María José is a multifaceted professional with a diverse background spanning health and wellness, culinary arts, hospitality, and ecological stewardship. She holds certifications in Integrative Nutrition and Holistic Health Coaching from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City (2020-2022) and Botanical Skincare and Business Herbalism from The Herbal Academy (2024). She also completed a diploma in Food and Beverage Management and Culinary Arts from George Brown College in Toronto, Canada (2017-2019), complemented by practical experience at esteemed establishments such as Forno Cultura and Bika Farm.

Her professional journey reflects her commitment to fostering holistic well-being and sustainability. She served as General Manager and Wellness Coordinator at Yolitia Wellness Center in Malinalco, Mexico, where she developed personalized health protocols, managed a team of 20, and transformed the culinary offerings into a medicinal cuisine hub. At Mica y Lalo in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, she led agroforestry initiatives, including the plantation of 4,000 fruit trees, and contributed to enhancing customer experience through service excellence training.

María José has further honed her expertise in ecological and artisanal practices through her roles at The Apple Farm in Mendocino, California, and The Mango Farm in Hawai'i. Her responsibilities included organizing events, content creation, and hands-on involvement in gardening, landscaping, and food processing. She co-hosted an Herbal Cooking Workshop with Sara Kate Benjamin of The Kosmic Kitchen, demonstrating her ability to merge culinary arts with herbalism.

With a lifelong passion for healing, María José's work integrates her clinical experience in addiction and depression gained at the Inscape recovery program at Yolitia, where she collaborated closely with medical professionals to deliver personalized wellness plans. She also draws upon her international academic experience in physics, engineering, and business, which she pursued through a Multicultural International Program at institutions such as the University of Barcelona and the Collège International de Cannes (2013-2016).

Currently based in Hawai'i, María José channels her expertise into creating restorative experiences through The Tao Within and guiding individuals on their healing journeys. Her vision encompasses a society rooted in regenerative agriculture, access to clean water, conscious dietary practices, and environmental sustainability. Through her multidimensional skillset, she provides individuals with practical tools to foster health, nurture connections with nature, and catalyze transformative dialogue.