Maria is excited to join the SOAR community as principal! She grew up in the Denver metro area and has spent 25 years in leadership roles within diverse educational settings serving students, staff and families at the ECE-12 levels. Before joining SOAR, Maria has leadership experience as a Founding Principal of a K-8 Online Program, District Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLDE) Consultant, Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach and Dean of Culture.

Maria graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication and Elementary Education (K-6).Maria pursued a Master degree from the University of Colorado Denver in Curriculum & Instruction, Principal License in Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies and a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (K-12) endorsement.

She is an advocate for all students and believes in providing rigor, access and opportunity to improve instructional outcomes and educational experiences for all learners. Maria believes all students deserve a school experience that entrusts rigorous academics, positive relationships with staff and a supportive community. She is a culturally and linguistically diverse education advocate and served on the Colorado Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Board and had the opportunity to network with colleagues across the state to improve programming, scheduling and post-secondary opportunities for multilingual learners in the state of Colorado. Maria is an advocate for all learners and focuses on ensuring that students receive an equitable learning experience that prepares them each day for school, graduation, college, career and life. She leverages her core values of equity, integrity and connection in improving academic, behavior and social/emotional outcomes for students. Maria is honored to serve the SOAR community as our next principal and invites the community to visit anytime.