Maria was born in New York, lived on Long Island and attended St. Clare's Elementary School. Christ the King High School and St John's University. She and her husband moved to California in 1979. Her husband was in banking and she became a financial analyst for Paccar Inc. (owners of Peterbilt and Kenworth). She graduated from California State University at Long Beach and received her degree in Business Management. In 1991, she changed careers, went back to school and became a Montessori teacher. During the past 13 years, she taught and directed in 3 Montessori schools, Westerly School and Long Beach Unified Public Schools. She is currently enrolled in the Credential Program at California State University Long Beach.

She and her husband of 29 years, Ed, have 3 daughters - Caralyn (19 Yrs. old), Michelle (16 yrs. old) and Jamie (11 yrs. old). They have been members of Our Lady of Refuge parish since 1981 (even though they now live in Cypress). Maria is a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) team. She is the catechist for the children receiving their sacraments. Recently, she has also joined the Liturgy Committee. She has been on the boards of several non-profit organizations and continues to do community service and charitable work with her family. She believes in building children's self-esteem and that "character" counts. She and her family live by the phrase, "Make time for God, He'll always make time for you!" She is very excited to join the faculty at Our Lady of Refuge.