our founder

Maria L. Salazar , was born in Peru in 1980. In 1992, her family relocated to the United States. Her father Jose Salazar, mother Maria Vasquez and sister Sandy and Andrea settled in Bridgewater NJ, where she attended and graduated High School in 1998. 

Salazar earned an Associates of Paralegal Studies from Raritan Valley Community College in 2000. Following the heinous acts of 9/11 Salazar enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Completed boot camp in Parris Island, SC from May 2002. She was awarded the Honor Grad from Maintenance Management School at Camp Johnson, NC earning meritoriously the rank of Lance Corporal. 

In November of 2002, Salazar reported to her first unit, 6th Motor Transport Battalion, H&S Co, in Redbank NJ. Her military occupation was Logistics Specialist. Salazar’s unit was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi freedom in January 2003, a 8 month long deployment.

Salazar was honorably discharged in 2011 with the rank of Sgt, E-5, having served 9 years. 

Upon entering the civilian sector, Salazar became a fitness and dance instructor, based mostly in central NJ.

In 2016 Salazar got admitted to Long Island University in Brookville NY where she pursued a BS of Art Therapy with a focus in Ceramics and Art History, graduating on May 10, 2019, with honors and also being inducted into SALUTE, a Veterans National Honor Society for outstanding academic achievement. Salazar plans to pursue her Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling.

Jr Vice Comander VFW Post 1819 Henderson-Marino 

First Woman Grand Marshall 2019 Memorial Day Parade, Port Washington NY. 

 Past Comandant Marine Corps League Ft Capodanno Det. 

Awarded a Senate Proclamation by Senator Anna Kaplan 

Certificate of Commendation by Nassau County Executive Laura Curran

Multidisplinary Exhibiting Artist/Sculptor

Art As Therapy Facilitator 

Veteran Artist Program  Member 

Poetic Theater Productions Participant 

Resides in Bridgewater NJ with her family.