“She is a rare combination:
a PhD scientist and healer.”

“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 (2021 - present)

  • “Post-Doctoral Researcher of the Year” UBC Department of Cell & Physiological Science (2012)

  • Post-Doctoral studies + 3 years as a Research Associate at UBC, Canada (2010-16)

  • Cambridge PhD: Molecular Biology, Genetics & Biochemistry (2005-9)

  • BSc UBC - Honours (1999-2003)

  • 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 & designed and led successful international scientific collaborations

  • Studied non-traditional, evidence-based approaches to health: functional genomics, ancestral health, mindfulness, bodywork, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine

  • Trained in interpersonal relations, non-violent communication, self-realization & empowerment

  • Experienced facilitator, speaker & mentor

Dr Mary’s Philosophy:

• I am a 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 a medical doctor.

• Aging should not come with pain, fatigue, frailty or ‘feeling old.’ These are terrible myths perpetuated by misguided societal norms, unhealthy habits and industry interests.

• Being healthy should not be difficult or restrictive. Keeping healthy habits shouldn’t be a 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 in a body you love.

• I do not believe in hierarchical ‘provider-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 working with someone who can support you better than I can, I will refer you to the practitioner who can best support you.

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.

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 before.

In 2017, she started her own consultancy to do exactly that.

She now helps people all over the world optimize their health and vitality through a comprehensive approach to functional health that’s deeply personalized and fully supported.

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)

“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