Maria is a passionate and dedicated Group Facilitator and Case Manager at Laguna Treatment Center. She brings over 14 years of experience in addiction treatment and celebrates 29 years of personal sobriety. Her mission drives her to give back what she received and actively support individuals on their journey to healing.

Maria began her healthcare career by earning certification through the Health Staff Training Institute for Drug and Alcohol Counseling. Since then, she has worked directly with men, women, and children across diverse treatment settings. She develops programs, manages cases, and provides client-centered care. Maria leads with expertise in leadership, quality assurance, performance evaluation, and creating therapeutic environments that foster growth, accountability, and hope.

Before joining Laguna, Maria supervised staff at Cornerstone of Southern California and Balboa Horizon for Women, guiding teams, facilitating admissions, and ensuring high-quality treatment. She also completed internships in case management and care coordination, strengthening her ability to support clients and their families through every step of recovery.

Maria believes deeply in faith, self-discovery, and positivity. She shares, “I feel that it is my purpose to give back what was given to me 29 years ago. I know it is God’s plan for me to support His children.” Outside of work, she hikes, nurtures her spiritual growth, and maintains a positive, uplifting outlook on life.