WELCOME
I’m Maria Thomas Santiago
American Healthcare / Entrepreneur / Educator
Dr. Maria Thomas Santiago is the founder and Executive Director of the Home Health Aide Training Institute (HHATI) in Westbury, New York, and the host of the Talk with Maria show.
Early Life and Background
Dr. Maria Santiago is the daughter of immigrant parents, and her commitment to caregiving began early in her life. Over more than two decades in the home care industry, she rose from working as a home health aide to leading her own training institution.
Home Health Aide Training Institute
Santiago founded the Home Health Aide Training Institute (HHATI) in Westbury, NY. HHATI is a New York State–licensed training school offering programs for home health aides, personal care assistants, and certified nursing assistants. Under her leadership, HHATI has graduated thousands of students.
Talk with Maria Show
Santiago hosts the Talk with Maria show, which tackles topics such as healthcare, education, leadership, and community service. Through the show, she also leads a philanthropic initiative called “Maria’s Global Gift of Love.”
Philanthropy
Through Maria’s Global Gift of Love, Santiago’s outreach has expanded globally. According to the charity’s reports, she has donated toys, food packages, and meals to communities in Gambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Bali, Indonesia. She also visited a village in Bali (Kumbuh) and distributed over 300 pairs of shoes.
My Gallery
Awards and Recognition
• Presidential Tribute of Excellence Award: Santiago was honored with a “Presidential Tribute of Excellence Award” presented by U.S. President Joe Biden, recognizing her lifetime commitment to caring for communities.
•New York State Recognition: In March 2025, the New York State Legislature passed a resolution (2025 K175) honoring Dr. Maria Santiago for her work in senior care, her leadership of HHATI, and her global humanitarian outreach.
Personal Life
Though details of her private life are limited in public sources, Santiago often frames her professional mission as a calling, rooted in her upbringing and deep belief in the dignity of caregiving.
Philosophy & Impact
Though details of her private life are limited in public sources, Santiago often frames her professional mission as a calling, rooted in her upbringing and deep belief in the dignity of caregiving.
Talk With Maria show
Media
Transforming the Way We Care: Maria Santiago, CEO of HHATI, on the Evolution of Home Healthcare
The home healthcare industry has been rapidly evolving since the outbreak of the global pandemic. According to Maria Santiago, CEO and Director of Home Health Aide Training Institute (HHATI)
References
1. “2025-K175: Honoring Dr. Maria Santiago …” New York State Senate.
2.Women’s Business Club, “Kindness and Fair Payment … explains Home Health Aide Training Institute’s Maria Santiago.”
3.“Episode 245 – Maria Santiago on the Need for Compassion … Building My Legacy” (podcast).
4.CEOWorld, “Transforming the Way We Care: Maria Santiago, CEO of HHATI …”
5.The American Reporter, “Celebrating Six Years of Home Health Aide Training Institute …”
6.Healthcare Business Today, “Maria Santiago and Home Health Aide Training Institute Have Been Put Empathy Into Caring …”
7.NY Weekly, “Home Health CEO Maria Santiago on Why Caring Should be at the Forefront …”
8.Daily Scanner, “Kindness First: Home Health Aide Training Institute CEO Maria Santiago on Why Aides Need More Empathy.”
9.PRLog, “Talk with Maria Show Host Maria Santiago Expands Christmas Charity …”
10.FinancialContent (PRLog reprint), same as above.
11.HHATI website, “Meet Our Team – Dr. Maria Thomas Santiago.”
