Maria was born and raised in Missoula. She graduated from Hellgate High School, then attended Montana Tech on a volleyball scholarship. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked for a few years as a Registered Nurse before moving to Lansing, Michigan. She worked in the intensive care unit in Lansing while going to school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She graduated with her Master’s degree before moving back to Montana with her husband. She taught in the Salish Kootenai College Nursing Program before transitioning to St. Joseph Medical Center as a Nurse Practitioner. She now works in the SJMC Medication Assisted Treatment Program, helping those struggling with substance use disorders.

She is passionate about her work at SJMC and enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and their rescue dog Bailey. She has always loved animals, and is excited to support her community through the MVAS.