About Mary Ann Lowry

I’m a woman, who continues to be awed by the power of God, and must authentically admit that He deserves the credit for all my accomplishments in life. My life moved according to my preset plan when I received my B.S.ED. and my MRS. degrees in the same year. My boys are now young adults, so I’m officially in the “empty nest” phase of life. My dream job is/was being their “Mom”

My professional training is in Special Education as an educational diagnostician. I have a Master's degree (M.ED.) in Special Education. This greatly facilitates my work as a life coach because I know the importance of creating specialized plans that are based upon careful questioning, testing and individualized help. Though I spent many years in public education, I also spent a number of years in college teaching, educational testing, and a few years working in psychiatric hospitals with troubled adolescents and young adults. I’ve taught students labeled with all sorts of learning, emotional and behavioral challenges; and, each one of them led me to a greater understanding of the magic of life--provided one can find a way to live with a spirit of contentment, joy, unconditional love, and the power of believing in what could be.

My journey to become a life coach was a natural evolution from my work as an educator. Years ago, I came into teaching with a “Save the World” mentality only to discover that I couldn't give my students the education they deserved by using the traditional methods and educational theories that most teachers learn. It was very apparent something was missing. Then, I discovered the radically new concepts, based upon the revolutionary concepts of Reuben Feurstein of Israel. This led me to a new way of teaching that is based upon brain-compatible mediated learning. My philosophy of educating children and adolescents suddenly took a 180 degree turn as I begin to see the power of this amazing approach. Amazing changes began to take place in my students and I spent the next fifteen years perfecting this approach. It was the missing key!

The things I have learned about brain-compatible mediated learning is the same thing I will use in coaching to help you be more successful. I use dynamic learning assessment techniques and tools that help to clearly demonstrate areas of strengths and weaknesses in your ways of thinking. I’m committed to identifying any barrier that blocks your ability to learn and build new approaches that help you get what you want out of life--whether it’s a cognitive-intellectual difficulty or a social-emotional issue. I have many years of experience using a wide range of cognitive tools to broaden the scope of perspective and expand your view of yourself. Sadly, some people suffer professionally or in relationships, because their social-emotional intelligence is viewed as a flaw in their character. From my many years of experience, as an educator, I know that the brain is capable of great change.

Ironically, I am also one with a hidden handicap. Fifteen years ago I developed a chronic pain syndrome. I suffered for months and years with unimaginable pain, This was a life changing event for both me and my family. Thanks to finding the right doctors with the right treatment plans; my condition has improved significantly. Through the process of recovery, I received a character makeover. I wish I could have learned the same life lessons by reading a book, but as Martha Beck taught us…”You have to live it to give it.” This experience leaves me uniquely qualified to support/coach those, who are going through a major life challenge.

• Special Education Teacher and College Instructor in Teacher Training,
  
• Masters Degree in Special Education,
  
• Experienced worker with adolescents and young adults in psychiatric hospital settings,
  
• Educational Diagnostician,
  
• Special training in brain-compatible mediated learning techniques,
  
• Feurstein Instrumental Enrichment Certified,
  
• Dynamic Cognitive Assessment Certified through International Center for Mediated Learning,
  
• Experience with those who suffer from Chronic Pain Syndromes,
  
• Martha Beck Certified Life Coach