Our Staff

Maria Wood-Smith, Owner

Program and Curriculum Director

Maria Wood-Smith founded the Fearless Focus Program (formerly Fashion Focus) 25 years ago, driven by a deep passion and determination to help children and teens feel empowered.

Maria’s mission is deeply personal. Having experienced her own struggles with self-confidence, she took very specific steps to regain her inner strength and self-esteem. These personal, confidence-building principles are the foundation of the highly successful Fearless Focus curriculum.

She works diligently to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and impactful, continually updating it to address the ever-changing times.

Maria is a devoted family woman. She is a mother to three grown children, Alexandra, Gabrielle, and Gregory, and a grandmother to two. She currently resides in Hanover with her husband, Michael.

Brit Lawrence

Marketing Director

Brittany Lawrence is a dedicated marketing professional currently serving as the marketing manager at a Florida-based telecom company as well as the marketing director for Fearless Focus. Starting her journey with Fearless Focus at age 13, she remained connected to the program even during her college years at NYU, guest-teaching classes intermittently. In late 2015, she returned full-time to contribute to teaching and marketing. Despite relocating to Florida, Brittany continues to manage the email marketing and social media advertising for Fearless Focus, a program that holds a special place in her heart. She credits Fearless Focus with significantly boosting her confidence, which empowered her to start her own business aimed at helping small businesses thrive online. Brittany attributes much of her success to the self-advocacy and ambition nurtured through Fearless Focus.

Isabella Keenan

Instructor

Isabella Keenan first became aware of the Fearless Focus Program when she was asked to take part in a student-planned fashion show in kindergarten. In elementary school, she went to summer camps and school vacation week camps. In middle school, she realized how much she loved the program and she started taking weekly classes. The program has helped Isabella gain confidence and become a mature young adult. Isabella is now so grateful to be able to instruct other students on important life skills including how to become more self-confident.

Paige Cleary

Instructor

I first came to Fearless Focus as a middle school student and quickly discovered it is where I truly belonged. After volunteering at events and assisting with classes, I became a weekly instructor during my junior year of high school. I’m thrilled to announce that I will attend Massachusetts College of Art and Design this fall, where I’m eager to apply the confidence and leadership skills I’ve developed. My time as a student and an instructor at Fearless Focus has been incredibly transformative, and I’m deeply grateful to Maria and the entire program.

Tyler Hannigan

Boys Program Instructor

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Tyler Hannigan to The Fearless Focus team as our new Boys Program Instructor! We are so fortunate to have such an incredible role model join our staff.

Tyler’s background is a perfect fit for our mission. As a Fire Captain/Paramedic and technical rescuer, he brings a wealth of real-world experience in courage, responsibility, and leadership. He is also a Certified Fire Instructor and has a background in heavy equipment, truck repair, and maritime salvage, which speaks to his incredible skill set and dedication to his community.

On a personal note, Tyler is a proud Massachusetts native, a loving husband to his high school sweetheart, Meghan, and a devoted father to his two boys, ages 9 and 5. When he’s not working, you can find him fishing, hiking, or on family ATV trips with his two Black Labs. He is currently working on his goal of visiting all 50 states with his family, having already checked 14 off the list.

His commitment to service and his love for family make him a truly inspiring addition to our team. We know our students will be empowered by his guidance.