Teachers help students recognize the power that resides within them so that students are prepared and motivated to make the world better than it was the day before.”
Maria’s Story
Teaching Discipline
Biology
Why Biology
“I have always been fascinated by how biology provides us with a view of the world as intricately connected—all organisms, the soil, the sky and the universe are in relationship with one another. I enjoy asking big questions about life and how it all works and then searching for answers to these questions.”
Professional Experience
For nearly two years, Maria worked as Assistant Editor at Edible Ohio Valley magazine. She also worked as an education coordinator and tutor at the Marge Schott-Unnewehr Boys and Girls Club for several years. While at the Boys and Girl Club, Maria developed educational after-school programs and initiated a science club for elementary and middle school students.
Volunteer Experience
After completing her undergraduate studies, Maria spent one year teaching science and English at a girls’ boarding school in Buseesa, Uganda. This experience taught her the importance of community and living sustainably, and cemented her desire to teach. In 2014, she joined the Board of Directors of the Buseesa Community Development Centre (BCDC), a nonprofit that focuses on development in Uganda, through microfinance, healthcare, and education. As part of this team, she helped in the planning and construction of an elementary school called Deirdre Ann Academy, which currently serves 170 students. Maria also serves as Director of Education for BCDC. In this role, she is responsible for communicating with in-country staff, conducting annual country visits and meetings, organizing professional and school protocol development, raising funds, and managing finances for an elementary school in Kiryabicooli, Uganda.
Hobbies
Maria enjoys hiking, teaching yoga, baking, painting, and spending time with her nieces and nephew.
Academic Background
- Harvard University (Master of Education in Secondary Biology; Special Education Certification)
- University of Cincinnati (Master of Arts in English and Comparative Literature)
- Bellarmine University (Bachelor of Arts in Biology and English)