Maria moved to the UK in 1986 to study violin and viola at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. After finishing her performer's course she joined the orchestra of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, UK, where she worked for nearly 7 years as a full-time member.
In 1999 she left the orchestra and trained as a nutritionist at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) and former Plaskett Nutritional Medicine College and later as a homeopath at The Centre for Homeopathic Education, London, UK. She obtained her BSc(Hons) in 2008.
She combines her private health practice with her family life.
Maria has published articles, case studies and the following books: From Cave to Computer, The Poisoned Well, Forever Yin. She also gives health related talks and seminars.