Hi! I’m Maria!
People often ask me how I got started in the book business. It’s not a simple answer but if I had to sum it up in one word, it would be PASSION. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. Now my books are in homes and classrooms around the world!
Born & Raised
Born and raised in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, I grew up chilling on red shag carpet watching The Smurfs and playing with Cabbage Patch Dolls. Many years later, I went on to graduate from Michigan State University and married my high school sweetheart, Dave. Together, we are raising our three children on a little lake in the heart of Southeast Michigan.
My favorite book of all time remains The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.
Family
I am lucky to have a large family. I have an older sister, Angela, who also ate spaghetti in a hot dog bun (among other crazy concoctions my mom created for us) growing up.
Education
There’s a ton of rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State. I started going to U of M-Dearborn (a short commute from home), not wanting to go away to college when I first graduated. After two weeks of school, I applied to MSU and happily moved to East Lansing my Sophomore year. Michigan State University was my home for the next several years. I went to college for six years, earning my undergraduate and graduate degrees in child development, education, curriculum, and research.
Hobbies & Interests
If there’s something I want to try, I don’t hold back! I have more hobbies than hours in the day. My latest and greatest is photography. I wake up each morning, eager to live a full and exciting life while inspiring and giving back to those around me.
Likes
Salt and vinegar chips, french fries, barbecue sauce, reading, coffee, photography, music (playing the piano), free time, scrapbooking, sunshine, the lake, my family, and my Macbook.
Dislikes
Angry people, cloudy days, cold french fries, complaints, cold coffee, a messy house, a full laundry basket and Open Pit BBQ sauce.
Favorite Book as a Child
Frances Books by Russell Hoban and Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.
Favorite Book as an Adult
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (I’m a fan for the love stories).
Favorite Quote
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” – Edward Everett Hale
Official Biography
When Maria was a little girl she was teased for her curly hair and favorite lunchbox fare, spaghetti in a hot dog bun.
Many moons later, these and other real-life moments continue to fuel what is now her critically acclaimed children’s book writing career. Maria has penned ten books that feature stories with topics ranging from anti-bullying to overcoming adversity, to friendship trials and tribulations, and beyond.
Maria is dedicated to empowering those around her through her roles as author, teacher, public speaker, community leader, and friend. Maria is intentional about making each day count and lives in southeast Michigan with her high school sweetheart husband, three kids, and two pet snails.
