As a first-generation American, Maria is a proud citizen who believes in giving back, helping others, and to never take that freedom for granted. Often described by other people as someone destined to help others, Maria knew she found her calling when she started working for Phoenix House Florida in 2007. She says that there is “no greater joy than helping those that are in the greatest need of behavioral health treatment.”

Maria’s passion became obvious, and she quickly moved up through the organization, first as the Director of Finance, the Vice President and Executive Director, and then to the Senior Vice President and Executive Director role. When the Phoenix House Foundation decided to reorganize its affiliates to operate separately, Maria stepped in to hire staff and implement new departments and processes to facilitate this transition. She now serves as the President and the CEO of Phoenix House Florida.

During her tenure with Phoenix House Florida, she has focused on growing the organization’s programs and services with 2024 anticipated to reach a 64% revenue growth since the organization became a self-governing independent operation. This includes the expansion and renovation of the Phoenix House Campus in Brandon, Florida — a facility that houses the Derek Jeter Center (a treatment program for adolescents) funded by the Turn 2 Foundation. Additionally, renovations to the Phoenix House Campus in Citra, Florida – a residential facility with capacity of 320 beds funded by various government contracts, insurance, and private pay.

Additional plans include the expanding residential treatment in the Tampa Bay area through a 20-bed residential program for women, and a 85-bed residential program for women and men. Both scheduled to open towards the end of  2025.

Prior to joining Phoenix House Florida, Maria spent more than 25 years in accounting and management with a variety of organizations, from start-ups to multi-million-dollar corporations. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and has served as a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem for abused and neglected children in the court system. She is a Board Member for the Florida Behavioral Health Association and Board Member and Secretary for the Florida Council of Behavioral Health.