Maria is a Filipino-born artist raised in San Diego, CA. She discovered her passion for art at the age of six and was introduced to photography by her father at twelve. Captivated by the camera, photography became the transformative lens through which she crafts powerful visual narratives.

She graduated with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Art History from San Diego State University and recently earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary.

With over 15 years of professional photography experience, Maria has collaborated with a wide range of organizations, including the United Nations, Doctors for Africa, The Wonderful Company, VOSS, He Gets Us, San Diego Chargers Foundation, Arc of San Diego, Salish Cancer Center, TEDx Talks, UCSD, MobileAds, and various businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States and Europe.

Curious about people and the dynamics of their relationships, and captivated by the camera from an early age, Maria uses photography as a powerful tool to forge connections and uncover personal stories. Grounded in a biblical foundation, she approaches visual storytelling as a way to reflect the glory of God and communicate deeper truths.

Her work often gives voice to the voiceless through impactful narratives, and she is currently applying photography as a form of art therapy in psychoeducational group settings to support individuals healing from trauma. By integrating faith and psychology, she weaves stories that inspire, connect, and bring light to the human experience. At the heart of her practice is a commitment to serving others with love, compassion, and kindness.