A native of Central Kentucky, Maria matriculated at Pikeville College on a tennis scholarship, majored in biology and subsequently decided to pursue a career in medicine.  As an undergraduate, Marie participated in several research projects resulting in several poster presentations.  She also worked as a tutor in math and science, a gymnastics instructor and an assistant manager of a sports store.  In medical school she has an extensive volunteer experience including Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, Student representative on her school’s accreditation review committee and student participant for PCSOM at the AOA national convention.  She was the founding president of the National Osteopathic Women Physician’s Association at her school. Marie was inducted in Sigma Sigma Phi Osteopathic Honor Society.  In her senior year she developed a mentorship program for younger generations of PCSOM medical students.  Fluent in Spanish, Marie enjoys cooking, arts and crafts, watching home re-decorating TV shows and traveling.