Practicing since 2003
She is a graduate of the “Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program” which teaches awareness and compassion-based practices by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. Jack and Tara blend western psychology and eastern spiritual practices and have brought their teachings to people around the world.
In addition to the teachings and guidance of Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, Pema Chodron, and Oren Jay Sofer, Mary-Ann’s practice has also been deeply influenced by teachers such as, Thich Nhat Hanh, Eckhart Tolle, Satya Narayana Goenka, Donald Rothberg, David Chernikoff, Ronya banks, and Brother David Steindl-Rast.
Mary-Ann experienced a challenging childhood in Belgium, nuanced with death and grief. Her compassion found an outlet with hospice work and volunteering at the Pilgrim Project, a community hospice and palliative care program.
Her journey through trauma and grief has shown her, that no matter what happens, there is a way home. That life is the most precious gift when we learn to trust, to rest in the way things are and to accept the measures of joy and sorrow we are given.
Trained as a veterinarian, she moved to Canada and found a measure of peace with her husband, 3 children, a dog and 2 guinea pigs in Montreal. She continued to explore her inner life by becoming a Certified Yoga Instructor with the Canadian Yoga Alliance. As the founder and teacher of YOGADA studio in Montreal, Mary-Ann has been instrumental in providing classes and resources for individuals to enhance their lives with mindful movement and meditation’s many benefits.
Combining her love of nature and silent meditation retreats, she picked up her backpack and walked 1100 km on the “Camino de Santiago” in Spain in 2018. The solitary pilgrimage of seven weeks tested and strengthened her beliefs and dedication to her mindfulness routine, leading her to more deeply appreciate nature-based practices as doorways to ease the mind and find peace.
In 2022, she moved to British Columbia and is grateful to be living on the unceded territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, colonially known as North Saanich.
Her favorite pastimes are playing with her grand-children, walking with her puppy in the woods, gardening, paddling, making music …
She lives out her mindful life by sitting for Daily Practice, reading the Buddhist teachings and sharing what she learns.
Mary-Ann leads workshops on mindfulness and has on-going drop-in Meditation sits.
Truth and Reconciliation
I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I live, work and play, the traditional territories of the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations
I pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. I have a responsibility to examine my part in continuing colonial practices, to work towards justice and equity, and to never forget.
I am thankful for the bounties of this land and the relationships we form here.
I am grateful for the land, air and sea that we share.