Maria's professional journey is a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field of psychology and therapy, spanning two countries and enriched by her bilingual abilities. Her educational foundation began in Hermosillo, Mexico, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Univerdad del Noroeste in 2002. She then expanded her studies by pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy at Our Lady of the Lake University in Houston, Texas, graduating in 2009.

Throughout her career spanning over 20 years, Maria has specialized in working with children and teens, utilizing her bilingual abilities in English and Spanish to employ a diverse array of therapeutic approaches. These include Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Collaborative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Gestalt Therapy, and Play Therapy. Her commitment to professional development is evident in her recent certification in Play Therapy in 2023.

Maria's clinical practice is deeply informed by her personal journey of cultural adaptation, having moved from Mexico to the United States. This experience has sensitized her to the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and language while navigating the emotional complexities of missing loved ones back home. This personal insight fuels her clinical interests and enhances her ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds, particularly Latinx communities.

In addition to her clinical work, Maria is certified in the Nurturing Parenting Program (NPP) and has facilitated parenting groups across various community settings in Houston. She emphasizes the importance of involving parents/guardians in therapy to achieve lasting positive outcomes for children and teens. Her approach includes understanding family dynamics, communication patterns, discipline styles, and conflict resolution strategies through family sessions.

Furthermore, Maria actively promotes professional networking and support among Latinx therapists through consultation groups at her Avondale office. This initiative underscores her dedication to fostering collaboration, training opportunities, and case consultation within the therapeutic community.

Overall, Maria's career exemplifies a blend of academic rigor, clinical expertise, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to enhancing the well-being of children, teens, and families through therapeutic interventions tailored to their unique needs. Her holistic approach emphasizes not only individual healing but also the importance of family dynamics and community support in achieving lasting positive outcomes.