Maria Sarnatora, MS, CHC, CLC 

Maria Sarnatora, MS, CHC, CLC
AEF Specialist and Health & Wellness Coach

At BES, Maria leverages her diverse background in the field of mental health to support students in developing their executive functioning skills. She is particularly attuned to the impact of anxiety and depression on academic performance and personal growth. Maria is committed to meeting students where they are and providing the guidance they need to overcome any obstacles they face.

Maria is also a Certified Health and Life Coach, dedicated to helping individuals make positive, sustainable changes in their lives. She specializes in empowering her clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their personal and professional goals through healthy habit formation.

Maria holds a Bachelor's Degree in English and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University. As a NJ Certified School Counselor, she has extensive experience working with adolescents and teens in various educational settings across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Her clinical background includes providing services in schools, outpatient programs, and partial-care programs, allowing her to develop a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by young people in these environments.

In addition to her work as a clinician, Maria has served as an adjunct instructor, guiding first-year college students through the complexities of their initial semester and helping them plan for their academic futures. Her role as an educator has equipped her with the skills to support students in navigating their academic journeys effectively.

Outside of her professional life, Maria lives in New Jersey with her husband and three children. She enjoys staying active outdoors, teaching fitness classes, and spending quality time at the beach with friends and family. Her dedication to a balanced, healthy lifestyle informs her holistic approach to counseling and coaching, making her a valuable asset to the BES community.