Maya Tolentino
FDLE Certified • Certified Chaplain • MA Certificate in Conflict Resolution & Analysis • BA in Psychology • BA in Organizational Communication • AS in Paralegal Studies
Board Member, Treasurer · Law Enforcement Officer · Certified Chaplain · QPR Instructor
In 2015, Maya Tolentino began her law enforcement career in Central Florida. Prior to becoming a police officer she worked as a paralegal in various facets of law. “I felt I could make a better impact working a case from the very start,” Maya says, about making the transition from the jurisdictional side of law.
In 2020, Maya received her Chaplaincy certification from The Intra-Americas Chaplain Association. “Many first responders say they get into this job because they want to ‘help people,’ yet, who helps those who help the community?” Maya recalls, as she witnessed so many first responders struggle through the movement against police in 2019 and again through the shutdown from COVID.
In 2024, PTG sought out Maya to become an ambassador for the non-profit organization. “Maya is an advocate for first responder mental wellness, so it was only fitting for her to join our team,” says Sgt. (Ret.) Mark DiBona, PTG President.
After just one year in her role as an ambassador, PTG offered her a position as a Board Member. “Maya is the ‘Spark Plug’ of our team,” says PTG Vice President, Sgt. (Ret.) Ron Clark. “Her positive energy and passion to help other first responders have taken this organization to new heights,” Clark acknowledges.
Maya Tolentino continues to volunteer her time as a Managing Board Member and as an instructor certified in QPR. She created PTG’s Mental Health For Our Heroes course, offered to all First Responder agencies and to friends and families of their community.
In her spare time, Maya can be found hiking, traveling and spending time with her two daughters. Maya admits, “We may wear bulletproof vests, but we don’t always have bulletproof souls—that’s why it’s important to practice self-care.”
