Through her leadership and sincerity, Maria seeks to assure others that they are never alone, that healing is possible, and that they can show up as they are because unconditional grace is always available in Jesus Christ. She joined the Boulder Crest Foundation Mobile Team Bravo in 2026 and looks forward to helping others strengthen, renew, and recalibrate their hearts, minds, and sprits so they can thrive after trauma and hardship.
Maria Guadalupe Hernandez-Martinez Maio was born and raised in Fresno, CA. A proud first-generation American and the first in her family to graduate from middle school, high school and college; she is the eldest of five children born to a farmworker father and homemaker mother. Maria’s youth was marked by profound hardship. Yet through those painful realities, with the support of teachers, coaches, and law enforcement mentors, she developed courage, strength, and compassion for others, shaping her belief that gratitude, opportunity, and purpose are possible after trauma. At age 17, she left for college and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, with minors in Chinese and Sociology, from Norwich University, where she was commissioned as a United States Army officer.
During her military career, Maria served as a Field Artillery Maintenance Platoon Leader and Maintenance Control Officer in the 3rd Infantry Division. She later deployed to Afghanistan as a trainer for Afghan Female Engagement Teams and as a Cultural Support Team leader, attached to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment supporting special operations missions. She then served as a Company Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division and the United States Army Recruiting Command, leading Soldiers through demanding operational and leadership environments with compassion, resilience, and purpose. She later served as the senior logistics officer for the Airborne Ranger Training Brigade at Fort Benning, GA. While there, Maria recognized the impact of deep depression, anxiety, and complex PTSD tied to childhood trauma and military adversity. After trying both military and outside mental health support, she made the difficult decision to leave active duty to focus on her mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
As Maria transitioned to civilian life, she continued serving in the Wyoming Army National Guard while supporting her community through work with C&B Operations (John Deere Dealership) and Weatherby Inc. (American firearms company). Early during her transition, a friend recommended Warrior PATHH as a route toward healing and growth. She attended in December 2024 and experienced a meaningful shift toward peace, self-love, and a clearer understanding of what thriving means in her life.
Maria lives in Buffalo, WY with her husband of 14 years, Captain and combat veteran Andrew Maio. She loves spending time with her husband adventuring through historical site seeing, relishing outdoor activities, working on their new home, or watching HGTV, food shows, and comedy movies. When she isn’t spending time with her husband, you can find Maria meditating, listening to and playing music, running, stretching, admiring creativity at an art gallery, reading, deep in creative writing, watching comedy stand up, or chatting the day away with her siblings, niece, and nephews. Maria remains passionate about restoring hope in others, helping others pursue their healing journey and renewed sense of purpose, and encouraging people to embrace change and discovering what thriving means to them.
