Maria has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Expressive and Therapeutic Arts, a Master of Science in Thanatology degree in the study of death, and a second Master of Arts in Community Counseling degree. She spent one year as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Training before deciding to shift gears and become an academic copyeditor, teacher, poet, and artist. She works a traditional career as a grant writer and spends time in nature hiking, biking, rafting, swimming, camping and reflecting outdoors.