Elder Maria brings more than 25 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities through some of life’s most meaningful and challenging transitions. Rooted in ancestral teachings and a rich, multi-layered heritage that includes Anishinaabe (Batchewana First Nation), Métis, and Sámi lineages from Sweden, she offers a deeply compassionate and culturally grounded approach to resilience, healing, and personal growth.

Throughout her life and career, Elder Maria has been guided by the belief that every person carries strengths, wisdom, and resilience within them. Her work creates space for individuals to reconnect with those strengths while navigating grief, loss, change, relationship challenges, identity questions, and other significant life experiences.

Elder Maria’s approach brings together traditional ways of knowing with contemporary wellness practices. Her background includes certified Life Skills Coaching, Human Relations Counselling, and extensive study in Medicine Wheel teachings, healing circles, and grief, loss, and bereavement facilitation. This blend of traditional knowledge and trauma-informed practice allows her to support clients with empathy, insight, cultural humility, and practical guidance.  Elder Maria is also an Indigenous End-of-life Guide.

Over the years, Elder Maria has become a trusted Elder, mentor, and advisor within both community and organizational settings. Her leadership experience includes serving as an Elder with Xyólheméylh, as well as providing guidance and support to organizations such as the Fraser Valley Aboriginal Health Council and Circle 5. Her contributions have helped strengthen culturally safe services, community wellness initiatives, healing programs, and inclusive workplace environments.

Alongside her community leadership, Elder Maria has worked extensively with organizations, administrative teams, and grassroots programs to develop training, wellness initiatives, and culturally responsive approaches that honour both individual and collective well-being. Her experience spans corporate consulting, community-based healing programs, and initiatives such as Healing Circles in the Park, all of which reflect her commitment to fostering connection, belonging, and resilience.

Clients often appreciate Elder Maria’s warm presence, thoughtful listening, and ability to balance compassion with practical support. Her work is grounded in creating emotional safety while helping people develop meaningful tools for navigating life’s complexities. Whether someone is facing loss, change, uncertainty, or a desire for personal growth, Elder Maria strives to meet them with respect, understanding, and encouragement.

At the heart of Elder Maria’s work is a deep commitment to helping people feel seen, heard, and supported. Her goal is to walk alongside each person as they build resilience, honour their experiences, and move forward in ways that align with their values, strengths, and unique journey.