Maria is the Chief Executive Officer of Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA) and Director and co-chair of the National Allergy Council.
Maria, a registered nurse has been a member of A&AA since 1993 when her son was diagnosed with severe atopy (allergic disease) including food allergy. As a volunteer, she became national President of the organisation in 1999.
Maria is an advocate for individuals who live with allergic diseases including food allergy and the risk of anaphylaxis. She shares information on the purpose of the organisation and the consumer perspective with teaching and health professionals, the food industry, federal and state government departments and the Australian community. Maria is internationally recognised and respected. In 2022 Maria was awarded the honour of Member of the Order of Australia for her tireless work in the field of allergy and anaphylaxis.