Maria Pontius

Background

About Maria Pontius

Bilingual (English–Portuguese) professional with a strong background in childcare, HR, and recruitment, currently serving as a Childcare Director/Director of Operations. With over 7 years of experience supporting children, families, and teams across educational, clinical, and private settings, I’ve developed a people-centered approach to leadership, communication, and problem-solving. My work has included hands-on childcare, international Au Pair recruitment, and team management - always with a focus on building strong relationships and creating environments where individuals can thrive. Having worked in both the U.S. and Portugal, I value cultural awareness, adaptability, and compassion in everything I do. I’m passionate about supporting people - whether it’s children, staff, or families - and always open to growing my impact in meaningful ways.