About Maria

Hi! I'm Maria, an educator who recently moved to Bend and is looking to spend the summer working with a wonderful family while I settle into the area. I have 5+ years of experience working with children in Montessori classrooms, after-school programs, museums, STEM education, camps, and enrichment programs. I genuinely love helping kids learn, explore, and build confidence through play. When I'm not outside, I'm usually sewing, crocheting, or spending time with my fiancé and our two cats, Billie Crystal and Gallagher. We moved to Bend in early June and are loving it here! My approach is warm, patient, and a little silly, with a focus on kindness, creativity, and helping kids discover new skills. I love nature walks, parks, collecting rocks, arts and crafts, reading, baking, cooking, imaginative play, forts, and fun kitchen science experiments. My schedule is flexible through the end of July, and I'd love to help make your family's summer full of adventure, learning, and laughter!