Maria starts her first year at Southeast Missouri State University after completing a year at the University of Illinois at Springfield as an assistant athletic trainer. While at UIS, Maria was responsible for the healthcare of the women's soccer and basketball teams as well as the baseball and golf programs.

Maria completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees atSoutheast Missouri State university. While a graduate assistant, she worked with the women's softball team, track and field, and women's basketball programs.

She and husband Nick Stauffer reside in Cape Girardeau. Maria is currently responsible for the athletic healthcare of Southeast's women's soccerprogram.