We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Capone. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria below.

Maria , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

I want to start by speaking about the power of faith. As humans, we often carry a vision of how our lives are supposed to unfold, only to be reminded by life’s trials that control is an illusion. The story I want to share is one of profound adversity that changed not only the trajectory of my career but also the essence of who I am. Through faith, courage, and surrender, I discovered how extraordinary life can be, even when it doesn’t go according to plan.

I began my career as an entrepreneur, graduating from USC and launching a clothing line that celebrated women’s empowerment through Brazilian jumpsuits. My days were filled with events and sales, and my future seemed bright. During my final year of college, I met my husband. Fifteen months later, we welcomed our son, Noah. Life was full of promise until, at two years old, Noah was diagnosed with stage-four high-risk neuroblastoma—a diagnosis as brutal as it was life-altering. That was the moment everything changed.

When life presents a life-or-death situation, the priorities of your previous life can dissolve in an instant. At just 25 years old, with a thriving career ahead of me, I found myself asking, “What truly matters?” I chose to let go of my business and surrender to the journey ahead. I told myself, “This will be the hardest battle of all. It will require faith, discipline, patience, and above all, love.” I allowed the old me to fade away and embraced the new me—a warrior committed to supporting my son through his fight while cherishing every precious moment.

The defining moment in my life came after three years of battling with Noah by our side. When doctors gave him only three weeks to live, we chose to fill those days with prayer, light, laughter, and deep gratitude. On October 10, 2020, at 3:30 a.m., I held Noah’s hand over his heart as it stopped beating. In that moment of profound loss, I felt an overwhelming light and peace. His spirit filled the room as my husband and I played his favorite songs and told him how deeply we loved him.

As we waited for the mortuary to arrive, we lay beside him, each holding his hand, and fell asleep. My husband, who had always been spiritual but skeptical of religion, woke me in tears. He told me, “Jesus came into the room. He picked up Noah and looked into my eyes as if to say, ‘You don’t have to worry; he is with me now.’” My husband described watching Jesus and Noah ascend a stairway to Heaven, with Noah waving goodbye.

That was my defining moment. Through unimaginable grief, I found light, peace, and purpose. Noah’s passing, though filled with pain, became the foundation of my mission to bring healing, transformation, and hope to others. I decided to channel the lessons Noah taught me into my work, not as a therapist as I had initially intended, but as a health coach and clinic manager, where I could directly impact people’s lives through their physical health.

When we moved to Arizona, I felt called to return to work and began my journey with Options Medical Weight Loss. This role has allowed me to support hundreds of patients in their transformations—not just in weight loss but in reclaiming their highest selves. Weight, I’ve learned, often carries trauma and pain. Helping patients release that weight, both physically and emotionally, empowers them to heal holistically.

I share with my patients that the first step to optimal happiness begins with the physical body. A healthy body nurtures a balanced mind, allowing for deeper spiritual connection and clarity. When patients come to me grieving a loved one, I share my story to emphasize the importance of discipline in diet and exercise. The healthier our bodies are, the more we can hear God’s voice and embrace the strength within ourselves.

My son Noah continues to inspire my mission. He taught me that even in darkness, we can find light, and even in pain, we can uncover purpose. Transformation requires accountability, discipline, and faith in the process. Through my work, I call on people to take ownership of their lives, to rise above a victim mentality, and to embrace the power of change.

Noah’s legacy lives on in every patient I help, and though I miss him every single day, I know he is where he is meant to be, waiting for me when my time comes. Life’s defining moments often look nothing like we expect, but if we trust the path laid before us, extraordinary things can unfold.

Maria , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Maria Capone, and my journey into the health and wellness industry is deeply personal and rooted in transformation. I began my career as an entrepreneur, running a successful clothing line that empowered women to embrace their bodies. However, my path took a profound turn when my son, Noah, was diagnosed with stage-four neuroblastoma. Supporting him through his three-year battle shaped my understanding of resilience, healing, and the critical connection between the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health.

After Noah’s passing, I sought to honor his legacy by helping others find light and transformation in their lives. I joined Options Medical Weight Loss, where I currently serve as a Clinic Manager and Health Coach. This role allows me to guide patients through their weight loss journeys, helping them heal not just physically but also emotionally, by addressing the root causes of their challenges and fostering lasting lifestyle changes.

At Options, we specialize in medical weight loss solutions, providing personalized programs that include FDA-approved medications, nutritional counseling, coaching, and ongoing support. Our services are designed to tackle both the physiological and psychological barriers to weight loss. Whether a patient is looking to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds, we craft plans tailored to their unique needs and goals.

What sets me apart in this field is my holistic approach to transformation. Weight loss is not just about numbers on a scale—it’s about uncovering and addressing the pain, trauma, or habits that may be holding someone back. I share my personal story with patients to inspire them to embrace discipline and self-care as tools for healing. I believe that the foundation of happiness starts with a healthy body, which in turn nurtures a positive mind and spirit.

I’m most proud of the profound transformations I’ve witnessed in my patients. I’ve seen individuals not only achieve their weight loss goals but also regain confidence, find joy, and develop a renewed sense of purpose. Many of them go on to inspire others in their communities, creating a ripple effect of health and empowerment.

What I want people to know about my work is that it’s deeply personal and driven by purpose. I’m not just here to help people lose weight; I’m here to help them reclaim their lives, tap into their highest selves, and build the confidence to face life’s challenges. At Options, we don’t just focus on weight loss—we focus on creating lasting change through accountability, education, and support.

My message to anyone considering this journey is that transformation is possible, no matter where you start. It takes work, discipline, and faith, but the rewards are extraordinary. I am here to guide, encourage, and walk this journey with you, drawing from my own experiences to help you uncover the light and strength within yourself.

Any advice for managing a team?

My advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale starts with leading from a place of faith, positivity, and genuine care for each individual. A team thrives when they feel valued, supported, and inspired, and as a leader, it’s my responsibility to cultivate that environment.

First and foremost, I believe in leading by example. Whether it’s staying disciplined, showing compassion, or maintaining a positive outlook, I aim to embody the values I want my team to reflect. Positivity is contagious, and even in challenging times, I focus on finding the light and solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

Communication is another cornerstone of high morale. I ensure my team knows that their voices matter by creating a space where they can openly share ideas, concerns, and feedback. Transparency builds trust, and trust strengthens morale.

I also take the time to celebrate both small wins and big milestones. Recognition goes a long way in making people feel appreciated and motivated. Whether it’s a heartfelt “thank you” or a team celebration, I want my team to know their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

Faith plays a significant role in my leadership. I believe that every challenge we face is an opportunity for growth, and I encourage my team to approach difficulties with resilience and a mindset of possibility. I remind them—and myself—that we’re never alone in our journeys, and that by working together with purpose, we can achieve incredible things.

Lastly, I believe in connecting with my team on a personal level. Understanding their unique strengths, aspirations, and challenges allows me to support them not just as employees but as individuals. When people feel cared for as whole human beings, they show up with more energy, commitment, and joy.

High morale isn’t just about motivation—it’s about creating a culture where people feel uplifted, valued, and empowered to be their best. When a team operates from a foundation of trust, positivity, and shared purpose, amazing things happen.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining moments of my journey—and a true testament to resilience—came during the final chapter of my son Noah’s life. After three years of battling stage-four high-risk neuroblastoma, we were told he had just three weeks to live. It was devastating news, but instead of succumbing to despair, I made a conscious choice to live each of those days with faith, love, and intention.

Resilience, I’ve learned, is not about denying pain but about choosing how you respond to it. I decided to fill Noah’s final days with light, laughter, and prayer. We celebrated small moments as though they were extraordinary, because they were. Every hug, every smile, every breath became a gift to cherish. Even in those heartbreaking days, I chose to focus on the beauty of being present with him, rather than the sorrow of what was to come.

On the morning of October 10, 2020, I held Noah’s hand as his heart stopped beating. While the sadness was overwhelming, I also felt an incredible peace and light in that moment. His spirit filled the room, and my husband and I played his favorite songs, telling him how much we loved him. Later, as we lay beside him, my husband, who had always been spiritual but skeptical, woke me in tears. He told me he had seen Jesus come into the room, lift Noah into His arms, and carry him up a stairway to Heaven. In that moment, I knew Noah was at peace, and so was I.

Resilience is not about avoiding pain but about finding the strength to walk through it with faith and grace. That experience taught me that even in the darkest times, there is light to be found if we have the courage to look for it. Noah’s journey became my greatest teacher, showing me how to embrace life fully, even in the face of loss.

Today, I draw on that resilience in everything I do. Whether it’s supporting my team or helping patients transform their lives, I carry Noah’s light and lessons with me. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship; it’s about using those experiences to grow, to serve others, and to find purpose. Noah’s strength and spirit continue to inspire me every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://optionsmedicalweightloss.com/
• Instagram: @m.capone
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19ksLRY3XX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-capone-923891217/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBcq1TNfbYk
• Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/share/19ksLRY3XX/?mibextid=wwXIfr