Originally from Lima, Peru, Maria Cristina brings a wealth of experience in education, social work, and immigration services. Her journey began when she moved to New York City as a teenager, where her father, a United Methodist pastor, inspired her involvement in community outreach programs, including soup kitchens, toy drives, coat drives, and youth workshops within the Hispanic community.
Maria Cristina’s professional career includes over a decade of teaching English at esteemed institutions such as the American Embassy Language Institute in Peru, among others. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she served as a counselor providing mental health services to underserved communities, conducted alphabetization campaigns, and collaborated with domestic violence prevention programs. She also worked for six years as part of the human resources team at an American tech startup, managing key aspects of IT recruitment, staff development, and client relations.
Currently, Maria Cristina is part of the USCIS team at Massa Viana Law, where she contributes her expertise to assist clients navigating the U.S. immigration process. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, her diverse background reflects her commitment to empowering individuals and fostering positive change.