About
Maria Maness, MA, is a dedicated Counseling Faculty member at Riverside City College and a proud Latina, Spanish-speaking advocate for student success. Known affectionately by students as Maestra Maria, she brings both personal and professional passion to her work, especially when supporting underrepresented groups, foster youth, and first-generation college students. A first-generation immigrant who navigated the foster care system herself, Maness draws from her lived experiences to guide and uplift others.
She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of La Verne and her master's degree and PPS credential from Azusa Pacific University. In addition to her work at RCC, she serves on the boards of the Riverside Latino Network and a local charter school. Outside of work, she enjoys early morning workouts, reverse triathlons, Pilates, hiking, and most of all, time with her family as a devoted mother and grandmother. For Maness, counseling is more than a career—it’s a calling rooted in faith, mentorship, and service.
Educational Background
- (MA) Master of Arts in Academic Counseling, Azusa Pacific University
- (BA) Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, University of La Verne
- (PPS) Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Azusa Pacific University
