Maria is the Founder of Priority Wellbeing and Mental Health UK CIC, bringing together experience in mental health, education, early intervention and community-focused leadership.

​She is a qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, trained in Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, with experience in NHS Talking Therapies.

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Before moving into psychological practice, Maria  worked extensively in further education with young people as a lecturer, helping students with additional needs, learning disabilities, mental health difficulties and experiencing barriers to engagement.

Maria previously co-founded and managed a successful Ofsted-registered forest preschool. As the Ofsted Nominated Individual and Safeguarding Lead, Maria held responsibility for regulatory oversight, safeguarding and the safe and effective running of the provision.​

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Maria founded Priority Wellbeing because she believes young people should not have to reach crisis point before receiving meaningful support. Her focus is on practical early intervention, accessible psychological support, stronger links between education, employment, training and mental health services, and ensuring young people have a genuine voice in the services designed for them.