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Maya Padilla started working with animals in high school as part of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). In her senior year, she procured a job working as a veterinary assistant in a small animal veterinary practice.  She continued to grow her skill set by attending Mt. San Antonio College to pursue a degree and licensure in Registered Veterinary Technology.  She became involved in the Agriculture department and participated on the Livestock and Intercollegiate Horse Show Team.  Due to her involvement and grades, she was also a recipient of the Hop Estes Scholarship.

Maya obtained her California State Registered Veterinary Technician license in 2003. She worked in several small practices before finally finding her true passion in veterinary medicine in the field of shelter medicine.  While working in shelter medicine she participated in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty and neglect cases, along with public education and outreach.

In 2009, Maya was selected as one of 4,000 from approximately 35,000 applicants nationwide to join the national teachers corps, Teach for America. Recent college graduates commit two years to teach in under-resourced public schools and become life-long leaders to expand opportunities for all children.  Maya moved to the Zuni Indian Reservation in Zuni, New Mexico and led a self-contained classroom to achieve over 1.5 years of growth in the areas of math and reading as measured by state end of grade assessment 

In 2011, she began her current teaching career at Mt. San Antonio College as a Professor of Registered Veterinary Technology. Maya continues to be involved in both professional organizations and student related programs like the Agriculture Ambassadors to support Mt. SAC students with opportunities for growth and success.