Reiki Master/Teacher

Usui System (RM/T)

Reiki is a hands on, hands-over and distance healing technique that traces its origins to Mikao Usui.  Reiki means Universal Life Force Energy or Universal Source Energy.  Reiki is an energy healing modality that has become more and more popular since Maura Jo took their original training in the late 1990’s as a student in the Marist College Alternative and Complementary Healthcare Certificate Program.  She continued her studies with Reiki Master/Teacher, Susan Olin-Dabrowski, with whom they are still in contact today.  Maura Jo’s Reiki I workshops focus on self-healing, Reiki II builds upon those skills and introduces the concept of distance healing and helping others heal, Reiki III/Master training is on a case-by-case, invitation-only basis. 
 

Wellness Educator and Energy Worker

Alternative and Complementary Health Care (Marist College), Reiki Master/Teacher (Ususi System)

With an interest in alternative and complementary healthcare that began in the early 1990's, Maura Jo has studied several modalities and types of alternative care including herbalism, body work, homeopathy, energy healing, mindfulness, mindset and hypnosis.  They are a Reiki Master/Teacher, Herbalist, Hypnosis Practitioner and Mindset Mentor.  Her work with the public focuses on basic herbal literacy, stress-reduction, self-care, energy work, self-advocacy and healthcare literacy. 

Herbalist

Rosemary Gladstar’s The Science and Art of Herbalism

The history of Herbal Medicine is as old as human society, perhaps older as many animals also will instinctively care for themselves with plant healing. Famous western herbalists include Saint Hildegard of Bingen, eleventh-century mystic, polymath and visionary. Of course in most gatherer-hunter societies and earth-centered cultures, everyone has a basic understanding of how to treat common ailments, injuries and conditions with one or two community leaders who hold and pass on the herbal wisdom and plant medicine. This is done with sacred respect for the plants themselves and the ecosystem through which the plants, people and all around them are literally one. In addition to certifying with Rosemary Gladstar’s program several years ago in a dynamic group study program, Maura Jo began learning about herbs in the early 1990’s with independent study, taking undergraduate coursework through The Evergreen State College and then continuing studies in Upstate New York, through Marist College, and attending conferences and intensives. Their work as an herbalist revolves around a holistic, environmentally-sensitive understanding that each individual will respond differently to different plant medicines and determining a course of action should be an ongoing conversation between the person seeking healing and the herbalist.

Childbirth and Hypnobirthing Education

Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings Childbirth Educator (in Training), Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, Madriella (MCE), [M]Otherboard Educator, Certified Hypnosis Practitioner

Maura Jo is dedicated to providing and generating more inclusive childbirth education materials. She has taught for several different hospital systems and enjoys enhancing hospital-based classes with additional information on evidence-based strategies and tools to increase comfort in birthing. Their independent classes now focus on offering Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class, Hypnosis, Mindset and Mindfulness programs that bring additional tools to families as they prepare for birthing, a comprehensive VBAC program, programs for Homebirth families, Specialized Programs for LGBTQIA+ Families on the Journey into Parenthood, and short, one class add-on [M]Otherboard offerings on Induction, Birth Basics, Postpartum Self-Care, Newborn Care, Nursing/Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding, and more. She was one of the very first US birth educators to certify as a GentleBirth Educator (a hypnobirthing organization) and quickly continued on her studies to become a Certified Hypnosis Practitioner and earn a certificate as a Childbirth and Hypnosis Specalist.

Professional Birth Doula

StillBirthDay (SBD), Madriella (MCD), HypnoBabies Hypno-Doula

Beginning with training in 2006, Maura Jo has trained with six doula organizations, learning different skills with each training. Going the extra several steps beyond training to complete certifications gives Maura Jo additional background, skills and experiences many other doulas have chosen not to avail themselves of. Previous certifications include ALACE (CPLA), toLABOR (CBD). They are also working on completing certification as a Fertility Advocate.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Fitness Educator

CAPPA (CPFE), AFFA

As one of the US's only Certified Pregnancy Fitness Educators, Maura Jo offers private consultations, group classes and more to help folks enjoy healthy pregnancy, healthy birth and healthy postpartum "bounce back" into fitness. Mall Walking Monday Workouts were a staple for Central Connecticut perinatal exercise options, and while they have been temporarily suspended due to public health concerns, alternate at-home workouts (live or recorded) are available upon request.

Professional Postpartum Doula

Madriella (MCPD)

Maura Jo offers virtual Postpartum Support and limited Postpartum Doula services to folks in Central and Northwestern Connecticut, Torrington, New Haven, Hartford, Waterbury and beyond. Services include light meal preparation, light housekeeping, breastfeeding support, infant care and someone to talk with when those early days are a challenge. ASL for Baby virtual meet-ups are also available as part of your postpartum package. Call or email for more information.

Certified Professional Doula

Madriella (MCPD)

This is a new credential signifying they have met both birth doula, & postpartum doula certification requirements, plus hold a valid CPR/BLS for professionals, have their blood-borne pathogens certification and are food safety certified, and have completed further education with Madriella's Professional Doula training.  This credential reflects a high level of dedication to continuing education and professionalism.

Rebozo Credential

Gena Kirby University

The rebozo is a long piece of colorful fabric woven by Mexican artisans and traditionally used for many things including helping a pregnant person relax in pregnancy and labor.  The Mexican midwives who have mastered these techniques over many generations have graciously taught the skills to birth workers from around the world so that we may share the knowledge and comfort the rebozo can offer.  Maura Jo was taught in-person and online by Gena Kirby who trained directly with Mexican midwives.  They look forward to finding the right opportunity to train directly with a Mexican Midwife. If you have a good recommendation, please reach out!

Bereavement/Loss and Grief Doula

Certified Birth and Bereavement Doula (StillBirthDay), Pregnancy And Infant Loss Advocate (PAIL Advocate)

During unexpected outcomes, having a doula who is prepared to talk with you about your choices, provide a sounding board as you work out decision making, encourage self-advocacy and provide educational and emotional support can be very helpful. Working virtually at this time, Maura Jo is prepared to support those who decide to carry to term as well as those who may be facing other choices or circumstances with compassion and caring. Maura Jo, themself a “rainbow baby,” as she was born following the neonatal loss of their brother, Kevin. She was raised with a sense of celebration for and regular reminders of their brother’s short life and with this lived experience, is ready to assist during challenging times.

Hypno-Doula, Hypnosis Practitioner & Hypnotherapy Guide, Hypnosis in Childbirth Specialist, Hypnobirthing Instructor

HypnoBabies Hypno-Doula Credential, CPD Accredited, Hypnosis Motivation Institute, Advanced Hypnosis for Childbirth Certified through Karen Wells

Using the power of brain training and hypnosis to provide additional comfort, relaxation and techniques to the birthing time, Maura Jo’s classes and trainings help to provide additional options to birthing people and their support team too! Maura Jo has done advanced coursework and training to provide next-level support beyond the standard hypnobirthing programs.

Certified Doula Trainer

Certified through Equanimity Birth and Wellness (Mandy Johnson Renaud, Canada)

After being a practicing doula and birth professional for over a decade and a half and amassing training and certifications from a gambit of organizations, Maura Jo has begun training doulas and birth educators! This certification required a number of certifications, papers and hours upon hours of experience with families and training other professionals. Maura Jo is currently involved in a hospital-based training program for PCA’s and is training birth professionals through Center Song and Bridges and Boundaries Programs.