Subscribe to my newsletter, read my book or essays, and/or contact me to set up a time to chat.
Testimonials
Some feedback from my clients
The 90-minute workshop was so much fun that I didn’t want it to end. I knew we were going to write, but I had no idea Maria would break up the exercises into bite size confections, with variety, and with fantastic women to listen to. It was a welcome blend of writing, community, encouragement and inspiration, on a foundation of kindness and self-compassion.
Adela Pedroza, MBA, Moderator, corereef.com
Maria’s guidance and support were just what I needed at a time of transition in my career and life. Her approach to coaching factored in both what I felt I needed at the time, as well as what her experience allowed her to understand about how I would best respond to learning and change. I was glad to have a sounding board for big decisions, but Maria also offered practical tools and resources that I can continue to use. I would happily work with Maria again.
Hilda Vega
The Butterfly Series has changed the way I interact with myself and with the world. I am so grateful for this experience and excited for the journey ahead.