about

Maryanne Comaroto, Ph.D., is the founder and visionary behind Bodyrites, a human rights organization dedicated to addressing the cultural and psychological burdens stemming from the abjection of the archetypal feminine.

Initially focused on female-identifying individuals, Maryanne’s ongoing research revealed that this cultural trauma extends far beyond gender, affecting all beings, regardless of race, gender, or background.

As a somatic depth psychologist, Vedanta meditation teacher, and relationship coach with over 35 years of experience, Maryanne combines mind-body healing, ancestral work, and community-building to create transformative spaces for healing and empowerment. A fiercely compassionate truth-seeker, Maryanne blends ancient wisdom with modern therapeutic practices, helping individuals heal from deeply-ingrained cultural wounds.

In 2017, Maryanne co-created a boutique retreat center with her long-time partner, providing a sanctuary for this essential work. She is the author of several books and a celebrated podcast host, where she shares insights on relationships, healing, and embodied awareness. Inspired by her son, who is also a therapist, Maryanne is committed to intergenerational healing and empowering all people to rewrite their narratives.

At Bodyrites, Maryanne invites individuals of all genders, races, and backgrounds to join a movement that seeks to transform cultural trauma into a source of authentic power, healing, and connection.

(she/her)

Kim Diorio dances through life as a psychotherapist (AMFT/APCC), life coach, embodiment guide, and educator based on Ohlone Land in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 25 years of experience as a counselor, progressive educator, and social justice leader in public education and the nonprofit sector, Kim brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her practice. She identifies as a white CIS gender female of predominantly Irish lineage, mother, dancer, humble yoga teacher and student, singer, gardener, and proud dog mom to her Maltipoo, Bodhi.

Guided by the principles of “love, play, and rest,” Kim honors the Divine Feminine, fostering deep connection, nurturing, and empowerment. Her vision is to cultivate a global community that celebrates the strength, wisdom, and creativity of the feminine spirit, bringing balance to our lives and the world.

(he/him)

As a Board Member for Bodyrites, Jon is a passionate believer in the power found in the healing with the feminine. In his early 50’s he had a profound realization of a self-created chasm in his soul produced by a split with the feminine as a young man.  Working through the Bodyrites course he learned by taking accountability for his own contribution to the wound with the feminine and by accepting responsibility of how to proceed he was able to reconnect with his feminine and discovered a long vacant balance within his heart. Due to this peace he found in this journey he is dedicated to serving Bodyrites and assisting in making the program known and available for all who wish to participate.

(she/her)

QOJ is delighted to introduce Meribeth to the nonprofit sector! Meribeth was a member of QOJ’s science-based pilot program, and her meaningful insights helped shape what our program now looks like.

Prior to her work with QOJ, Meribeth was the Outreach Manager for all food, beverage, and retail outlets at the San Francisco International Airport. In her time there, the airport made the transition from fast food to good food—for which any of us who’ve ever traveled out of SFO can thank her. Meribeth was also a matchmaker at Kelleher International, a high-end matchmaking service. In short, she’s profoundly impacted both our food lives and our love lives. She has a deep love of dinner, and of putting the right people together—sparks fly on both occasions.

Meribeth is also a lover of hot yoga (it’s been her constant practice over 20 years), of hiking in unconventional shoes, of her partner of 21 years (Michael), and of her son—Riley, a musician. She’s the eldest of five, and is currently caretaking for both of her parents, who’ve been together for 68 years.

Meribeth “aligns wholeheartedly with QOJ’s healing vision,” and is so pleased to also now join our board.

(he/him)

Shawn is a clinical family psychologist, international speaker, researcher, seminar leader, professor teaching graduate and post-graduate courses in LGBT psychology and family systems, and the author of several articles and book chapters on gender, sexuality, and family work
Shawn is the founder & CEO of the Gender Health Training Institute, the TransFamily Alliance, and Quest Family Therapy, and has served on the board of both local and national family therapy organizations.

As a gender specialist with a trauma informed, social justice lens, and both expertise and lived experience in the intersections of gender, sexuality, family, culture, spirituality, and the many aspects of human identity, Shawn is a bridge across difference, building loving connections that empowers others to live their most authentic lives.

(she/her)

Miranda joined the Bodyrites in 2022. After building a 15-year career in Commercial Lending, she is thrilled to move into the non-profit arena. She loves her work supporting, and getting to know the Bodyrites Community!
She is passionate about the Vision and Mission of the Bodyrites and embraces this work wholeheartedly.
When not attending Bodyrites business, she is a dedicated mother (1 child and 2 dogs) and enjoys singing, writing, theater, and exploring new modes of creative expression (ok… crafting). Her favorite way to spend her free time is connecting with nature, and exploring new places and cultures with people she loves.