Maria holds a Masters degree in Counselling, a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Education. In addition Maria has had a diverse range of work and life experiences involving a large cross section of the community. Including working as a NSW Police Officer, to running small businesses and coaching junior and adult athletes.
Maria enjoys nature and trying to capture the picturesque landscapes of the Sunshine Coast region on camera. 
Maria was born in Sydney, Australia to parents who immigrated from Uruguay, South America. Her parents carried with them latin music and kept the spirit & love of latin sounds alive in the family home.
At age five Maria commenced RAD ballet training to her mid teens. At eighteen years of age Maria attended Darwin University to complete an Associate Diploma in Theater Arts. Over the years continuing to engage in dance from flamenco, african to jazz.
Art has also rippled through Maria’s life experience, including pottery, paintings, watercolours and crafts. It was during her bachelors degree that she realised the integral role of art as a healing modality. Maria has completed an Art camp that utilizes Gestalt Art Therapy approach and studies the work of Bessel Van der Kolk and the connection of body with healing trauma. Work continues in developing movement therapy for couples.
