Maria Maness is a Latina Spanish-speaking community college counselor. She has over a decade of post-secondary education experience. Mrs. Maness 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. Also known as Maestra Maria, she has found significant 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 aspires to continue serving students and her community through mentoring and community involvement.

While Mrs. Maness enjoys serving students, her most important role is that of motherhood and grandparenting an energetic five-year-old. When time permits, she enjoys reverse triathlons, and CrossFit.