About Mariko

Mariko Clarissa Schmidtauer —

As my father teasingly used to say, I was “made in Japan” where my parents lived while I was conceived. I was born in Hawai’i to German and Austrian parents, bringing together a unique blend of cultural influences that shape my rich international background.

At 2 ½, I moved to Europe with my parents, spending two and a half years in Greece before settling in Germany and Austria for much of my childhood. My education was truly global: it began in kindergarten in Greece, included a year in Hawai’i, and continued at an international school in Germany among peers from over 40 countries. Despite living in Europe, I traveled extensively with my parents to over 40 countries and I maintained strong ties to Hawai’i, often returning for vacations.

I graduated from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. For nearly a decade, I worked across the U.S. and Europe, taking on leadership roles in top management at a telecommunications company, leading customer care teams, and serving as an international senior consultant for an internet startup. My work involved supporting clients from a wide range of industries, training them to optimize their skills.

In late 2003, I experienced an epiphany: I wanted to focus on helping people rather than just companies. This realization set me on a path to exploring ancient healing traditions and personal growth.

My journey led me to work with remarkable teachers, healers, therapists, and professionals.

Since 2005, I have worked with Peggy Dylan, founder of The Sundoor School of Transformation. I am a certified Firewalk Instructor and Peggy invited me to join her inner circle of “Sundoor Masters”. I have staffed seven Fire Initiation weeks for Sundoor and I have been leading firewalks ever since. 

In 2010 I completed four years of mentorship and coaching training with Jon Young, founder of the 8 Shields Institute, which emphasizes nature awareness and community building. I was part of the core team working with communities across North America and Europe. At that time we also worked with the Regenerative Design Institute where I learned about permaculture. 

My training also includes a three-year apprenticeship with Kevin Anthony Flores of the Mexhica land of the moon, and Toltec Aztec, Mayan, and Celtic shamanic lineages. I deepened my connection to Hawai’i by studying Ho’opono Pono Ke Ala with Aunty Mahealani Kuamo’o from the Kaiwi Kuamo’o Kekua Okalani lineage since 2007. Along my path, I have had the privilege of working with many teachers, including Peruvian shamans, Native American elders, and Hawaiian elders.

A turning point in my career came with Peter de Vries, an esteemed figure in Family Systemic Constellation work. Completing my training with him in 2011, I earned two certificates in family constellation work, which incorporated trauma healing approaches from the Diamond Approach and Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing work. I feel privileged to have learned from such an inspiring teacher.

I have participated in a wide variety of constellations from over 20 facilitators, continuously expanding my understanding of this transformative work and the insights gained from “tapping into the field.”

In 2012, I returned to Hawai’i to care for my elderly parents. My father Willi passed away in 2017, followed by my maternal aunt Dorothea, leaving me as the sole caregiver for my mother Heide, whom I fondly call my greatest teacher and life’s most challenging guide. My aunt, who suffered from schizophrenia, taught me much throughout my life and inspired me to explore mental illness causes and healing at a young age.

By 2018, I faced burnout and depression, which I overcame by fulfilling a childhood dream: learning to horseback ride. In May 2019, the dear 27-year-old horse Ashley and I had an accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury for me. In the months that followed, I explored a multitude of healing modalities, from neurofeedback and hyperbaric chamber therapy to remote reiki and much more. While I have not regained my sense of smell yet, this experience brought me invaluable insights, and I’m doing well again

Over the past decade, I have had a part-time job dog- and cat-sitting for traveling friends. I’ve lovingly been called the pet whisperer and thoroughly enjoy my connection to the four-leggeds.

As to my personal interest: I once was a ski-instructor in Austria, I have been enjoying yoga since 2000, 5 Rhythms Dance since 2006, always loved nature and hiking and have added breath work and Qi Gong to my activities. I also love to find creative ways of expressing myself. For a long time I have had a hobby of knitting, which I see as another form of ‘weaving threads’

In 2020, I encountered Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry, a psychotherapeutic approach that resonated deeply with me. Inspired, I joined the May 2021 cohort, completing the year-long professional training, followed by a six-month mentorship. Today, I am an internationally certified CI Practitioner, actively supporting the global CI community and assisting new cohorts as an intern and volunteer.

With an open heart, compassion, and professionalism, I share my experiences and gifts with others. My international background enables me to connect deeply with people, offering profound empathy and understanding. I believe in each person’s inherent power and am dedicated to helping others awaken their potential and shine brightly.

I offer Compassionate Inquiry and Constellation sessions with humility and respect, supporting individuals in stepping into their authentic power and living more consciously fulfilling lives.