Maria has been an educator and advocate for children and families for nearly 20 years. Starting her career as an elementary school teacher, reading specialist and public school advocate, Maria’s educational philosophy came full circle when she was introduced to Hand in Hand Parenting in 2002 at her son's preschool. There she was introduced the Hand in Hand Parenting Tools and discovered the impact of parenting by connection. As a Hand in Hand Parenting Instructor, and Director of a co-operative preschool, Laurel Hill, Maria has been able to touch the lives of many families, helping them find the support they need to parent well. She is immensely grateful for the support Hand in Hand has given her in parenting her two sons.