Who is Mariya

Coaching Certificates and Affiliations:

Member of ICF (International Coaching Federation)

Member of IPACT (International Professional Association of Coaches and Trainers), Ukraine

Student at iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching), USA

Alumna of Advanced coach training program at Masters of Transformation, Ukraine (2016)

Certified coach at IPS (Isaac Pintosevich Systems), Ukraine (2016)

Scientific Education and Research Experience:

2016-current Post-doctoral Researcher in Atmospheric Science at ESSIC, University of Maryland and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Topic: Satellite observations and global modeling of Biomass burning aerosol emissions.

2012-2015 NASA Postdoctoral Fellow, ORAU/NASA GSFC

2012 Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

2006 M.S. in Atmospheric Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.

2003 B.S. in Environmental Sciences, National University of Kiev-Mohyla Academy, Kiev, Ukraine.

My Story 📖

I am a certified coach, and I truly love the work I do today. But it wasn’t always that way.

Several years ago, I found myself feeling bored, stuck, and unmotivated in my career. The parts of my work that energized me took up only a small fraction of my time, and I wanted to escape the rest – yet I didn’t know where to go or how to begin.

What followed was a challenging, insightful, and ultimately life-changing journey of reconnecting with myself.

Eventually, I learned how to make the most of a career that no longer felt aligned while also creating a clear and grounded plan to transition into work that felt meaningful. That journey led me to coaching and I could not be more grateful!

Why I Coach 🎯

I understand what it feels like to be lost, confused, or unsure of your direction. I know how heavy that uncertainty can feel.

And I also know that there is always a way forward.

Today, I help people get unstuck, reconnect with what matters to them, and set goals that inspire them and bring out their best.

Where I Come From 🗺️

I grew up in the small industrial town of Energodar, Ukraine.
As a child, I dreamed of becoming an ecologist and helping protect the world – a dream that led me to degrees in environmental and atmospheric sciences.

Over time, I discovered that I also had a deep love for working with people and supporting change one life at a time. My scientific background remains a core strength – it taught me critical thinking, objectivity, and how to set and achieve meaningful goals.

How I Work 🗣️

Through my own journey of education, career decision-making, and career transition, I learned that:

Success looks different for every person
Each path is unique
Everyone holds tremendous inner potential

My coaching style is grounded in curiosity, encouragement, and respect.
You will always be met with a supportive and non-judgmental presence.

Beyond Coaching 👤

I am a wife and a mother of three wonderful children.
I am a parishioner, a member of the Sisterhood, and a treasurer at Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Beltsville, MD.

I love hiking, camping, and being outdoors (fog is my favorite weather!).
I also enjoy gardening, reading, cooking, and watching my family create and build things. I am continually exploring what a healthy work-life balance looks like – both in theory and in real life.