Maria Lynders

Meet Maria, our Brooklyn-based content writer and US editorial lead. She manages the talented team of writers behind our US platform, blending creativity with strategy to keep our content fresh, inspiring, and SEO-savvy. Since joining the team, Maria has played a key role in supporting new teachers, optimizing class listings, and writing engaging long-form articles about trending crafts and must-try experiences.Outside of work, Maria enjoys painting watercolor scenes around NYC, experimenting with new recipes and cuisines, and curling up with a good fantasy book — preferably one thick enough to double as a doorstop.Career StoryMaria’s journey as a storyteller began at Stony Brook University, where she studied journalism and quickly made her mark as managing editor of The Statesman. Here, she sharpened her writing and editorial skills, immersing herself in news coverage and mastering content strategy. Her passion for storytelling led her to pursue an MBA in marketing, where she learned to blend creative content writing with data-driven insights.Over the years, Maria has profiled artists across a variety of fields — from Indigenous sculptors to art therapists — each story highlighting the transformative power of art. Her commitment to covering underrepresented voices took root during her fellowship at WSHU Public Radio, where she led coverage on Indigenous communities and produced features aired on NPR’s flagship programs. Her storytelling earned her a prestigious Hearst Award for a piece profiling a taxidermist whose passion for art became his path to healing.Through these experiences, Maria has come to understand how art can profoundly shape lives and foster connections. This belief aligns with ClassBento’s mission to enhance mental and social well-being through creative experiences, fueling her dedication to writing stories about local artisans and their creative workshops.