Marina brings over a decade of experience as a social worker, with degrees in Social Work from Arizona State University and Social Development from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Her work bridges trauma-informed care, resilience-building, and holistic healing, rooted in both rigorous academic training and a decade of hands-on experience in social services.
She began her career supporting survivors at a domestic violence shelter, where she served as a social worker providing direct services. This frontline work deepened her understanding of trauma and resilience, shaping client-centered approaches that she continues to practice today.
Marina was recruited to build a community-based program for survivors of interpersonal violence and human trafficking from the ground up, guiding its development, growth, and impact into a robust, trauma-informed program that flourished under her leadership within a large Phoenix nonprofit. The program offered bilingual services and culturally responsive support, with a special focus on Hispanic communities, reflecting Marina’s commitment to inclusive, client-centered care.
Her dedication for healing and advocacy also led her into academia, where she was recruited to lead a national, multi-year initiative focused on educating university students about intimate partner violence, healthy relationships, and survivor-centered practices. Over the course of three years, she managed three distinct programs that reached campuses across the country, training students to become informed advocates and equipping their internship agencies to better support survivors.
Prior to her leadership in nonprofit and academic spaces, Marina spent over two decades working as a massage therapist and yoga instructor. During that time, she developed a strong foundation in physical wellness, stress reduction, and skills that continue to inform her trauma-informed approach in both direct service and advocacy settings. This depth of hands-on experience is what sets Marina apart: her work is grounded not only in theory and leadership, but in years of practical, client-centered healing.
Meditation has long been a central pillar of that journey. Marina first learned to meditate under the guidance of an instructor and has maintained a dedicated personal practice for nearly 30 years, meditating once to twice daily with consistency and depth. Her Beginner’s Meditation Course is directly inspired by this long-standing practice, offering accessible tools rooted in what supported her most at the start of her journey. Her foundations in bodywork, yoga, and meditation give her a deep appreciation for how the body stores and releases trauma, an understanding that informs every aspect of her client care and teaching. This course complements her hands-on offerings by providing clients with gentle, sustainable tools for nervous system regulation and emotional resilience.
Today, as a certified life coach, Marina approaches her work through an intersectional lens, recognizing how trauma, identity, and healing are shaped by overlapping life experiences. She draws from her background in bodywork, yoga, meditation, nonprofit leadership, and national education to support individuals on their healing journeys. Her coaching blends practical tools, trauma-informed care, and accessible wellness practices to help clients better understand their needs, navigate challenges with steadiness, and take meaningful steps toward personal growth. Her services are designed to meet clients where they are, whether they’re seeking emotional clarity, physical relief, trying to navigate change, or just wanting to connect to a deeper sense of purpose. To learn more about Marina’s services or begin your journey, explore her work or reach out for a consultation.
