Meet Maria, a passionate Speech-Language Pathologist with the McKibben & Monte team in Jacksonville. She earned both her Master of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders from the University of Central Florida. Specializing in articulation and early language development, Maria is dedicated to helping children build strong communication skills that extend beyond therapy sessions and into their daily lives.

Maria’s favorite part of being a therapist is empowering children to communicate functionally and confidently. She loves working closely with families to ensure that progress continues at home, making therapy as impactful as possible. Inspired by her own family members who benefited from speech therapy, Maria knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career where she could make a meaningful difference.

When working with a child, Maria prioritizes identifying the most critical, life-impacting communication goal first. By targeting these essential skills early, she helps build confidence and lays the foundation for long-term success. Her favorite children’s book is Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, and as a child, she adored reading any Dr. Seuss book.

Outside of work, Maria enjoys traveling, bike riding, and spending time with her Italian family—where meals are always at the heart of their gatherings. With her expertise, warm approach, and deep commitment to helping children find their voice, Maria is a valued part of the McKibben & Monte team. Mangia!