Maria’s journey in social work began in 2009 when she transitioned into the Social Work program at Northeastern Illinois University, later earning her Master’s degree from Dominican University in 2017. Throughout her academic and professional journey, Maria gained diverse and meaningful experience across various areas of the social work field.
Her early work included volunteering at a women’s shelter, supporting perpetrators of domestic violence, working in juvenile probation, and helping to develop a mentorship program for at-risk adolescents. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her continued commitment to serving diverse communities.
Over the years, Maria has worked with both adults and adolescents across multiple settings, including Individual & group therapy, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Medical social work, Public assistance programs (Medicaid and SNAP), & The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Maria is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, and California. After over a decade in the field, she opened her own private practice to provide personalized, strength-based support for each client. She focuses on helping individuals build a strong foundation for growth and success by fostering resilience, insight, and self-empowerment.
Maria is also deeply committed to ongoing professional development. She believes that continuing education and expanding clinical knowledge are essential to ethical, effective practice. By staying informed on the latest evidence-based interventions and tailoring approaches to individual needs, Maria ensures her clients receive high-quality, compassionate care.