ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Maria.
Growing up, I often felt like I didn’t have much to offer, and I didn’t always know what to do with the emotions I was experiencing. Irritation and sadness seemed to stick around, while expressing what I needed or setting boundaries didn’t come naturally to me. So, I coped the way I knew how: by doing more. More sports, more hobbies, more work, and saying yes to almost everything.
For a while, being busy felt like success. But eventually, it left me burned out, exhausted, and lonely. I began to realize after years of it being almost too late that my idea of success—always doing more—was actually keeping me from the life I wanted. Learning to slow down, listen to myself, set boundaries, and make room for simply existing changed the way I understood what it means to live a meaningful life.
That experience is a big part of why I became a therapist. I believe that creating a fulfilling life isn't about constantly pushing yourself to do more. It's about understanding what matters to you, finding your voice, and learning how to live your values. Sometimes that means challenging the voice in your head that says, “Don’t do it. Don’t change. Stay where you are,” and taking the risk to pursue a long-held dream. Sometimes it means setting a limit or a boundary when you’ve spent years saying yes, giving in, or putting everyone or everything else first. Sometimes it means putting down your phone, taking a breath, and being fully present with the people you love. Sometimes it means digging deep enough to get out of bed, put your feet on the floor, and move your body. And sometimes, it means stepping outside, touching grass, and simply letting yourself be.
I’ve wanted to make a difference in people’s lives since I was young. Now, in private practice, I have the opportunity to help adults navigate different stages of life, whether they’re working through anxiety, trauma, relationships, identity, major life changes, or simply wondering, Is this really the life I want?
I’ve spent most of my life in Northern Nevada and earned my MSW from the University of Nevada in 2014. My experience includes working with teens in residential treatment, supporting students through the school district, providing case management to older adults, and working as a licensed clinical social worker with late adolescents and young adults at UNR Counseling Services. Across these settings, I’ve supported people through a wide range of challenges while helping them build fuller, more meaningful lives.
I believe therapy can be a place to slow down, get curious about yourself, and figure out what comes next—not by becoming a completely different person, but by becoming more connected to who you already are.
My hope is that you find something here that resonates with you. If you’re looking for support but aren’t sure where to start, I’d be happy to connect.