A native of Chicago, Illinois, Mary graduated from DePaul University, with a degree in Biological Sciences and Psychology. A natural love of science and a desire to help others prompted her to continue postgraduate education in Physical Therapy, completing the program at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical.
Mary’s professional experiences encompass a variety of clinical care settings, including acute care, outpatient clinics, orthopedic clinic management as well as curriculum development and instruction for a Physical Therapy Assistant program.
After relocating to Arizona, with a growing dedication to health and fitness, she completed certifications for Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer, through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. For the last 30 years she has specialized in outpatient post-surgical, orthopedic, and pain management.
While working as a therapist, Mary witnessed an alarming increase in chronic pain and many conditions that seemed poorly understood and managed; many were preventable. Because of personal health challenges, she searched for answers that were absent from the disease-focused medical model of care, which focuses predominately on symptom suppression and less on underlying root causes. An exploration into natural health and nutrition led her to complete a certification in Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Coaching at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe, Arizona.
Mary has shifted her current clinical practice toward integration of nutrition, lifestyle, and the critical mind-body connection for healing and disease prevention. She incorporates the principles of Functional Medicine and has completed “Applying Functional Medicine, in Clinical Practice” (AFMCP) and “Advanced Practice Modules in Gastro-Intestinal Disorders” through the Institute for Functional Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic.
She is an author and speaker, teaching classes on Managing Pain, Prevention of Osteoporosis, Muscle Health, and Fitness.
She is the owner of Integrated Physical Therapy and Wellness in Phoenix, Arizona. She has recently published her first book, "Staying Healthy, Living Longer- 7 Powerful Principles for a Healthier You!" achieving Amazon Bestseller in 5 categories.
Her heart's desire is to expand her reach and have a positive impact on those who are searching for answers to chronic conditions.
Mary enjoys lifelong learning, writing, teaching, hiking, swimming, traveling, and spending time with her husband and family.
Blog: madicaro.wordpress.com Instagram: Wellnessphysicaltherapist