Meet Maria

My story begins in Zion, Illinois, where my father attended Great Lakes Naval Academy. We eventually moved to San Diego, California for several years, then returned to the Midwest to live closer to family. I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and in the Green Bay area. Experiencing a childhood rich with canoeing lakes and rivers, swimming, cliff jumping, hiking, camping, and sledding, well, let’s just say this part of the country is in my DNA!

 In 1995 I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. My zoology focus took me to Kentucky where I worked as a Reptile Zoo Keeper and Veterinary Technician before embarking on a career in the Water Quality division of a municipality. During that time I developed an interest in the helping professions and began investigating various graduate school programs. Several friends and family have told me, “You should be a counselor!” Their encouraging words inspired me to pursue the mental health field, and, in the spring of 2018, my Mental Health Counseling adventure commenced! Now in phase three of a counseling internship program, I enjoy empowering clients as they achieve their therapy goals.

Wisconsin and Upper Michigan’s lakes and rivers eventually called me home, and, in 2022, I made the great leap and returned to Green Bay! While I do miss the rolling hills and beautiful horse farms in Kentucky, I am happy to be back with family.