I am at my best when I create connections between people, their abilities and the organizations in which they work. As Director of Guidance and Operations at HBeS, I build-out and oversee our internal operations so that our business flows efficiently and effectively. I ensure that our Guides have the best tools to provide you with an optimal experience.

Maria’s goal is to leave a lasting positive impact on the world through her work strengthening social impact organizations to be at their best. As an undergraduate at the University of Southern California (USC), Maria dedicated much of her free time to working within the community surrounding the university. Upon graduation, with a BA in Political Science, she continued this work by becoming a development professional for nonprofit organizations working within low-income communities. Her success is rooted in her ability to connect an organization’s mission to funders with shared values. After five years working in Los Angeles, Maria began a Masters in Public Administration at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) fueled by her desire to revolutionize the impact of nonprofits. During her graduate studies, Maria met HBeS Founder Kathleen Schafer and the two connected around their shared vision for creating a better world by strengthening the leadership of individuals. Since then, Maria has worked alongside Kathleen to build the Human Being Store. In addition to her role as Director of Operations & Guidance, Maria continues as a nonprofit consultant, using her skills, expertise, and added gifts from HBeS, to support organizations in creating lasting change for a better tomorrow.

My passion is supporting individuals in feeling their best as they move through life’s transitions. Be it a new job, a change in location or family, every one of us experiences transitions. I love working with people to ensure they remain, or get healthy, to best move through life shifts with ease allowing people to create success as a result of the experience. My guidance is based on my own journey navigating through a health crisis and how it shaped my work and career. I am a certified Integrative Nutritional Coach and bring that knowledge into my sessions with HBeS clients.