​Mariela Garcia-Maria is a dedicated educator and leader and has been part of NoVA Community Church since its launch. She currently serves on the NoVA Elder Team, collaborating closely with NoVA leadership. Over the years, she has served in kids, youth, and connections ministries through NoVA’s sending church, National Community Church. 

​Professionally, Mariela has devoted 20 years to public education. A former elementary school teacher, she now serves as an Assistant Principal for Alexandria City Public Schools.

​Beyond her school and ministry commitments, Mariela loves spending time with her family, whether they are cooking, traveling, enjoying the outdoors, playing sports, or working on creative, hands-on projects. She and her husband, Giovanny, live in Northern Virginia with their two children.