Prior to becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist, Marc was awarded his Masters of Education (specializing in early childhood). Before earning that degree Marc worked several years as a pre-school teacher. Then, after receiving his M.Ed., Marc became a kindergarten teacher; and he became the founding-teacher of the Waldorf School of Pittsburgh (which is still going strong today). Additionally, Marc has taught college courses in early childhood education and human development.

Very early in life, Marc became passionate about music. In high school, he studied piano and composition, and majored in music composition for his BA. After obtaining that BA, he studied woodwind and brass instrument repair in one of the top programs in the country (Red Wing, MN). Between major career moves, Marc often would work retail, either in music stores, record shops, or audio equipment stores. He's had a keen interest in synthesizers since 1970. Marc continues to compose, to this day.

In 1977, Marc met his future wife, and they quickly became inseparable. They have now been together for close to 50 years. Unfortunately, neither of them had “good models” of how to make a marriage harmonious, joyful, and fulfilling (like most couples), and so, together they struggled with being good partners for one another. After about 10 years of “unfortunate attempts,” and “painfully, bad strategies,” they arrived at a system of interaction which left them both feeling understood, respected, connected, supported, and emotionally safe together. At that point, they felt so connected, optimistic, and joyful together, that they finally got legally married for their 12th anniversary. Their love continues to grow, daily, and they count each day together as a very real blessing.

Around the time that Marc and his wife were figuring out the secrets to a joyful, harmonious marriage, new research was getting underway about how couples could achieve these kind of results. The original pioneer of this research is John Gottman, Ph.D. His work is very nearly “miraculous” in its effects, and it confirmed almost everything that Marc and his wife had found out together. A few years after John Gottman had begun his scientific research into effective strategies which empower a marriage to succeed (for decades on end), another researcher, Susan Johnson, EdD, began her own research, into what kind of therapy would have the strongest possible outcomes - for couples who seek to improve their relationships. Along the way, Susan Johnson also discovered additional components which support long-lasting and joyful relationships. Marc has trained extensively in the research and healing methods of both John Gottman and Susan Johnson. He has used their life's-work, along with his own life-experience, to help couples to stabilize, to improve, to and enhance their own relationships.

John and Julie Gottman

Since adolescence, Marc has been interested in “big” questions about philosophy, psychology, human experience, and human purpose. He studied it casually on his own. However, once he became deeply interested in education, he decided to become a teacher, and he soon learned of Waldorf Education (which is the largest, world-wide system of education; which is not connected to any faith group). Marc was quickly and deeply impressed with the curriculum of Waldorf education, because he saw in it a reflection of his own childhood interests and passions. He pursued becoming a Waldorf teacher, starting with a 1-year introductory program at Emerson College, in England. There, he not only learned about the Waldorf educational approach, but he also benefited from an intensive study of the philosophy and the metaphysical understanding behind that system. This study (and another two years studying to become an MFT, while at a seminary) helped Marc to become extremely open-minded, and quite comfortable discussing, philosophy, psychology, theology, ontology, and metaphysical and mystical subjects. Many of Marc's clients have little (or no) interest in such subjects, and that is absolutely fine. As they say, “different strokes for different folks.” Such metaphysical subjects are only discussed with the clients who wish to investigate and discuss such matters - which is most definitely not for everyone.

Marc meet's people where they are, and he accepts them as they are; along with whatever they bring to their consultation with him. He respects people's personal boundaries and their freedom. Marc has no interest in pressuring client's into seeing, or thinking, as he does. Marc needs and seeks - no “converts.” However, Marc is keenly interested in helping folks to find a path on their journey: from where they are to where they would really like to be. This journey can be a joint-venture and a partnership. As an Individual and Family Life Consultant, Marc is honored to act as a guide for some part of your journey; according to your own needs and your own preferences.