Maria was born and raised in Connecticut, where she took her first class at age 3. In addition to being a performer, Maria has taught dance to students of all ages for the past twenty-one years and is a coach for competitive-level gymnastics.

Maria was a competitive gymnast trained by 2004 Olympic coach Alan Hatch and 2004 two-time Olympic silver medalist Annia Hatch. Following college, Maria continued her dance education at the Broadway Dance Center in New York. She trained under Rhapsody James and has worked with many well know choreographers; Dana Foglia, Luam Keflezgy, Kelly Peters, Derek Mitchell and Tanisha Scott, Lisette Bustamante, James Jackson Jr.

Maria has performed at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall and has appeared in music videos, commercials, and work for Nike & Adidas.  

Maria travels internationally to teach Acro and dance. In 2012 she was selected as a mentor for the program Creating Opportunities developed by world-renowned choreographers Lisette Bustamante and Chonique Sneed. In 2021 Maria became a member of the staff at Acrobatic Arts as a course conductor and adjudicator.

Maria holds a B.A. in Psychology and Masters in Reading Education from Sacred Heart University. She also holds a Connecticut Teaching Certificate and is certified through Fitness, Gymnastics, and Acro federations. Her certifications include AFAA Group Fitness Certified. bodyART Certified Instructor, Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR and AED certified Acrobatic Arts AAC 1 and AAC2 USA Gymnastics Safety Certified - Artistic Gymnastics Coach. Maria believes that dance is a universal language and enjoys getting to know others and helping people get to know her through dance.