Maria became a Christ follower as a freshman in college through Campus Outreach, a campus ministry that deeply shaped her faith and calling. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education, she joined the staff of Campus Outreach, where she spent many years discipling and mentoring college women.

Maria has been married to her college sweetheart, Andrew Schwartz, since 2003. Together they are the proud parents of four children—Tera, Ava, Jacob, and Eli, ages 15 to 20. Their home is also shared with four adorable cats (two female and two male), adding plenty of personality to family life.

Since moving back to the Charlotte area in 2013, Maria has been an active partner at Five Stones Church, serving faithfully in a variety of roles within Family Ministry and as a Life Group host and facilitator.

She loves monkeys, traveling, thrift shopping, organizing spaces, and helping others thrive. Whether mentoring students, supporting families, or bringing order to chaos, Maria brings warmth, intentionality, and joy to all she does.