Maria shared: "I was born and raised in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. My hometown, which is located on the shore of Atlantic Ocean, is the third largest city in my country (and the most beautiful should I add). I got my bachelor’s degree in Art Education and Design from Universidade Catolica do Salvador (Catholic University of Salvador) in 1991. After graduation, I worked for five years in public and private schools, teaching Geometry and Artsfrom 5th to 12th grades. In 2010 my husband was relocated by Hewlett Packard to Seattle, WA. In 2017, after my son graduated at UW Seattle with a double major on LSJ (Law, Society and Justice) and Sociology, I got my first job and became a volunteer at LWSD (lunch body, math tutor). Being able to work with kids and schools has renewed my interest in participating on their educational process. For the last 3 years I have worked as a paraeducator, 1 year at Wilder Elementary and 2 years at Eastlake High School. Since 2019 I have wanted to work at Timberline, which is in close proximity to the neighborhood I live. Last school year I was granted my relocation, and I am ready to do my best to help the students and for the TMS community."