About Me

Maria Tessa Valle (or Tessa as she prefers to be called) is a first-generation Filipino American who has a degree in social welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. After her own grief journey, Tessa started facilitating Christ-centered grief support groups, and experience which she describes as soul-filling. This has led her to pursue her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy through Touro University Worldwide which she will complete in December 2024.

Tessa believes we have all been through, or are currently going through, unique and impactful experiences; however, because of the pace at which we live our lives, there is often a disconnect between what we experience at the heart-level and how we engage with ourselves, with others, and with our world. Tessa encourages you to intentionally carve out time to lean in, go slow, and dig deep to discover your unique voice and give words to your silent wounds and “woo-hoos!”

In order to maintain my mental health, I have a regular morning journaling practice that consists of stillness before God, quiet reading and reflection on His word and prayer, affirming who He is and who I am in Him, and visualizing my day with God in mind. I set an intention to pay attention to even the mundane moments of life, making me more mindful.

I have been married for 34 years and have 3 adult daughters, 2 sons-in-law, 5 grandchildren, 1 dog, and 4 grand-fur-babies. I have taught yoga, facilitated guided journaling workshops, and currently lead grief support groups.