About me
I’m Maria (and Ria too!), a social educator passionate about wellbeing and connection.
I’m also a mindfulness teacher and a consent practitioner. I’ve spent the past few years supporting NHS patients and college students with their physical and mental health.
A few times in my life, I have wished a service like this existed. A space where it was safe to explore the blocks I was experiencing in terms of friendship and community building. A moment of the human touch I needed – with clear communication and limits. An environment where I felt accepted and energised to go back into the world and try again.
My goal is to use my knowledge and experience to support you in your own social journey. There’s hope, don’t give up.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
– Maya Angelou
Things I value
Play
I think of play as curiosity in movement. It’s really hard to be scared while we’re playing! (Different parts of the nervous system engage in those responses). Play liberates us from worries, regrets, expectations… It brings us to the present moment, and encourages social interaction (which makes life more colourful and enjoyable).
Connection
Sometimes, we avoid people because we’ve been hurt, or we find social situations awkward, or we’re worried we’ll be disliked… That’s only natural! Still – we can’t live without connection. We need to spend time with ourselves to understand what type of connection we’re looking for, and once we know, it will take time to find our own community.
Wonder
Remember when we were little, and a caterpillar hanging from a tree, or learning to draw a house were such precious experiences that they would stop time? That sense of wonder is still inside each us. We don’t need expensive products or holidays abroad to remember that life is magic – we only need to be present and pay attention to each other.
Part of my journey
Education
Degree in Social Education (Community & Youth Work)
Certificate in Mindfulness Teaching
Workplace Training Teacher
Wheel of Consent - Like a Pro
Supporting the Mental Health of LGBTI+ Young People
Work experience
Wellbeing & Enablement Practitioner (NHS)
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (NHS)
Mental Health Mentor (City of Glasgow College)
Physiotherapy Assistant - Neurorehab (NHS)
Youth Worker (Fundacion Mornese)