It’s been a while. I shared this through my email newsletter last week and thought I’d share here, in case you aren’t subscribed to the newsletter. (Sign up here.)
Here’s my backstory. You may (or may not) know that my first husband was the man who committed the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting in 2006 (read more here). Walking through those days and that season changed me. But not in the ways you might imagine. As I journeyed through trauma and brokenness, my relationship with God deepened and he met me in a profound way forever changing my life. I felt him with me. He was closer than I ever experienced before the tragedy, and I felt surrounded by his care.
I became a stronger version of myself. I saw the world through a fresh perspective, and I felt infused with determination to help my children heal and live a life not defined by my husband’s choices.
In May, 2007, I married my second husband, Dan. And there truly aren’t words to describe how amazing he is and how much he loves me. He knows just when (and how) to encourage me. He makes me laugh (usually when I’m too serious and intense), and he balances out my lack of patience with his nearly endless supply.
In the years since 2007, we’ve experienced highs and lows. We lost my dad to lung cancer, I published my first book (One Light Still Shines), and we adopted our youngest son. I’m grateful for the life we’ve built together, and the way God has carried us through it all.
But perhaps the past few years have been some of the most transformative yet. As 2019 ended, and I looked ahead to 2020, I felt God whisper “college”. (I’ll save the specifics of that story for another day, but it proves to me that God has a sense of humor.) I spent the next two and a half years pushing through 6 classes each semester (year-round). I graduated in 2022 Summa Cum Laude, with a degree in Organizational Behavior (psychology for the workplace), from Immaculata University.
During the pandemic I started my coaching business. I love helping women to rediscover the purpose, identify small steps that help them achieve their goals, and cultivate a life they love (regardless of circumstance).
Last fall I wrote a book, To Help You Heal (Transform your life through the partnership of faith, psychology, and grit.) It’s releasing this fall, and I can’t wait to share more with you in an upcoming email.
On an average week you’ll find me coaching the women in my membership and programs, working with organizational clients to strengthen their workplace culture, and speaking to various groups across the country. And of course, I’m soaking up the conversations with my (now older) kids, time with my husband, sticky kisses from my three-year-old grandson and snuggles with my four-month-old granddaughter.
I love my life. And there’s never been a time when I’ve felt more alive than this season. I cherish the conversations that help others gain clarity, reduce distraction, and help them live life on purpose!
Each Thursday you’ll find me popping in with a message that will help you do the same. In celebration of this email launch, I’m offering an opportunity to Reset Your Purpose through a (FREE) 30–45-minute conversation with me. There are only 2 sessions left! Once they are booked, the link will expire. (These sessions are intended for those who have not had a free session with me previously.)
Zoom sessions for anyone regardless of location.
Walks for Wellness on my favorite path (the one you’ve seen in my stories) if you’re local to Lancaster, PA.
Coffee Chats at my favorite local coffee shop (Strasburg, PA).
If you’re stuck, tired, or simply want more from your life now, grab one of the sessions through this link. You’ll come away feeling lighter, brighter, renewed with clarity, and clear on your direction.
I’d love to hear about you, what’s new in your life, and what you need most right now.
Send me a message (I read all of them.)


Dear Maria,
I have just finished reading “one light still shines” and my heart is overflowing with the goodness and faithfulness of God.
Thank you for your obedience to choose God’s ways and trust him with your whole heart. I know God has, and will continue to, use your story to bring the truth of His redemptive grace to this world.
May God continue to bless and bring unspeakable joy to you, Dan and your family. He is worthy of all our praise!
Your sister redemptionist,
Karen Johnson
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Hello Marie. I just finished watching the movie about the shooting and I was wondering how true to life the movie was accurately done to the reality of how it was for you? I love how God makes beauty from ashes. If it’s not good then He’s not finished with it yet. And, after watching the movie and doing some reading on you and how your life turned out; I’m thankful we serve a forgiving and grace filled God. I love how He can take such a tragedy and use it for so much good. I’m glad you are continuing on in Faith (stronger than ever) and using it to help so many other people as well. He calls us to be more like Him and you seem to be living that out in your life.
I’m not sure about trying to get a session or two with you because I’d rather someone that really needs it, get it. But I am thankful for the free offer.
God bless you (and your family) in your walk with Jesus and your journey to wherever He leads you!
Love, your sister in Christ, Angela!