Hi, I'm Mariel and CR8V [creative] is my outlet. Formed initially in 2020, but officially in 2022, I planted a seed that grew a root from which my diverse, yet cohesive, creative endeavors would stem from.

It started with a yearning to leave The Bay Area and exit a career track that was pulling me out of alignment. After years of battling mystery illnesses, adrenal depletion, multiple disability leaves, and finally receiving an Ehlers-Danlos diagnosis, I left my role as Director of Customer Success at a small Belmont, CA startup – although I'd only been there a year, I was full of shame and disappointment in myself.

I knew I didn't want to lose my footing in the world of technical skillsets, so I dabbled in User Experience, Software Implementation, and Support Operations consulting. During Covid, I had the opportunity to support my children in their homeschooling and expand my skills and practice as an artist and the clouds of shame were lifting. I expanded my Photography business, started painting again, and spending most of my waking hours immersed in nature. When the fires came in September of 2020, claiming our home and worldly possessions, I suffered a tremendous amount of emotional distress – and sought healing through both traditional and non-traditional means.

I explored sound healing and metaphysical practices like reiki and pranic healing, along with many different therapies including EMDR, hypnosis, and transcendental meditation. I dove headfirst into cognitive understanding of the meaning of life – how it works, and why it works the way it does. And while I was forming a beautiful logical understanding, it still lacked color, depth, and satisfaction of my curiosity. I felt fundamentally disconnected from myself and from others – even life itself at times.
That is, until I found HeartMath+ and The Connection Practice.
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‍I could puzzle together the cognitive stuff all day long, but it wasn't until I added emotional language and the practice of coherence into the mix that a peaceful wave of deep knowing washed over me – healing the emotional wounds from trauma and disconnection was possible. If hope exists for me, hope exists for everyone, and I cherish the responsibility of carrying the message to others.
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In Spring of 2021, I became a Connection Practice Certified Coach and Trainer. I began working with my children, friends, and family on calming the autonomic nervous system, practicing cognitive empathy in naming feelings (and needs), finding coherence and listening for inner wisdom. There's a beautiful science to these practices, and I urge you to explore them for yourself (Resources page) – or alternatively, contact me for a consult and I will do my best to answer any and all of your questions.

Today, CR8V is the platform I use for offering a variety of services that align with my passions and practical skills. As a neurdiverg-entrepreneur and strong believer in the power of presence, my work is with and for the people... and I'm ever grateful for my role in nurturing it's growth and expansion.

For more information about the services offered through CR8V, please visit our Services page.