An Experienced Social Worker and Reiki Master

Maria DeRubeis

BIOGRAPHY

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Education

Maria received her Bachelor of Social Work degree in June 1985 from the University of Windsor; she returned to school in 2002 and obtained her Masters of Social Work degree in 2004. Maria also has a certificate in Couples Counselling from the Toronto School of Social Work. She is a 7 Principles Gottman Educator. Maria is a Reiki Master.

Career

Maria has practiced social work in the Windsor/Essex area for over 30 years and currently owns and operates her own counselling practice PASSAGES-Pathway to Healing; providing individual, relationship/marriage and family counselling.

Maria has worked in non-profit agencies such as Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association, Hiatus House, Sexual Assault Crisis Centre and Catholic Family Services. Maria's expertise includes working with individuals who have experienced trauma or loss, childhood sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), grief/loss, stress and co-dependency. Maria works mainly from a Solution-Focused perspective, guiding clients towards accepting themselves, recognizing and using their strengths and becoming active participants on the pathway to healing.

Maria joined the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) as a student and has been a member since 1984. She is a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) since 2000. Maria is also a member of the Ontario Association for Counselling and Attendance Services (OACAS) since 2012.

She was the author of a bi-monthly column entitled "Challenges and Choices" for the LaSalle Silhouette, a local community paper. She currently offers a social work perspective on the AM 800 Listener Dilemma, Dan MacDonald Show, every Tuesday.

Maria has been on the board of directors for: Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association, the LaSalle Women's Association, Sacred Heart School Council and the Ontario Association of Social Workers. She is currently on the Ontario Association for Counselling and Attendance Services (OACAS) Executive Council and served as President 2017-2019, Vice President 2015-2017, Past-President 2019-2021, Regional Rep 2013-2015 & 2021.

Maria is featured in the Who's Who of Canadian Women by Chatelaine Magazine. Maria was honored with the OASW-Southwestern Distinguished Social Work Service Award in 2010. In 2020, Maria received the lifetime membership award for the Ontario Association of Social Workers. In 2021, Maria received the Orville Watson Award.

Community Involvement

She is involved in various committees within the community and the Ontario Association of Social Workers as well as the Ontario Association for Counselling and Attendance Services.

She is involved in various committees with the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board and the Ontario Association of Social Workers as well as the Ontario Association for Counselling and Attendance Services.

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Personal

Maria is a mother of 2 beautiful children and lives in Windsor-Essex County. She is committed to living a healthy lifestyle enjoying her children, family and friends. She enjoys reading, running, movies, socializing and fine dining. Maria is passionate about her work and enjoys working with her clients and making a difference in their lives.

Maria is a breast cancer survivor and considers herself a Warrior.