Maria, MS, OTR/L

Maria is a passionate and culturally responsive occupational therapist with a strong history of working and volunteering with children of all ages and developmental needs. She earned a Master of Occupational Therapy from Florida International University, with clinical and extracurricular experience focused on supporting the occupational needs of children. She demonstrates strengths in treatment planning, family education, and adaptive interventions to improve participation in daily activities. Maria is committed to promoting child development through evidence-based and play-centered approaches.

Maria was born and raised in Miami, FL, before beginning her occupational therapy career in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she lived for nearly 3 years before deciding to make her way to Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a compassionate and bilingual occupational therapist who brings a blend of clinical expertise, cultural sensitivity, and client-centered care to every therapeutic interaction.

Maria has hands-on experience in outpatient pediatric therapy and vocational training for teens and young adults, where she created and implemented developmentally appropriate treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each child. She is skilled in implementing evidence-based interventions that support children’s functional independence and engagement in meaningful activities.

Her dedication to pediatric populations extends beyond clinical settings and into her personal history. From a young age, Maria gained hands-on experience working with children and later expanded her commitment to inclusive, child-centered care by volunteering with the Special Olympics and serving as an Assistant Coach at Balance 180 Adaptive Gym. In these roles, she supported children with diverse abilities, helping them develop motor skills, social participation, and confidence through adaptive sports and structured play. Maria is deeply committed to building strong, collaborative relationships with families and caregivers, recognizing them as essential partners in a child’s therapeutic success.

Maria is fluent in both English and Spanish, ensuring inclusive and accessible care for diverse communities. Her professional interests include developmental therapy, sensory integration, and family-centered practice. She is currently licensed in North Carolina, Hawaii, and Florida and remains actively engaged in continuing education to deepen her pediatric expertise.