Biography
Maria earned her bachelors in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security from Liberty University and is pursuing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. Maria is currently a Graduate Student Intern with Birchwood Therapeutic Services.
Outside of counseling, Maria enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her horses. She loves going for walks in nature, creating charcuterie boards, and appreciating the small joys in life.
Counseling Approach and Clinical Focus:
As a farmer’s daughter, Maria is especially passionate about increasing access to mental health care in rural communities. She understands the unique strengths and challenges faced by those living in rural areas and believes everyone—regardless of location—deserves compassionate, high-quality support. Her counseling approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centered. She strives to create a safe and respectful space where clients feel heard and empowered to make meaningful change. Maria draws from evidence-based practices and tailors her approach to meet each client’s unique needs and goals. Maria works with all ages and provides individual counseling.
A message from Maria:
Life can feel heavy at times, and it’s easy to believe we have to carry that weight alone. But you don’t have to. My heart as a counselor is to walk alongside you through the hard seasons, emotions and the moments that feel too hard to handle. Together, we can create a space where you feel heard, understood and valued to show up exactly as you are. Healing isn’t about having all the answers but it’s about taking one small step at a time toward the life you want to live. You are not alone. You are not broken….you are human and you are worthy of healing, hope, and joy.
Education:
- Currently pursuing MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP), Liberty University Online
- Bachelor of Science: Criminal Justice: Homeland Security, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
Associations/Memberships:
- American Counseling Association (ACA)