About the Teacher
Why study with them?
Stella Maris is a multidisciplinary artist, retreat host, and trauma-informed teacher whose work is rooted in resilience, embodiment, and creative awakening. A survivor of domestic violence, childhood trauma, and a life-altering brain injury, her path has been one of profound reconstruction—turning pain into art, insight, and compassionate leadership.
As the founder of Invocation Healing Arts and Invocation Retreats, she guides individuals through deeply supportive private and small-group healing experiences. Her retreats weave somatic movement, creative expression, plant-medicine guidance, ritual, and psychological insight to help clients reconnect with their inner creator and reclaim authorship of their lives. She collaborates movement practitioners, therapists, tradition indigenous healers in her women led team.
She creates spaces where people feel seen, safe, and encouraged to explore their inner terrain. Her teaching is shaped by her background in writing, abstract painting, performance, and cross-cultural life experiences.
As a healer and guide, she is known for her depth, clarity, warmth, and unwavering belief that every person is capable of profound change. Her work invites participants to step out of survival mode, into presence, choice, and embodied self-leadership.
Testimonials From Retreat Alumni:
"I recently had the opportunity to attend an Invocation Healing Retreat, and it was an experience that I will cherish forever. Stella Maris was an amazing facilitator and host. Her compassion and warmth created a welcoming environment that made it easy to feel safe and accepted. As a first responder, I often carry the weight of intense experiences, and this retreat provided the perfect space for me to decompress and heal.”
— Michael, First Responder (Solo 4-day retreat)
“I felt peace today! I had no words. I just smiled.”
— Carol, Mother (Solo 3-day retreat alumni)
"Stella Maris, thank you for supporting me during my epic outdoor journey. I appreciate the puzzle pieces, beautiful pine cones and making sure I was comfortable and safe to be in nature. You have a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing your story, for teaching me and embracing healing. So much love for you!”
— Rachel, Single Mother (Mountain group retreat alumni)
“I’m so happy we did this with you. It felt like two years of couples therapy, in just one weekend.”
— Anonymous (4-day couple’s retreat alumni)