Maria was born in Syracuse New York. She is an independent filmmaker, animator, "preditor" and writer with experience in both film production and journalism, and is interested in animation, comedy, documentary, realism, surrealism, art video, and experimental film.

Maria worked as a freelance journalist and photographer in high school. She studied Electronic Media & Communications at SUNY Onondaga before earning a BFA in Film & Transmedia, along with a Minor in Women & Gender Studies from Syracuse University in 2019. She is based in LA where she works as a freelance animator, editor and video producer.