Maria started her journey into Group Fitness shorty after graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2005.  After joining the local YMCA she soon became inspired to instruct. In 2005 she became a Turbo Kick instructor through Blue Powder Productions owned by the renowned Chalene Johnson (producer of Turbo Jam, Turbo Fire, PiYo, Hip Hop Hustle and more). As she found her passion in group fitness, Maria started to teach other class formats as well which included: Hip Hop Hustle, Water Aerobics, Cycling, MMA Kickboxing and Pilates. She has a group fitness and personal training certification from AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) and a MMA Kickboxing Certification through UFC Competitor Alan Belcher. She currently instructs RealRyder Cycling classes, Reformer Pilates Classes and Barre Intensity Classes at PureRyde Cycling + Pilates in Biloxi, Mississippi.