Maria-Elena is a resident of the Hewitt section of West Milford Township in Passaic County where she lives with her husband, Trip, and their beagle, Sebastian. She has three grown stepchildren.

Maria-Elena’s passion has always been interior design and decorating, although she started on a very different path. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Caldwell College and began her career as an associate engineer at AT&T. She gained experience and skills that she later used as a marketing executive with Avaya and Lucent Technologies. Maria-Elena earned an MBA in finance from Seton Hall University. Staying in touch with her alma mater is important to her, so she currently serves as an advisor to the college’s marketing department.

In 2007, Maria-Elena decided to follow her passion. She enrolled in Bergen Community College's School of Interior Design program and began a new career. Before joining Metropolitan Window Fashions, Maria-Elena decorated residences and storefronts. She has conducted seminars and courses on decorating and organizing at local community schools and libraries. She has donated her time and expertise by decorating historical homes with proceeds going to local non-profit organizations.

Now at Metropolitan Window Fashions, Maria-Elena serves as a decorating consultant for custom window treatments and furniture upholstery. Currently, she is a member of Exciting Windows! – a national network of custom window fashion professionals.

Maria-Elena’s abilities and design strength lie in being a problem-solver and effective listener. She works diligently to serve the needs of her clients – and loves to hear her customers say "Wow!" when the job is complete.

She is currently an active member of NJAWBO – New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners and serves as the newsletter editor for the Essex County Chapter. She and her husband are very active in the Rotary Club. They live on a lake and enjoy hiking and canoeing – spending much of their free time on the water.

Maria-Elena can be reached at (201) 689-6030 x118