Outside of the nursing field, Maria has dedicated her life to working with children with disabilities, trying to give them as many opportunities as possible. Having worked with children with autism for 10 years and having the autism diagnosis in her family, Maria writes interactive workbooks for children with autism, molding each workbook to a child’s musical voice pattern, attention span, and likes. She also works with multiple schools writing grants and lesson plans and attempting to fulfill any dreams they have for their classrooms. Every year she conducts a sensory-friendly prom for special needs children in her area. She currently sits on the PTO of STEPS Center for Excellence in Autism and continues to let her love for the children plant seeds of movement.