Maya loves to teach. She created Illusory Time as a way to share her passion for history and culture with others.

Her love of stories of the past began at a young age. Her favorite part about teaching history is making the past accessible to the general public and relevant to present concerns, as well as creating a space to explore our understanding of time itself. Today she seeks to better understand the human mind and heart by blending critical insight with humor and empathy to investigate both the past and present.

In addition to teaching speciality history and culture classes for the general public through Illusory Time, Maya also has professional experience as a college educator. She has been teaching online history courses with Southern New Hampshire University since 2017 and cut her teeth as a professor at Essex County Community College from 2011-2013. She has also worked in the fields of historical research, writing, editing, publishing, and the non-profit sector. 

She holds an MA in American Cultural History from the University at Albany (2010) and a BA with double majors in History and Black Studies from SUNY New Paltz (2007).

Participants have described Maya’s approach as welcoming, vibrant, creative, playful, humorous, delightful, informative, and fun. After attending a session with Maya, you will walk away with new knowledge, a deeper connection to yourself and others, and some fresh perspective (maybe even a little magic) in how you view the world around you.

Maya is also certified yoga teacher and leads in-person yoga classes and meditation workshops. Raised in a household of meditators, these practices are ingrained in her everyday life. She has a gift for holding space for others and offering clear guidance so they can more fully relate with the mind, body, and present moment. Check out her yoga and meditation offerings through Firefly Studio.

Whatever class she leads, Maya’s passion shines through, making each event a truly unique experience.