Meet Mario | Inspiring Feldenkrais practitioner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mario and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mario, what are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by selfless people who create safe, loving spaces and help others succeed—whether that’s family members who sacrifice and lead with integrity, friends who offer unwavering support, or everyday heroes who quietly serve their communities. Their compassion, resilience, and commitment to putting others first remind me that true success is measured by how well we care for one another.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
While I’m not currently a business owner, I am in training to become a certified Feldenkrais practitioner, with the intention of opening my own practice once I complete the program.

Two years ago, I was working as the General Manager for three of San Diego’s busiest restaurant, nightclub, and speakeasy venues. Unfortunately, while on the job, I was assaulted by three intoxicated guests and sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Since that incident, I’ve been unable to return to work in that capacity.

The road to recovery has been long and challenging. I experienced temporary loss of vision in my left eye, was unable to read or comprehend for nearly a year, had significant difficulty with walking and balance, and suffered almost complete short-term memory loss. During my rehabilitation at the Institute of Health, I was introduced to Feldenkrais—a somatic movement method that uses gentle motion and focused awareness to improve physical and cognitive function. While all therapies at the clinic contributed to my recovery, Feldenkrais was transformative. It not only played a pivotal role in my healing but also inspired my new path forward.

During my recovery, my wife and I separated, which has led me to living in Templeton, CA and splitting my time between there Denver and San Diego, when I’m not actively training. My training itself is based in Berkeley, and I attend in-person courses every two months. Though life has been in flux, I remain fully committed to building a future practice rooted in the work that helped me reclaim my life.

I aim to help those who have been in similar situations as myself and those that deal with extreme daily stress. Focusing on brain trauma patients and veterans/first responders.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you’re coming out this way, there are a few things you absolutely can’t miss. For wine lovers, you’ve got to check out Tablas Creek up in the Adelaida hills—it’s stunning, and they’ve got Rhône-style wines and sheep grazing in the vineyards, which is just cool. Tin City is another favorite spot—a super walkable little hub where you can bounce between boutique wineries like Desparada and Clos Solène, grab a pint at BarrelHouse Brewing’s beer garden, or sip some cider at Tin City Cider. If spirits are more your thing, the Paso Robles Distillery Trail is a blast—Re:Find, Calwise, and KROBAR all serve up amazing tastings.

For some outdoor adventure, head over to Morro Bay and rent a kayak from A Kayak Shack—paddling near sea otters and Morro Rock is unforgettable. If you’re up for a hike, Montaña de Oro offers the best bluff trail with incredible coastal views. You can also drive up Highway 1 to Hearst Castle (book the 9 a.m. Grand Rooms tour—it’s the least crowded), and just a few minutes further is the elephant seal rookery, which is a wild and weird experience in the best way. And for a perfect coastal evening, grab cookies from Brown Butter Cookie Co. and head to Cayucos for a bonfire on the beach at sunset.

If live music is your thing, BarrelHouse Brewing often hosts fun backyard concerts, and in the summer, Paso’s Concerts in the Park series on Thursday nights is a laid-back, golden-hour vibe with free live bands and great people-watching.

As for food, there’s no shortage of amazing eats. McPhee’s Grill in Templeton is a local staple for wood-fired everything, and Les Petites Canailles downtown is a French-Paso bistro that’s even Michelin-recommended. You’ve got to try Taco Temple for absurdly large seafood tacos, and if you’re into cocktails and comfort food, The Hatch is the move—don’t skip the rotisserie chicken and an Old-Fashioned. And for brunch? Kitchenette is unbeatable—their house-made pop-tarts and mimosas are worth the hype.

And finally, make time for a few only-in-Paso experiences. Soaking in a private mineral tub overlooking vineyards at River Oaks Hot Springs is pure bliss, Sensorio’s Field of Light is like walking through a living dream, and horseback riding through the vineyards with Central Coast Trailrides is as epic as it sounds.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to recognize the remarkable people who have shaped my life and guided my journey. I would not be who—or where—I am today without their unwavering love, support, and example.

First, I owe everything to my mother, Birther. Her strength and resilience turned obstacles into opportunities for my sisters and me. She often set her own needs aside so we could thrive, proving every day that a parent’s purpose can be both humble and heroic.

My deepest appreciation also goes to my grandfather, “Papa,” and my uncles. By building and running the family business, they taught me that hard work and integrity are inseparable. Their leadership showed me what it means to put family first and live an honorable life.

I’d be remiss not to celebrate my grandmother, Nomi, whose warmth and humor light up every room. Her open heart—always ready with a laugh or a shoulder to lean on—showed me that kindness is a force stronger than any hardship.

My sisters inspire me daily.

“Mini Me,” Has grown into a phenomenal mother who reminds me that love multiplies when shared. She has been my closest confidant and best friend for as long as I can remember. No matter the season, she has stood by my side, and I am forever grateful for her presence in my life.
“Pookie,” the embodiment of compassion, pours her heart into teaching the next generation, proving that patience and grace can change the world one child at a time.

To my brother‑in‑law, Jon, thank you for demonstrating the true meaning of partnership and fatherhood. The life you and Mini Me have built—including my favorite little human, Lil Homie—brings our entire family boundless joy.

My lifelong friend Damien (Marc) is the steadfast rock I can count on for any conversation, any emotion, any hour. His willingness to move mountains for his loved ones continually reminds me of the power of genuine friendship.

Finally, Patrick—who journeyed from friend to mentor to brother—has shown me how intellect and compassion together can uplift entire communities. His guidance and example have been instrumental in shaping the person I strive to be.

To each of you: your selflessness and devotion have created safe, loving spaces where I—and many others—could grow and succeed. You have taught me that true success is measured not by personal gain, but by how well we serve those around us. I am forever grateful for your presence in my life and honored to celebrate you here.

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