Maritza Rivera Gaxiola, PhD

     

     I am a Mexican scientist now based in Seattle who has dedicated more than 15 years to learn, teach and publish about brain physiology in different universities across the world, but learned that the interaction and collaborative work with parents (as a parent coach) or students (as a neurofeedback trainer or research mentor), and colleagues (working in a community) has no parallel in terms of the joy and professional satisfaction it brings to see people discover, design and implement goals for themselves and their families as they are empowered to use and develop the tools they already have at hand.  In this way, I shifted from full time research at academic institutions to Neurofeedback Trainer and Parent Coach.  I also mentor for BCIA certification.  

 

     I graduated summa cum laude  in Sciences (Biology) from the UNAM in Mexico. I hold a Master of Philosophy degree in Education granted by the University of Cambridge, in the United Kingdom and also hold a First Class PhD in Psychology from University College London, in the United Kingdom.  I later graduated from the Parent Coaching Institute in collaboration with the Seattle Pacific University as a Certified Parent Coach in 2006 and gained Board Certification in Clinical Neurofeedback by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (2011) and Technical (2007) and Advanced Certification (2012) by the Zengar Institute.  I was mentored by the late Tom Budzynski and also trained with Susan and Valdeane Brown, as well as Alan Bachers.  I also trained with Les Fehmi and Susan Shor Fehmi on their open focus approach and use of their alpha synchrony neurofeedback system (NS500sx) being a Certified NeuroSynchrony Coach.  Last but not least, I met all the requirements for the HeartMath Interventions certification in December 2017.

 

     My approach to coaching parents and brainwaves is based on appreciative inquiry, amplifying feedback, open systems and non-linear dynamics.  I have a special interest in sleep and attention training, as well as chronic pain and optimal brain function as we age.  I work with all ages and can train couples too (husband/wife, mother/daughter, siblings, etc.).  

 

 I DO NOT treat or diagnose, I train and coach.

 

     I am fluent in English and Spanish. I have two wonderful daughters, and an amazing grand-daughter.  We also have dogs and guinea pig.