About Maria

Hello. I’m so glad you are here.

I’m an author, trainer, facilitator and mentor who studies the impact of feeling understood.  

I believe the doorknob to being engaged at work is feeling understood and I’m excited about helping leaders take understanding from a value to a practice. 

I’ve spent most of my career helping organizations boost their engagement efforts. I hold a Master’s degree in Communications and Technology from the University of Alberta where I researched the impact of technology on engagement. I’ve spent the last few years studying the critical role of feeling understood and its impact on employee and team performance. I recently wrote my first book Understood: The greatest human need and the key to engagement.

I am passionate about transforming employee engagement beyond team-building activities, social events, and awards ceremonies. Instead, I believe true engagement comes from people’s everyday experiences at work, which are shaped by their leaders. When we feel understood by our leaders our humanity is amplified. We become more connected, contribute our best and show greater commitment – that is real engagement.

Outside of my work, my husband Travis and I call Stony Plain, Alberta home. I’m a proud step-mom to Nolan and Cassidy and love spending time with my two doggies, Indy and Boo.