Maria is a bilingual play therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting children and their families. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to serving the Latin community and helping families navigate emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges through culturally responsive, family-centered care.

Maria earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidad del Noroeste in 2002 in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. She later moved to the United States, where she completed a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy at Our Lady of the Lake University in Houston, Texas, graduating in 2009. She became a Registered Play Therapist in 2023 and a Certified Clinical Sandtray Therapist in the state of Texas in 2025, further solidifying her specialization in child-centered and experiential therapeutic work.

Throughout her career, Maria has focused primarily on working with children, using play as a developmentally appropriate and powerful tool for expression, healing, and growth. She integrates Play Therapy with evidence-based and relational approaches, including Child-Centered Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Collaborative Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy. Maria provides services in both English and Spanish, allowing children and families to engage in therapy in the language in which they feel most comfortable and connected.

Maria’s clinical work is strongly informed by her lived experience of growing up in Mexico and later moving to the United States. This personal journey has given her a deep understanding of cultural transitions, intergenerational dynamics, and the emotional impact of adapting to a new country while maintaining strong ties to family and culture. This perspective enhances her ability to connect with Latin families with empathy, respect, and authenticity.

In addition to her work with children, Maria strongly believes that meaningful and lasting change happens when caregivers are actively involved in the therapeutic process. Her work with families emphasizes strengthening—or rewriting—attachment stories, improving communication, understanding behavior through a developmental and cultural lens, and supporting parents in building confident, nurturing relationships with their children.

Maria’s approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and compassionate. She is passionate about creating safe spaces where children feel seen and understood, parents feel supported, and families can grow together. Her work reflects a deep belief in the resilience of families and the healing power of play, connection, and culturally attuned care.