Maria was born in the Dominican Republic and has a bachelor's degree in Arts from Queens College in New York. As well as being a well-regarded educator, Maria has also published poet with two books, Respuestas del Corazon (1999) and Fragmentos de una Tarde (2004).

​

In 2010, Maria founded the Reading Center as a way to provide educational activities for young students in Cambita Garabitos as well as the surrounding area. Her creative mind and loving spirit brought the community together with a common goal of providing the best they can for children.