Mary Verbovski
Providing an empowering support system for survivors of cancer by taking the fear & confusion out of future steps, and developing a personalized wellness plan that moves you from surviving to thriving.
My Approach
At my company, we provide support services for cancer survivors after their active treatment has ended. While active cancer patients have had frequent check-ins with the primary care team, survivors often feel alone, scared and worried about their “new normal” when that support ends. My goal is to create a survivorship transition program that fosters integration of healthful patterns in life after cancer, moving individuals from surviving to thriving.
Take the first step and book a complimentary 1 on 1 call today!
Professional Bio & Credentials
After a year studying International Business at Xavier University in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ms. Verbovski moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1998. She wanted to pursue a degree in health and wellness, a natural accompaniment to her work as a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) student. While competing, she attended Bastyr University and earned her degree in nutrition and exercise science.
Her confidence in the value of a healthy and active lifestyle for everyone, not only athletes, prompted Ms. Verbovski to continue her education and research in the study of health sciences. She earned her Master of Science degree in both clinical nutrition and research from Bastyr University. Ms. Verbovski has been serving patients and families since 2003 at Seattle Children’s Hospital where she is a Clinical Dietitian and a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) for all ages.
Ms. Verbovski became a Brand Partner with Nerium International in 2015, adding the anti-aging and wellness products to her pursuit of healthy and balanced living. She is now a Founding Brand Partner for Nerium’s new company, Neora, and will continue sharing the incredible products to benefit the health and lifestyle of others, including clients in her private practice as suitable.
Mary counsels and prepares adult cancer patients as they transition back to life after cancer treatment. Her six to 12 month Survivorship transition program helps individuals and families learn best practices to optimize their lives as they return to work, school, and integrate successfully into society once again.
To learn more about Ms. Verbovski, her services and/or Neora products, please send her an email or book a free consult call.
Free Resource Download
Download my free gift to you, “Cancer Survivorship: 5 Pillars of Recovery”
My Story
Hello! Thank you for taking a moment to stop by. I’m a fun, smart, loving and hardworking professional who enjoys my family, friends and the journey of finding daily balance. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio (Who-Dey!), and relocated to Washington state after a year of international business study at Xavier University. I moved across the country to pursue degrees in health and wellness because I found myself spending hours an hours outside of class training in a mixed martial arts (MMA) gym. Everything I could think of was related to how I could feel better and be stronger while training in Muay Thai, Filipino Kali, Jeet Kun Do, grappling and kickboxing.
At the same time I was a strict vegan. Like the kind that thought they were almighty for being a purist you know, the kind that would roll their eyes at you for eating meat frankly, pretty narrow minded. Little did I know, I just didn’t understand enough about how to fuel myself to do it right if to remain vegan, not be exhausted and easily bruised. Well, going all in is my style, so reading a diet book or crunchy granola cooking manual or attending weekend retreat (much less popular back then) was not going to cut it. Knowing that MMA was part of my core, I decided to switch gears and focus on a professional career through Bastyr University, an integrative medicine school.
Before crossing the country, my coach “Sifu Rick” at the gym in Cincinnati, thoughtfully said, “Mary, if you really want to build confidence and continue on this path, jiu jitsu should be your next step. Fighting from the ground will complete this self defense picture.” It’s like he knew more about me than me. That’s a true mentor. Thereafter, he referred me to a notable Brazilian jiu jitsu gym in Seattle. So, while finishing my bachelors degree in nutrition and exercise science, and soaking up this amazing outdoor region of our country with several mountain climbing trips and camping adventures, I also became serious about competitive grappling. There were times I would arrive to class with bruises and bumps, including the chin and neck area (from choke holds). Those definitely garnered a few double takes… until they got to know how I spent my time outside of school.
My Values & Beliefs
After 4 years of training and competing as one of a handful of women in the sport, I was approached with a unique opportunity to coach middle school students in grappling (kinda looks like wrestling), which was my specialty. The head of the program, Emil Verbovski, a long time PE teacher and strength and conditioning coach asked for the best female grappler in the region who could teach. Pulling on my heart strings due to tough times in my own youth, I couldn’t say no. I ended up driving an hour each way just to teach one self defense class to young teenagers every day. Yes I just said that, like a blessing in disguise type of cliche.
After observing my dedication to this role, Emil offered to add value to my commute. However, the offer didn’t come across in the most eloquent way. It went something like this “Mary, I hear you’re training for a rematch. You’re very likely to lose. You don’t have the upper body strength to win the championship. I train a couple guys in the evening for their MMA fights. After you’re done teaching, I can help you get stronger so you have a chance.” About 6 months later, I hung the 1st place plaque on his office wall. Largely due to his guidance, I was able to win my rematch. Emil is now also the man I’m happily married to 8 years later, and we continue to push each other to be our best, yet have patience for the pace individual to ourselves.
I finished that year of teaching and wanted to continue making a difference in peoples lives through health. I chose to attend graduate school and specialize in clinical nutrition and research. Definitely not a schedule that supports full time grappling… so I transferred my athletic drive into triathlons, which happen to be a lot nicer on my neck and back than grappling as well as an outdoor sport I can enjoy for many years to come.
A couple key professors ignited my passion for chemistry, science, physiology, and pathology which then resulted in my licensure as a dietitian. In 2003, I started my career at a pediatric hospital and continue serving amazing kids and families to this day. Over the years, I’ve realized my specialty lies in the therapeutic behavior change relationship. In many a clinical setting, often with acute illness and emotionally challenging outcomes, I’ve been able to form an alliance with my patients and families to impart knowledge with empathy and help others see their capacity to move along their path to wellness.
Naturally, after being blessed with a family of my own, I became an even better health care provider, mentor and educator. So, here I am, circling back to an entrepreneurial mindset and ready to partner with you, offering real life tips to enhance your journey to live your best life!