Maria grew up as a good Greek girl until she discovered her rebellious side abandoning university for a career in the theatre. She managed theatre companies and later become an arts management consultant and theatre producer.  After a decade another career change beckoned and Maria joined the Victorian Public Service. In 2008, Maria experienced a severe episode of depression and  has since become a vocal advocate for mental health as a beyondblue Ambassador and a consumer advocate with the Mental Health Council of Australia. Maria continues working in the bureaucracy and also lectures on public policy at the Melbourne School of Government.