Living most of her life on the coast of Maine, Maria has a deep love of the water and the outdoors. Through time spent in those spaces, she gained a sense of independence, adventure, and a pioneering spirit. When she was 16, Maria did a 26-day Hurricane Island Outward Bound course that proved to be one of the most significant influences on her approach to life. She went on to Bowdoin College where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Economics and Environmental Studies, and later earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Maine. 

Her career in education began when she returned to work at Hurricane Island during the summers in her early 20’s. Shortly after graduating college Maria taught math and science at a boarding school in Colorado, followed by three years in a similar position at Proctor Academy in New Hampshire. After a several year detour as the Narragansett Bay Keeper, and then as a stay-at-home mother, she returned to teach in her hometown. From there, Maria progressed through the leadership ranks to eventually become Superintendent in July of 2015. Her time as a district leader has been marked by innovation, an indefatigable spirit, and strong relationships. In 2022, she won the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Maine School Superintendents Association.

Maria cares deeply about young people, education, and the role of public schools in our democracy. During her sabbatical in 2022, she began writing in order to share her insights with a broader audience.