Originally from Venezuela, Maria holds a BA (Hons) in Modern Languages from University of Manchester and a PGCE in Secondary Education from Manchester Metropolitan University. She teaches Spanish to children, young people and adults, and has also worked as a professional nanny since 2018.

Maria is a fully qualified Biodanza teacher, facilitating weekly and monthly sessions in Manchester. She is also a Biodanza Didactic teacher and has contributed to Biodanza training programmes in Spain and Latvia. Her specialist areas include Biodanza and Mental Health (trained in Spain with Luis Otavio Pimentel), Biocentric Education (trained in Spain with Ruth Cavalcante), Biodanza for Older People, Biodanza for Children and Adolescents, and Identity and the Four Elements (trained with Antonio Sarpe in Portugal).

For the past eight years, Maria has delivered weekly Biodanza sessions for Supportability at one of their day centres for people with cerebral palsy. This long-standing work reflects her deep commitment to inclusive practice and to creating meaningful, accessible experiences for people with complex physical needs.

Maria is actively engaged in continuous professional development in both the UK and internationally, ensuring her work remains current, ethical and informed by emerging research. She has contributed to numerous Biodanza events as a translator, supporting cross-cultural learning and collaboration within the international Biodanza community.

She also collaborates regularly with Marcus Stüeck, Head of Research at the International Biocentric Research Academy (IBRA). Professor Stüeck is a leading researcher in biocentric psychology, stress management and the scientific evaluation of Biodanza (TANZPRO-Biodanza), particularly exploring its emotional and immunological effects in children and adults. Maria’s involvement in this research-informed network reflects her commitment to bridging practice and science.

Maria has believed deeply in the transformative power of Biodanza since first experiencing it in 2006. She began leading well-attended monthly sessions in Manchester in 2011 and has delivered introductory workshops at conferences such as Community Psychology Conference in Manchester UK, as well as in universities, women’s centres and community organisations. She is passionate about continuing to bring Biodanza into institutional and care settings as a pathway to improved mental health and wellbeing.

Maria lives in Greater Manchester with her family and enjoys dogs, nature, keeping active and languages.