Born in New England, Mary moved around the country as a kid and ended up finding her long-term home in the suburbs of Chicago. Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in history, political science, and psychology education from Illinois State University. She continued her passion for education by earning a master’s in teaching and a second master’s in education leadership. Mary has taught and coached for 22 in the suburbs of Chicago as well as western North Carolina. 

Mary and her husband, Kevin, have two college-aged girls. They enjoy staying active by water skiing, downhill skiing, and hiking in the mountains.