Dancer. Dance Educator. Choreographer. Producer. Yoga & Meditation Teacher and Trainer, Reiki Master & Teacher. Healer. Essential Oils Teacher. Spiritual Intuitive. Life Coach. Mentor. Published Author. Podcast Host. online or in-person
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Director/President of PA Dance Network, Inc. (PADN). Opening in 1996, PADN was a public dance studio where an abundance of classes and dance education were offered to train pre-professional and professional dancers, as well as, a studio for children and adults enjoying classes for recreation. In 2012, a new studio was built next to Maria's house in Analomink, PA. PADN then became a private, by-appointment-only studio. Shortly thereafter, Maria began to expand her work, classes and teachings online.
Founder/Director/CEO for PA Dance Vision, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization specializing in community outreach, choreography, production, performance and artistic collaboration.
Certified dance teacher by Dance Masters of America & Dance Educators of America in Jazz, Tap, Ballet & Modern, beginner through professional levels.
Maria's choreographic expertise, teaching and mentoring has been provided to many schools, organizations, companies & individuals throughout her 30 year career, including the University Dance Company at East Stroudsburg University where she served as Assistant Director and Guest Artist for 25 years. 10 of those years were shared doing double duty for ESU's Music Department choreographing for their Broadway Musical Reviews under the direction of Terry Flatt.
Creator and Producer of the Mountain Dance Concert, which for 15 years, brought regional pre-professional and professional dance companies together to share their dance art with audiences in the Pocono Mountains of PA.
Choreographer for 11 years at Pocono Mountain School District for SCEAP (Student, Community, Enrichment, Activities, Program) under the direction of program creator, Grammy nominated, singer/songwriter, the late, Lamar Thomas, Sr.
Recognized and honored by the University of Scranton’s
Small Business Development Center as a women entrepreneur of merit.
Awarded The Spirit of Excellence Award by the American Red Cross.
Trained and mentored (and continue to mentor) dancers who have gone on to have professional careers in dance performance, dance education, studio ownership and choreography. Some include members of PA Dance Vision.
Creator, Teacher & Trainer
Dance for the joy of it: A Creative Dance Journey
STEPPING STONES©
SoulStar Yoga (c) coming in 2022
Pure Essence Reiki
Meditation Reboot
Teen Self-Love Movement
Training
Jeanne & Carrie Evers, both former Radio City Rockettes (Tap & Jazz), Cindy Kemmerer (Ballet & Modern), Daryl Retter (Lyrical), Bob Rizzo (Jazz & Lyrical), Jeffrey Ferguson (Jazz, Lyrical & Horton/Ailey technique), Kathryn Sullivan (Ballet), Robin Dunn (Hip Hop), the late, Catherine Culnane (Modern, Improvisation & Choreography), Dr. Elizabeth Goodling
(Contemporary Ballet, Improvisation & Choreography).
Started dancing at the age of 5. Been dancing for 50 years. Began teaching at the age of 24.
Published Author of The Namaste Garden (Jan. 2013).
Creator of The Namaste Garden Spiritual Guidance Cards (2016).
Creator/Podcast Host Walking Your Path (Jan. 2020).
Maria believes that we all have dreams that we are meant to live for our own joy and the betterment of the world. She walks her talk and teaches others to do the same. The support and leadership she offers and shares is one of love, health and happiness. Dance for the joy of it!!
