Maria graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in Fine Arts and from Pueblo Community College in Graphic Design. She has lived most of her life in rural Colorado. Grand Junction, Alamosa, Trinidad, and her home in Pueblo. Maria has experienced sport-related concussions, TBI, and a stroke, which has impacted her cognitive abilities. She advocates for the brain injury community in bridging the gap for resources in rural areas in Southern Colorado. Along with her service dog, she enjoys community gardens, volunteering, playing her Native American flutes and art.