Maria Franey grew up in the town of Murrysville, PA. She attended Saint Vincent College where she experienced a great growth in her faith and became active in their campus ministry program. After receiving her degree in biochemistry, she remained in Pittsburgh and began working for PPG. A few years into her employment, she felt called to make a career change. She quit her job trusting that the Lord would provide, and He led her to an opportunity with Nature of Fire.