Becoming Gratitude

David L. Prentice

President & Chief Executive Officer of The Midnight Mission

I have had the privilege of knowing Maya Stojan for many years, and in that time, I have watched her embody one of the most important lessons we teach at The Midnight Mission: that gratitude is an action word. Maya doesn’t just say she’s grateful, she shows it in everything she does.

From my early days as a counselor, I remember Maya standing in our gym, giving of her time during graduations, and holiday events. She has always spoken from the heart, reminding everyone that no matter where they come from, we all have something to give. When I moved into development, I saw another side of her generosity. She was 100% all in, giving her time, energy, and passion to help us create successful events that changed lives. She never hesitated to roll up her sleeves, make connections or do whatever was needed to make an impact.

Now, as I serve as President, I have had the joy of witnessing her continued evolution, not just as a leader and mentor within our community but as a wife, a mother and an even greater example of what it means to live a life of gratitude. She continues to inspire, lead and uplift those around her with a heart full of service and a spirit that shines.

Maya Stojan is a remarkable example of how gratitude can transform lives, not just our own, but those we touch along the way. The Midnight Mission is a better place because of her and I am honored to call her a friend and a part of our family.

Allie Sterner

Executive Director of The Butterfly Family Fund

As the Executive Director of The Butterfly Family Fund, it is rare that I encounter people who choose to make a difference. So often people need a tax deduction, or notoriety, or a reason to get involved. Not Maya. Maya chooses to do the right thing, and she does it when no one is looking, and she does it over, and over again. Her ability to make a positive change in this world comes from her core. When you know Maya, or even meet her for a brief moment, you are met with compassion, empathy, warmth, comfort, and of course, an immense amount of gratitude. It was because of Maya that our dream of the Compassion Conservatory became a reality and because of Maya, caregivers of medically fragile children were given the chance to rest, recharge, and gain resources to live a life they love. Maya turned an unimaginable dream into a life changing reality for me, for every guest, for each crew member, and for the entire community that never believed it could happen. Maya is made of magic and I am so grateful to witness what she’s able to do. One minute in a gratitude session with Maya, is one minute spent moving your life in the right direction. To choose gratitude with Maya is to choose positivity, optimism, hope, joy and empowerment. Maya teaches us how to grow through the power of presence and through recreatable wisdom. Her words are capable of magic and she’s actively spreading it around all over this world. I am beyond grateful for what Maya has taught me, what she has gifted to our families and what she offers to this world.

Dimitri Halkidis

President & Founder Boo2Bullying

I first met Maya about a decade ago and for the past decade she has been a Boo2Bullying Ambassador and has empowered many students, teachers and friends under our umbrella. However, B2B became extremely special for her, since it provided her the perfect recipe to directly help others through her own unique gifts and skills. Maya is a passionate activist and she has spoken publicly several times in support of equality, diversity, and women’s rights. We are deeply thankful to this incredible human for empowering so many students, schools, teachers and many more through her Gratitude Practice.

Ricardo Rosales

Director - Homelight Family Living

I was so lucky to have met Maya through a colleague. She has been a blessing to all the women who have lived in our program for homeless families. I started a Mother’s Day fundraiser five years ago, and Maya has served as our MC throughout this time. But she has been more than that. She has made our events into a day dedicated to being grateful, expressing appreciation, giving thanks and celebrating with gratitude. Showing our moms to be at their best while going through their worst times is empowering and turns what little you have into abundance and changes your perspective of your world. We are grateful for Maya and the lasting impact she’s had on our families and look forward to sharing her teachings as part of our ongoing program services.

Destiny Rael

Transformational Life & Grief Coach

When I think of Maya, I think of gratitude! Not just in the way we usually think about it, being thankful for things, but as something much deeper. For Maya, gratitude isn’t just a practice; it’s who she is. It’s the way she moves through the world, the way she sees life and the way she makes people feel just by being around her. She doesn’t just talk about gratitude…she lives it! I know she’s been practicing it for years and you can feel it in everything she does. Her practice has this way of reminding me to find more appreciation in my own life, just by witnessing how deeply she embodies it. If there’s anyone I’d trust to guide people into a deeper relationship with gratitude, it’s Maya! Because for her, it’s not just something you do, it’s a way of being. I’m so grateful she’s in this world, sharing her wisdom and light with all of us!

Marine Selenee

Author of "Connected Fates, Separate Destinies" Family Constellation Therapist

Where do I even begin? My gratitude for that woman goes beyond words. One thing is certain, Maya is the very embodiment of gratefulness. Her charisma, kindness and radiant beauty exude gratitude in every way. She doesn’t just express it; she lives it. I cannot wait for the world to experience the gift she so effortlessly shares. You want Maya in your corner because, with just one smile or a single sentence, she has the power to reignite the light and hope that may have been missing from your day. This is a course to take, retake and weave into your daily life because gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a mindset, a lifestyle, and the most beautiful way to celebrate life every single day.

Michael Arnold

CEO (retired) The Midnight Mission

In Recognition of Exemplary Service, I am delighted to provide this character testimonial for Maya Stojan whose dedication and enthusiasm for people helped by The Midnight Mission have been truly inspiring. Over the past decade, Maya consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our mission and values, significantly contributing to our community and resident's well-being. The Midnight Mission is one of the longest-operating homeless services provider in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles. We provide shelter, food, clothing, addiction recovery, case management and housing search services to men, women and children experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. Maya was one of the first volunteers I met when I joined the Midnight Mission as its CEO 8 years ago, and I have found her to be a person of extraordinary compassion and empathy. She has a remarkable ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life, offering support and understanding in every interaction. Her genuine kindness and willingness to go above and beyond have made a lasting impact on both the recipients of our services and our staff. She recognized that while the people we were serving were getting their physical needs met, they could and would benefit from skills she possessed and started a movement and Gratitude class that became one of our most popular volunteer led classes. Maya faithfully showed up every week and worked with people who were dealing with difficult circumstances and led with professionalism and grace, teaching and healing with her dedication and skills. What truly sets Maya apart is her unwavering positive attitude. Even in challenging circumstances, she remained optimistic and motivated, inspiring others to do the same. Her enthusiasm and genuine concern was contagious, creating a supportive and uplifting environment for everyone involved. In addition to her impressive work ethic, Maya’s commitment to the organization was complete. She not only consistently showed up on time, ready to contribute, but has continued to support the organization and the people we serve in other events we sponsor. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know and work with Maya as part of The Midnight Mission’s volunteer family. She has enriched not only the lives of the clients she worked with but also the lives of anyone who had the pleasure to spend time with her. I wholeheartedly recommend and commend Maya for her compassion, commitment, and genuine goodness. She is a shining example of what it means to serve with heart and dedication.

Laurie Sterner

Founder of The Butterfly Family Fund

It is a very rare thing in this day and age to meet someone who not only hears what you say, but takes the time to listen...truly listen and above all else, opens their heart to care genuinely. This is the kind of person I found when I first met Maya. Having been the founder of a non profit for almost a decade and a half, I longed for individuals who portray this sense of integrity, honesty and kindness and I knew that Maya would be such an incredible asset to our mission at The Butterfly Family Fund. She, without any hesitation, joined our team as our Gratitude Coach in 2023. Maya has brought forth so much guidance for our families in the Fund, and she has done this with not only her passion and knowledge of what it takes to be grateful, but she has done it in a way that is overflowing with incredible love and support. We all need the abundance of gratitude in our lives and quite honestly, there are many days when it is hard to find it. Through Maya's teachings and hand on workshops, she reminds us the importance and the value of what she not only preaches, but what she LIVES everyday. When I think about my own gratitude, Maya is definitely at the top of the list.

Alexa Silvaggio

Trainee psychotherapists and coach

Maya not only practices, she embodies… I have had the fine privilege of working with the beautiful Maya for many years. She has been a guest on my podcast, has guided me in profound ways, and ushered me through my own gratitude journey. A gratitude journey that has exponentially proliferated my entire human experience. Maya’s teachings are deeply meaningful, but most importantly, they’re easily integrated. What good is any teaching unless it can be applied? Maya is the real deal, I’m so glad you’re here, and beyond grateful for the wisdom that is to unfold.

Cassie Scerbo

Actress, Producer, Vice-President of Boo2Bullying

Maya’s practice of gratitude has deeply touched me and inspired me in ways I never expected. The way she holds space for both joy and pain has shown me that gratitude isn’t just about being thankful when things are easy, but about choosing to see the sacred in every part of the journey. Her vulnerability, passion, and unwavering strength have been a mirror and a guide, gently pulling me toward a more grounded, open-hearted way of living. I am profoundly grateful for all I’ve learned from this extraordinary woman, her presence in my life is a sacred gift.

David Brenner

VP of Sales and Jay Shetty Life Coach

There was a time in my life when I would wake up and immediately feel like my world was crashing down. From the moment I opened my eyes, the weight of the day ahead felt overwhelming. I would roll over, plant my feet on the ground, and hear a whisper in my head: “Here we go again.” Then came Maya.

She introduced me to the transformative practice of gratitude. But what I learned wasn’t just a practice, it became an emotional and energetic shift that has dramatically changed my life. I’m forever grateful for Maya’s friendship and the powerful example she’s set for me. Through her guidance, I’ve found a new perspective that has brought peace and positivity into my life.

Maiara Walsh

Actress, Filmmaker and Musician

I’ve had the privilege of witnessing my dear friend Maya Stojan embody gratitude in beautifully profound ways over the last few years. I also experienced a cycle of gratitude with her and saw firsthand how it shifted my perspective, deepened my relationships, and brought more joy to my daily life. Maya has spent over a decade cultivating this practice, using it to transform her own life and the lives of those around her. Her new gratitude course is an extension of that journey, designed to help others experience deep personal growth. If you’re looking for a practice that will create real, lasting shifts in your life, I can’t recommend "Becoming Gratitude" enough.

Brian Meert

CEO of Advertisemint.com

Maya introduced me to gratitude and it changed my life. I run an ad agency and in any 24 hour period, there are multiple red alert situations that all need to be addressed immediately. It can be exhausing. Maya's daily exercises helped me unlock the beauty in every moment, big or small, win or fail. It helped me reduce stress, increase my resilience and bring more happiness in my life. Gratitude is a north star and Maya will teach you how to use it to navigate through life. Maya's unique approach unlocked my mindset to attract more success, abundance and happiness in my life.

Colette Carlsson

Sound Healer & Human Design Guide

Maya has been in my life for over 12 years and I have witnessed how she radiates gratitude, generosity and heart to the fullest extent. I am continually inspired and influenced by how she shows up in complete gratitude in every given moment and have seen first-hand the results that have transpired. She is a true role model and I can’t think of a better teacher to practice gratitude magic with!

Alison Trumbull

Actress and Writer

As one of the first to experience this course, I absolutely love "Becoming Gratitude"! The short daily exercises allows me to tap into that feeling of gratitude consistently, strengthening a muscle that allows the practices to become a part of who I am and how I operate. And, on those days where I feel "off", the exercises help set me off on a new course, redirecting my thoughts towards gratitude and inevitably changing the outcome.