About CWS

Welcome to Collaborative World Solutions Connection Coaching, Workshops & Consulting Services!

My work centers on empowering clients to create lives rooted in connection, vitality, and purpose to build meaningful and authentic personal and professional relationships that support a deeply fulfilling life.

Credentials

Master's in Science: Industrial/Organizational Psychology: Concentration in Talent Management
Associate Certified Coach ACC (International Coaching Federation)
Certified Professional Co-Active Coach CPCC (Co-Active Training Institute)
MBTI Certified Practioner (Myers & Briggs Foundation)

My Story

Finding Connection and Belonging Through Life's Transitions

Early in my career, I moved hundreds of miles away from home, leaving behind family, friends, and the close relationships that had always given me a sense of belonging. As the years passed and we saw each other less often, I could feel some of those connections slowly slipping away. I missed the familiarity of having people nearby who truly knew me.

Over time, I built a successful career, meaningful friendships, and a new community. Then, three decades later, following a divorce, I moved back home, expecting to reconnect and pick up where I had left off. But life had moved on. People had built new friendships, expanded their families, and established routines that no longer included me in the same way. I was surprised to discover that returning home didn't mean returning to the closeness I once remembered. It was a lonely time. Even when surrounded by people, I often felt disconnected. Rebuilding old relationships and creating new ones as an adult was harder than I expected.

Through that experience, I learned that meaningful relationships don't simply happen because we want them to. They require intention, authentic conversations, and consistent effort. I also discovered that specific strategies can make building and rebuilding relationships easier and help us find our way back to a genuine sense of connection and belonging. Combined with my professional experience in coaching, facilitation, and performance consulting, these experiences helped me create a relationship framework and shaped my mission: to help people move beyond isolation and intentionally build authentic relationships and communities where they feel seen, supported, valued, and deeply connected.

Because belonging isn't simply about being surrounded by people. It's about having people in your life with whom you feel genuinely connected.

Take the First Step

Schedule an Appointment Today!

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Testimonials

"I have known Maria for over twenty years and have admired her integrity, genuine care for others, and ability to build meaningful connections. Whether facilitating groups or working one-on-one, she creates an environment where people feel heard, valued, and open to new possibilities. Maria brings curiosity, insight, and practical wisdom to her work, helping people navigate challenges, recognize their strengths, and move forward with greater confidence. All in all she is a natural facilitator and a valuable partner in personal and professional coaching. I would confidently recommend Maria to anyone seeking stronger connections, purposeful growth, and intentional clarity." Bart Crawford, Crawford Collaborative Consulting

"Maria has a remarkable ability to see beyond the surface, recognize others’ strengths and she has never been someone who simply tells people what they want to hear; instead, she coaches them to discover their own strengths, possibilities, and paths forward. Coaching requires more than knowledge or technique, it requires the ability to connect with people, and genuinely care about another person’s growth. She brings compassion where there is difficulty, understanding where there is uncertainty, and encouragement when someone needs to believe in themselves again. I am incredibly proud of Maria and have no doubt that the same heart, wisdom, empathy, and love is a tremendous gift to those she coaches. They will be receiving a compassionate listener, a thoughtful guide, an encourager, and someone who genuinely wants to see them grow and thrive. I am honored to give Maria my highest recommendation. With great admiration and affection." T. Soto, Member Service Manager for Regional Income Tax Agency

“Working with Maria has truly been a blessing in my life. Her encouragement, compassion and belief in me helped me see my true potential which has helped me overcome obstacles and take steps towards my goals, that once seemed so scary. I am so grateful for her support, guidance and for the positive changes I have made in my life.” - J. Hammon, Photographer and Optician

“I met with Maria because I felt burnt-out, self-denigrating, and unclear exactly how to get unstuck. During our first session, she helped me tap into a sweet tenderness and open up to a variety of real-world practices that encouraged a loving and supportive attitude towards myself. I felt listened to and understood as she allowed my personal values to shape the way forward. That's what I appreciate most, Maria's ability to help me connect more deeply to the things I believe in and rely on at that deep connection to guide me.” - Melissa. Platten, Owner and Principle Instructor The Hive

What clients say about Maria’s connection coaching, design and facilitation:

Aways providing me with consistent and constructive feedback in order to better serve my clients and innovate new ways
Her skills in developing and facilitating group learning experiences make her stand out from others
Now I have mentors who make sure my contributions are recognized in leadership discussions
She helps me develop intentional, structured practices to connect to others
I've learned numerous valuable pieces of information through training courses Maria has instructed that I use on a daily level within my own sales team
I’ve not only created new connections in my community but I’ve deepened relationships with old friends
She is motivational to others and brings out the best in everyone she works with