Hey! I’m Maria.

I’m a trauma-informed storytelling trainer.

My work centers on creating safer spaces to tell world-changing yet painful stories.

Let's back up just a smidge.

As a career storyteller, my path began with studying (print!) journalism.

I then journeyed to a small Ghanaian village as a health educator with the U.S. Peace Corps. I approached teaching health through what I did best—telling stories.

And It worked.

Back in the United States, I found my home in nonprofit communications, building and leading digital marketing programs for major public health organizations in New York City.

Each role deepened my understanding of storytelling's impact on social change.

Then my first daughter blew into my life like a tornado. After a few months of feeling like I was running on a hamster wheel, I left my 9-5 nonprofit job.

That's when I started Maria Bryan Creative.

My consultancy was built out of a desire to balance career and motherhood. We moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where my family and business grew.

For the first five years, my consultancy had been a hub for teaching, consulting, and guiding organizations in marketing and storytelling strategy.

The turning point came during a nonprofit storytelling class I was teaching. A student's question about trauma-informed storytelling revealed a critical gap in our field.

How do we gather and share stories of pain and resilience without causing additional harm?

This question led me on a profound path of learning.

I immersed myself in trauma-informed practices, pursuing certifications in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation.

What emerged was a deep commitment to making trauma-informed storytelling accessible to all nonprofit communicators, especially those without formal social work training.

Today, I host the When Bearing Witness® Podcast, facilitate the When Bearing Witness® Trauma-Informed Storytelling Certification Program, and speak on all things trauma-informed storytelling.

All of these initiatives support nonprofits in gathering and sharing sensitive stories in ways that promote safety and resist harm.

We are all capable of walking the trauma-informed storytelling path. I'm building a movement to make trauma-informed storytelling the new standard.

Throughout my journey—from journalism student to Peace Corps volunteer, from nonprofit marketing manager to trauma-informed storytelling advocate—one truth is woven through my entire career:

Stories are sacred.

And storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

My Values

We deserve kindness, empathy, and grace as we Stride To make lasting social impact.

Kindness

Overburdened and stressed nonprofit leaders need abundant kindness. I’m not here to tell you what you’re doing wrong but to guide you, support you, and celebrate you.

Empathy

We’re working in and through tough stuff. I see you. I trust the realities of your best achievements and your tallest barriers.

Grace

Wherever you are on your journey to pursue trauma-informed and ethical storytelling, I applaud you! I provide a safe space to unlearn and learn again. We’re in this together.