My name is Maria Cardenas and I am one of the Reading Specialists at Cardinal Elementary. I’ve taught ESOL, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades. I earned my M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University. Later, I returned to GMU to complete two graduate certificate programs, adding ESOL and Literacy Specialist to my teaching license. I am originally from Arlington! I went to Taylor, Swanson and graduated from Washington-Lee HS (Go Generals!). I enjoy long walks, reading, traveling and spending time with my husband, two teens and my sweet pug, Cosmo.