Originating from Leicester, Maria is the daughter of an Italian ice cream maker and has the unique experience of growing up in an ice cream factory! She went on to study Performing Arts at DeMontfort University and immediately after graduating worked as a professional actress for 12 years before joining the BBC as a comedy script editor and producer.

In 1986 she stepped on to the stage as an out gay stand up comedienne, performing across the UK and in the USA.  Maria was one of the first gay presenters on TV and Radio hosting the BBC Radio 4 special 'A Sunday Outing' (a 5 hour gay extravanganza of live and pre-recorded shows) and Channel 4's groundbreaking gay news and features series 'Out'.

In 1995 the BBC hired her to be a 'sit down' comic as a producer and director of comedy for BBC Scotland and BBC Radio 4. During her seven years with the BBC she produced and directed a number of highly successful sitcoms, sketch shows, quizzes and documentaries for Radio 4 which can still be heard today on BBC 4 Extra.

In 2002 she entered into the world of factual TV producing a number of daytime shows, live TV and documentaries for ITV, BBC and other digital channels.

In 2007 Maria moved into media education and took on an extremely challenging role of delivering a BTEC Media and TV course, as well as producing an internal TV network for the women's prison HMP Downview. She turned this prison media project into a multi-award winning, unique and life changing enterprise that had a significant impact on reducing re-offending. The result was that she won a prestigious Butler Trust Award, presented by Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace.

In 2012 Maria developed an active interest and involvement with Gestal psychotherapy which continues to this day.

In 2014 Maria joined the Creative Arts Department at Blenheim High School as the technician, reconnecting her with drama and theatre as well as teaching editing skills on the film studies course.

In 2017 Maria joined the NHS working in the area of Human Factors and simulation training for Espom and St Helier NHS Trust.

Since 2016 Maria has made many speaking appearances in support of LGBTQ+ and mental health.