I just finished “Find Yourself” and honestly… I don’t even know where to begin. I’m still sitting with everything I just read. What I do know is that I’m incredibly proud of you… for your strength, your honesty, and your courage in putting this story into the world. I’m so happy to see you living fully, reclaiming your voice, and truly finding yourself again. Your journey is powerful and inspiring, and I know it will resonate with so many people. Thank you for sharing and wish you continued joy and love in all you do. ❤️

Maria C, Toronto, ON July 2025

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful collaboration!

A beautiful collaboration of writers who courageously share their stories of navigating life after grief and loss. This book is a heartfelt and uplifting source of inspiration. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking hope and connection through difficult times.

Tristan – Amazon Review of Good Grief – May 2025

Maria’s passion for hospitality is palpable from the moment you meet her. She is dedicated, always striving for business growth, and never shies away from hard work. Maria’s investment in her team, her highly communicative nature, and her strong collaborative spirit are true and genuine. My partnership with Maria over the past few years has been a testament to her infectious enthusiasm and the memorable interactions we’ve had.

Sabrina R. via LinkedIn June 2024

I worked under Maria as a Sales Rep at the Better Business Bureau. She is a true leader in so many ways. Her positive attitude was so infectious and inspiring, I swear she could start a cult, if she wanted!
Maria set the example for our team by always working the hardest and looking for ways to grow and improve. She was generally the person that employees, as well as clients, would go to with their problems because we knew we would be heard. And more often than not, those problems would be solved within days.

Lisa Marie F. via LinkedIn April 2023

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful

This story is told wonderfully, with romance chaos tragedy peace and healing. So many aspects of our human experiences are shared here. The fact it is a true story brings tears and light into the world. We appreciate you reliving this myriah thank you for your vulnerability, honesty and courage. This story has helped shed light on relationships and how to be open and I hope your message continues to spread far and wide and help others who are ready to hear it. 🙏🏽❤️

AJ. – Amazon Review of Find Yourself – February 2023

5.0 out of 5 stars Honesty and vulnerability at its finest.

As a former psych major, I picked it up because I was interested in the working of the minds behind the relationship.

However, it went so much beyond that. Beautifully written. Poignant. Introspective. Honest. I read very few ‘educational ‘ books. I prefer ‘escape’. But this one really grabbed me.

smcyyc – Amazon Review of Find Yourself – March 2023

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!

This book is humourous and educational with an underlying tone of what it means to experience the existential human existence. Many individuals cannot identify their unhappiness and when they do, they step into enlightenment. Narcissistic tendencies are not always easily identifiable, and many people don’t realize they are in a relationship such as this, until they find themselves years later. It is clear that this author used their suffering to find enlightenment and through this, the impact on others will be immense. May you find your light by reading this book.

Tristan – Amazon Review of Find Yourself – February 2023

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshingly honest story about emotional abuse and the toll it takes.

Psychological abuse is more insidious and damaging than physical abuse – it can’t be seen and the PTSD stays a lifetime. The crazy train is real. Maria describes her story and the blended stories of others from Heaven to Hell and back with dignity, integrity and empathy. Wonderful read, thank you for your courage.

Michelle W. Amazon Review of Find Yourself – February 2023

Sometimes it only takes one person to believe in you. One person to say “I think you have something here and let’s do this” . That person for our company is Maria Martiniello, Business Development Manager for the Calgary Zoo. Maria believed in our company, ZooStreet, and helped us launch our family entertainment brand. She promoted our vision for quality, educational, interactive entertainment and opened doors to grow our business . With her supportive sharing spirit and her leadership, she has empowered us to branch out and take another leap. Her motto “ together we are stronger “is something we, as two Calgary women in business, strive to promote. Maria, you are truly a woman of inspiration and we thank you.

Barb Mitchell, Professional Musician, Creative Director, Co – Producer, Co-Founder of Occasional Notes Productions March 2018

Maria!  I just read your blog entry from March 18, 2019 titled “How deep is your lens”.  You have me in tears.  It’s absolutely inspiring and so well written.  Your story is so real and authentic.  I loved it!

Maria Zitoli, Toronto Ontaio

Just a quick thank you for being a genuine, dynamic, fun and inspiring speaker this morning! I enjoyed listening about your journey; you are a wonderful story teller. 

Tracy Johansen, Director of Sales SHERATON CAVALIER CALGARY HOTEL

Maria! It was such a privilege listening to you last Friday during the panel discussion for the Unapologetic Saleswoman. Being new to the sales role has been intimidating at times for me, but I feel more confident and inspired after Friday’s event, so thank you for contributing to that. I took a lot with me from that whole discussion, but the one thing that resonate with me the most was when you said that passion comes before the product. That’s certainly the way I see as well and couldn’t have said it better than you. Thank you!

Courtney Mierau, Design Account Specialist at McCrums

Thank you for making me laugh so much that early and for making me a better leader 🙏🏽

Andrea Muir