Welcome to LIFT! I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, and have been living and working as a licensed Social Worker in the Dallas area ever since. I have many years of experience working with adults, children, and families from diverse backgrounds and in various settings such as community mental health, school districts, non-profits, employee assistance programs, as well as the private sector. I work from a culturally competent lens and am an ally to my clients that identify with the LGBTQ+ & BIPOC communities.

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Utilizing a tailored approach, I pull from various modalities like CBT, EFT, Solution-Focused therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Motivational Interviewing and more. But I am most passionate about my experience with the Wraparound approach and it’s ability to truly change families lives!

My therapeutic approach is very strengths-based to help you achieve personal growth and healing. I truly aim to acknowledge and validate the road you've had to walk, and create a safe space for you to share. Even though I have been trained to treat most types of disorders, I enjoy helping clients navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, interpersonal challenges and stress. Honoring your strengths, I will meet you where you are and work collaboratively towards your therapeutic goals. Empathy and compassion are at the forefront of my clinical skills and I find it a privilege to hear your story.

Outside of work I spend most of my time with my husband, our dog Gus, and our close community of friends and family. In my free time you will find me reading, trying a new restaurant, or starting an artsy project around the house!

Originally from Dallas, Maria earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from St. Edward’s University in Austin before completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she concentrated in Children and Families. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and is certified in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

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Maria’s professional experience includes supporting individuals and families across medical and hospital settings. She has worked in a medical care recuperation home and hospice for people living with HIV, and at Children’s Health in Dallas, where she served in both the Pediatric ICU and the NICU graduates outpatient clinic. These experiences shaped her passion for working with children, adolescents, and their families.

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She operates from a strengths-based, attachment-focused, and systems-oriented perspective. Maria’s clinical interests include helping clients regulate emotions, manage mental health challenges, and improve daily functioning. She values the therapeutic relationship as a meaningful space where families and individuals invite her into their lives, and she believes that lasting growth comes from curiosity, collaboration, and empowering clients with practical skills.

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Outside of her work, Maria enjoys traveling, reading, creating textile arts, and staying active by hiking and cycling.

Bio coming soon!