Meet Maria DeRosa, a woman in the second chapter of her life who lives up to this motto with a culinary punch.
In 2012 Maria woke up on Christmas day and her 60th birthday feeling completely lost. Within two years she had lost her dad, her marriage and her restaurant business of 28 years. She made a three-fold promise to herself:
- Counseling, therapy, personal development and fellowship will be a priority.
- Physical and spiritual routine also a priority.
- Explore new options for seeking joy in life.
While Maria fulfilled her commitment to her promise within two years, she realized that her skills as a former high school Spanish teacher and a restaurant owner were gifts she could not toss aside. Through her love of cooking and baking, Healthy Happy Hours in her home evolved to a faith-based VISION, today known as Ladies of the Kitchen.
Maria’s work centers on discovering joy in the kitchen and building a community around food and camaraderie. Maria leads webinars and instructs Master Classes both online and in person to build this community. Having been through financial and emotional loss herself, Maria’s mission is to dispel such pain for others while using all five senses to prepare healthy meals. It’s a form of therapy that offers women strength, hope and wisdom.
Currently a full-time resident of Rancho Mirage with her partner, Warren Schneider, Maria discovered pickle ball in 2018. During the pandemic she worked with residents in pushing for additional courts at the RMC Park. She has donated regularly to Ophelia Project and most recently worked with the READ with Me program in the Coachella Valley.
Maria’s second chapter of life will not be complete until this vision unfolds into a non-profit organization. Join Maria’s community by registering for her next Master Class at:
www.ladiesofthekitchen.com or by contacting her at: [email protected]. Follow her adventures in Rancho Mirage on FB or Youtube: Desert Life with Maria.
