Who Played Maya Bennett On 'Private Practice'? Here's The Story Behind Geffri Maya

Alaina April 18, 2025

For three memorable seasons of the beloved Grey’s Anatomy spin-off Private Practice, we followed the journey of Sam and Naomi Bennett’s daughter, Maya Bennett, as she transformed from a shy teenager into a married woman and new mother. While Maya was a central character in the ABC drama, many fans might not know the real-life story of the actress who brought her to life. Geffri Maya, the talented young performer, landed the role in 2007, the same year Private Practice premiered to chronicle the move of fan-favorite Grey’s Anatomy character Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) from Seattle to Los Angeles.

Back when Geffri was cast, she was relatively new to the entertainment world—she had only made her acting debut a year earlier in a 2006 episode of the dystopian CBS series Jericho. Her portrayal of Maya Bennett, the only child of the divorced couple Sam Bennett (played by Taye Diggs) and Naomi Bennett (played by Audra McDonald), brought depth and authenticity to the screen. Geffri appeared in 12 episodes of Private Practice from 2007 to 2010, capturing the hearts of viewers. While Maya's storyline had its standout moments in the first two seasons—like when her high school friend Ruby faced a late-stage ectopic pregnancy—it was in Season 3 that her character truly shone.

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Maya's Dramatic Journey: From Teen Mom to College Bound

In the memorable episode titled “Another Second Chance,” Maya, who was estranged from her mom Naomi at the time, confided in her Aunt Addison about a life-changing secret: she was pregnant with her boyfriend Dink's baby. Naomi initially insisted Maya terminate the pregnancy, but the determined teen decided to carry the baby to term and vowed to raise the child on her own, without her parents' help. This decision set off a chain of events that tested family bonds and ultimately brought the Bennetts closer together. Maya and Dink eventually tied the knot, and the family reconciled at the young couple’s wedding, marking a touching moment in the series.

Season 3: The Plot Thickens

As the season unfolded, Maya’s story took an emotional turn. During a visit to her parents’ medical practice, she went into early labor. Her friend Dell, the charming receptionist at Oceanside Wellness Centre who later became a trained midwife, rushed her to the hospital. Tragically, they were involved in a car accident en route. In a dramatic and heart-wrenching sequence, Addison performed emergency surgery to save Maya and her baby’s lives. Dell, however, didn’t survive the crash, leaving fans devastated. By the series finale, Maya had been accepted to her dream school, Columbia University, and her mom Naomi moved to New York City to help care for Maya’s daughter, Olivia, while Maya pursued her education.

geffri maya private practice getty images instagram — Getty Images; Instagram

Geffri on Private Practice and today.

Geffri Maya's Journey Beyond the Screen

Off-screen, Geffri Maya followed a similar path to her character Maya. After wrapping up her time on Private Practice, she pursued higher education. A graduate of LA’s Hamilton High School Academy of Music, Geffri went on to attend Clark Atlanta University, where she earned her degree in 2016. Today, Geffri continues to captivate her over 4,000 Instagram followers with her stunning photos. Although her last acting credit is listed as a 2008 episode of Everybody Hates Chris, it seems Geffri remains active in the entertainment industry, working as both a performer and model. Her Instagram bio describes her as an "actress, flower child, and breakfast enthusiast," and she's also part of the online series Nasty Habits from Blue Fever. One thing is clear—Geffri has grown into a remarkable young woman since her days as Maya, and she continues to shine brightly!