“She is a rare combination:
a PhD scientist and healer.”
Dr Mary is a Cambridge-educated biomedical scientist, functional health expert and longevity consultant with a combined 23 years of experience in research, education and consulting.
She looks beyond the standard medical paradigm to help people understand their bodies and improve their health using the best in natural, lifestyle-based medicine and cutting-edge science so they can live healthier, happier, longer lives.
She is best known for helping women 35+ understand their bodies, harmonize with their hormones and ignite their metabolism so they can achieve lasting weight loss, better sleep, mood and energy, and feel their best for years to come. As a perimenopausal woman herself, she knows the struggle is real and how to help.
“I’ve dedicated my life to the science of health since the age of 17.
I keep up with the latest research so I can deliver the best, most effective strategies to each client and
life-changing results.
When you work with me, you can expect world-class care and thorough, compassionate guidance every step of the way.”
Background
23 years of combined experience in research, education and consulting
Chief Scientific Officer, Maka Health
Cambridge PhD: Molecular Biology, Genetics & Biochemistry
BSc, Post-Doctoral studies & 3 years as a Research Associate at UBC (Canada)
“Post-Doctoral Researcher of the Year”, 2012, UBC Department of Cell & Physiological Science
Graduated BSc UBC with Honours
Authored and reviewed peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, in some of the world’s top scientific journals, including Nature Cell Biology and Cell
Presented at conferences worldwide, mentored university students, and designed and led successful international scientific collaborations
Studied non-traditional, evidence-based approaches to wellness: functional genomics, health optimization, biohacking, ancestral health, mindfulness, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine and more
Trained in interpersonal relations, non-violent communication, self-realization and empowerment
Experienced facilitator, speaker and mentor
Mary’s story: Academic Meets Outside-The-Box
After 15 years of intense Biomedical Research, Mary suffered severe burnout. The medical system could not help her, so eventually, she left her hard-earned career life behind and moved Kauai to slow down and heal. (Learn about her rude awakening and mid-30s reinvention here.)
There, she discovered incredible power of lifestyle-based, Functional Medicine to heal and restore her body, above and beyond what she had ever known.
This ignited her passion for teaching people the things she wishes she had known she hit the bottom, and in 2017, she started her own consultancy to do exactly that.
She now helps people all over the world achieve vitality through personalized approaches to functional health tailored to their unique biology, genetics, lifestyle and goals.
Publications
Pines M*, Zhang P*, Lu H*, Peixoto RT*, Ge Y, Oku S, Siddiqui TJ, Xie Y, Wu W, Archer-Hartmann S, Yoshida K, Tanaka KF, Aricescu AR, Azadi P, Gordon MD, Sabatini BL, Wong ROL, and Craig AM. (2018) Heparan Sulfate Organizes Neuronal Synapses through Neurexin Partnerships. Cell. 174(6): 1450-64. *Contributed equally
Pines M, Das M, Ellis S, Morin A, Czerniecki S, Yuan L, Klose M, Coombs D, and Tanentzapf G. Mechanical force regulates integrin turnover in Drosophila in vivo. Nature Cell Biology. 14(9): 935-943.
Ellis SJ, Pines M, Fairchild MF and Tanentzapf G. (2011) In vivo functional analysis reveals specific roles for the integrin-binding sites of talin. Journal of Cell Science. 124(11):1844-56.
Pines M, Fairchild MF and Tanentzapf G. (2011) Distinct regulatory mechanisms control integrin adhesive processes during tissue morphogenesis. Developmental Dynamics. 240(1):36-51
Pines M, Housden BE, Bernard F, Bray SJ and Röper K. (2010) The cytolinker Pigs is a direct target and a negative regulator of Notch signaling. Development. 137(6):913-22.
[Featured as a “recommended read:” Faculty of 1000: 2010. F1000.com/2913958]
Education & Experience
Research & Development – Physician’s Training program, Richer Health Inc. Whistler, BC, Canada. (2017)
Associate Research Scientist – UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Autism Spectrum Disorders, neuronal function, neurogenesis, behavioural regulation, developmental biology, neuronal physiology. (2013-2016)
Postdoctoral Researcher of the Year Award (2012)
Postdoctoral Researcher – UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Cell & developmental biology, cancer, tissue growth, cell adhesion, communication, migration, survival, metastasis. (2009-2012)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – University of Cambridge, UK. Cell & developmental biology, genetics, tissue morphogenesis, cell communication, cell shape change, migration, cell death. (2005-2009)
Research Assistant & Undergraduate Thesis Student – UBC, Vancouver, Canada. Diabetes, metabolism, cell signalling. (2002-2003)
Bachelor of Science (Honours). Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, UBC, Vancouver, Canada. (1999-2003)
Dr Mary’s Philosophy:
• I am your guide. I help you understand your body and master your health. I also empower you to advocate for yourself in the medical system. I am not your medical doctor or coach.
• Aging should not come with pain, fatigue or ‘feeling old.’ These are myths perpetuated by misguided societal norms, unhealthy habits and industry interests.
• Healthy habits are not be an ongoing struggle if they are a good fit for you. I help you build sustainable change in ways that work for you, so you can live a life you love.
• I do not believe in hierarchical doctor-patient relationships. You are my equal, and I treat you as my equal. I listen, and never judge.
• I always work in your best interest. If you would benefit from specialist or other care, I will refer you to the practitioner who can best support you.
“We have reached the limits of medicine 2.0’s capacity, and if longevity is something we are aspiring for, we need a new strategy. Enter Medicine 3.0.”
- Dr. Peter Attia