Maria was born and raised in Ohio. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Kenyon College (OH) and a Masters in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Cincinnati (OH). An opportunity to work at the University of Hartford brough Maria to Connecticut. She served as the Public Relations Manager at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School for four years, where she was also one of the residential staff in the then newly established arts and music dormitory. Maria left the university to enjoy time raising her children, while also earning her Masters in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hartford. Upon completing that degree, Maria was hired as a classroom teacher in the Granby (CT) Public Schools, where she taught for 20 years. Maria started at Oliverian in the 2022-23 school year as a Pillar Teacher and Dorm Parent, while also providing students with academic support two days a week. This year, the student academic support role has expanded and Maria is excited to assume her new position at Oli as the Academic Support Coach.

In her free time, Maria enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, nature photography and being outdoors as much as possible, unless it’s snowing. If it’s snowing, you can find Maria inside baking or cooking and playing word puzzles. She shares her home with two cats – both rescues – Junipurr and Harpurr.

What do you love most about Oliverian?
“I love the warmth, dedication, passion and compassion of the faculty and staff, which was evident from my first visit to campus. I love that student well being and individuality are a priority. I love that students have opportunities at Oliverian to discover and to develop the best possible version of themselves, as they are encouraged and supported to realize their potential through studies that are of interest and importance to them.”

What motivates you to work with kids?

“I had role models and mentors that helped me navigate some of the uncertainties and transitions of my teen years. It has been important to me to pay that forward and played a large role in why I became a teacher – to have the opportunity to help guide, support and advise kids/teens. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to do so in my role here at Oliverian.”