A mother, a teacher, a neighbor and a child advocate. A native of Chicago’s south side Mary attended Catholic schools through college where she received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. There, she met her husband Mike, a Kansas City native, and gave birth to her two daughters, Heather and Kristin. In 1985, the couple moved back to Kansas City to raise their children among extended family. Mike transferred to the Kansas City division of his family business, Faultless Laundry Company, a 111-year old company that has a rich history in the community. They have lived on Huntington Road for twenty-two years and are now experiencing the joy of being grandparents.
While raising her children, Mary volunteered at her children’s schools, pursued a graduate degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and worked in the field of Early Childhood Education. In 1994 Mary received a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood. She continued to work in the community as a teacher, program administrator, conference presenter, and adjunct instructor. Currently, Mary is the Director of the Second Presbyterian Early Childhood Learning Center in the Brookside/Crestwood neighborhood, but has recently given notice of resignation in order to pursue candidacy for State Representative of the 44th District. In addition, Mary has served on the governing boards of the Missouri Association for the Education of Young Children and Mid America AEYC, its local affiliate chapter, as public policy chairperson. Her passions surround the needs of children and families, which has led her to seek public office.
Mary’s career in education also included working in the Missouri Parents As Teachers Program, Ward Parkway Preschool, St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School, University of Missouri-Kansas City and a frequent conference presenter and trainer. She volunteers at Visitation Catholic Church and The ALS Association Keith Worthington Chapter.