Maria has over 25 years of experience in education, including more than a decade with charter schools. She began her career teaching in elementary schools before she designed, opened, and operated Oak Canyon School, a private middle school for boys.

Maria joined the New York State Education Department (NYSED) in Brooklyn. As an Associate for School Improvement, she served as the primary liaison for Manhattan-based charter schools, drafted state regulations, reviewed charter school proposals, and made data-based recommendations for approval and renewal to the Board of Regents.

After nearly a decade at NYSED, Maria became an independent education consultant, specializing in charter school applications and grants. She has supported teams in developing successful charter and renewal applications and drafting revocation appeal memoranda. She works closely with organizations to develop compelling and mission-aligned applications that capture funders’ attention, particularly those focused on K-12 education, mental health, and the arts.

After graduating from Boston College, Maria earned an M.Ed. in Special Education from George Washington University through a full scholarship from the United States Department of Education. Committed to addressing gaps in services, Maria pursued an M.Ed. in Social Policy from Harvard University, where she attended the Administration, Planning, and Social Policy program.