BACKGROUND

How did you get into your field?

I have been an Occupational Therapist for over 13 years dedicating my career to helping adults enhance their functionality and overall well-being. My journey into specializing in women’s health began when I became a mother. This experience sparked a profound shift in my professional focus; it showed me how women benefit from specialized training in their fitness journey. I saw first hand how my body changed during pregnancy and postpartum and how I benefited greatly from training that adapted to those changes. This led me to dig deeper into how all women benefit from training catered to their specific needs. I now combine my professional and personal experiences to help all women reach their health and fitness goals.

What is your training background?

I have been an Occupational Therapist helping adults improve their overall function for over 13 years. I have been practicing as a Women’s Fitness Specialist for 4 years.

Who influenced your career path (who have you enjoyed learning from, mentor, etc)?

I have always been drawn to the helping profession since a teenager. I was introduced to this profession at the age of 13 when I was a ballet dancer and had a back injury. I had to undergo rehabilitation and was drawn to this field. I have been influenced by many mentors in a variety of settings in this field.

What makes you love your field?

INTERESTS/SPECIALITIES

What sets you apart?

I would say that my competitive advantage is that I have my OTD along with a specialist certification. It helps me to not only focus on overall health and fitness, but also help improve overall function. As an OT, I am able to help build a plan of care that can help women follow a clear plan and achieve their goals.

What kind of clients do you love working with?

I love working with all women, however my speciality is pregnancy and postpartum.

What’s your mission?

At Dr. Maria Fitness, my purpose is to empower all women to feel confident throughout all stages of their lives. I guide women to take control of their health and fitness through evidence-based fitness training and health coaching. I specialize in providing tailored services to support women in feeling confident, strong, and resilient throughout their journey. My goal is to be a trusted resource for women who are seeking fitness support throughout all stages; including pregnancy, motherhood, and more.

HOBBIES

What brings you joy? What do you do with your spare time?

I enjoy physical activities, such as bowling, skating, hiking and bike riding. I also enjoy spending quality time with my family.