¡Hola! My name is Maria Montalvo, I was born in Quito, Ecuador. My family moved to the United States when I was about 8 years old. I moved quite a bit when I was little so I went to 10 different schools between Ecuador, Florida, and Kentucky. We made Kentucky our permanent home in 2008 and I graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. I completed all 4 years of college at the University of Kentucky, Go Cats!! This is my fourth year teaching and I am so proud to call Maxwell my home. When I am not at school I am spending my time with my animals (dogs, cats, and horses). I have been riding horses since before I could walk, riding has been my sport, my job, and my stress relief. Horses have lead me to many adventures including the Pan-American Games as well as being the coach for the University of Kentucky Dressage Team.