Maria was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana. She obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Southern Indiana and her medical degree at the Indiana University School of Medicine. She met her husband, Thomas, in the anatomy lab during her first year of medical school, and he is one of Vanderbilt's current Med-Peds residents.

Maria’s love for academic medicine was reinforced during residency, and she is excited to focus on medical education during her chief year. Her Master of Health Administration degree will be an additional asset during this year. Following chief year, Maria plans to pursue a career in general pediatrics.

In her free time, Maria loves many forms of exercise and cheering on the Indiana Hoosiers with her husband.