Maria Maness is a Latina Spanish-speaking community college counselor. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of La Verne in Organizational Management and a master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University in Academic Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services credential. Mrs. Maness, also known as Maestra Maria has found great meaning in serving all students including underrepresented special populations, foster youth, and first-generation college students. Her passion for educating and counseling students stems from her personal experience as an immigrant, support through the foster care system, and mentors in her life.  Working with students fuels her spirit and gives new meaning to her profession. She hopes to continue serving students and her community through mentoring and community involvement. She currently serves on the boards for Riverside Latino Network, Gateway College and Career Academy, and REACH Leadership STEAM Academy.

While Maestra Maria enjoys serving students, her most important role is that of motherhood and grandparenting an energetic six-year-old, Adrian. When time permits, she enjoys jogging, reverse triathlons, hiking, and CrossFit.