Maria graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Performance (Kinesiology) in 1989. While attending university, Maria played on the UVic women's varsity volleyball team. In 1995, she graduated with a physiotherapy degree from McMaster University.

Since graduating, she has been working in private practice and started working at the McKenzie Physiotherapy clinic in 2001. In 2005, she achieved her Diploma of Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy and is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. In 2006, Maria received her training in vestibular (inner ear) rehabilitation. She has taken a number of physiotherapy courses over the years and enjoys treating a variety of injuries and movement dysfunctions. She also has experience with pre and post operative joint replacements and reconstructions.

Maria has extensive athletic experience and has competed in a number of sports including soccer, volleyball, softball, flag football, rowing and triathlons.