“Art has the power to render sorrow beautiful, make loneliness a shared experience, and transform despair into hope.” Brene Brown
ABOUT MARIA:
Facilitator of Therapeutic Arts
Intuition Painting® Facilitation Certification, IPFC, 2024
M.A. English, National University, 2011
B.A. Psychology, National University, 2009
A.S. Business Administration and Accounting, Lassen Community College, 1997
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
I have worked in private business and higher education for the last 40 years in miscellaneous roles from administrative support, budget analyst, and most recently Director of Operations at a large university all while raising four children. My favorite role at work has always been working with staff I lead and discovering how I can support them best in their own roles. I’ve led multiple group and individual trainings, as well as staff retreats. I have enjoyed the career path that has led me to where I am today, now navigating a change in careers as I retire from full time employment and moving towards my latest passion, intuitive art for personal development, mental wellness, and healing. I married young and had four children quickly, while this was my priority I also needed to work and establish a career to provide for our large family. Eventually this led me to get an associates in business and accounting to better my career options, then later a bachelors in psychology where I was drawn to a future in counseling and therapy only to move to a path in creative writing where I received my masters in English and taught literature for three years.
My journey into the world of therapeutic arts began much later, from a deeply personal place. Like many, I was navigating the complex terrain of healing from past trauma. Writing had always been my sanctuary; my journal was filled with daily reflections, a testament to my inner world. Therapy and other healing modality sessions were a regular part of my adult life, providing me with valuable insights and coping mechanisms. However, I felt a yearning for something more, a different medium through which I could explore and express my healing journey, personal development, and improve my own health and wellness.
That is when I stumbled upon intuition art. Despite having no background or training in art or painting, I was intrigued by the promise of using art as a tool for self-discovery and healing. The experience was nothing short of transformative. Intuition art opened up new pathways for me to connect with my inner self, allowing emotions and insights to flow onto paper in a way words never could. It was a profound resource that complemented my existing therapeutic practices, offering a unique and powerful avenue for personal growth and healing.
This personal transformation sparked a deep desire within me to share this incredible tool with others. I realized that if intuition art could have such a significant impact on my own healing journey, it could undoubtedly help others too. This realization was the catalyst for becoming a facilitator in Intuition Painting® and founding Soul Journey Arts. My mission is to guide individuals through the therapeutic arts, specifically intuition painting and creative art processes, to facilitate healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. It is not just about learning to paint; it is about embarking on a journey to uncover and express the deepest parts of oneself.
I am passionate about the power of therapeutic arts and am committed to creating a supportive, nurturing environment where individuals can explore their creativity and intuition in a safe space. I believe that everyone has the capacity for self-healing and self-expression through art, regardless of their artistic background. It is an honor to facilitate this journey for others, and I am continually inspired by the transformations I witness. This is not just a business for me; it is a calling, a way to give back and support others in their healing journeys, just as I was supported in mine.