Mary graduated from Kearney State College, now the University of Nebraska at Kearney, with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She taught second grade in Lincoln and Kearney, and has been a professional storyteller for the past 18 years. She currently serves on the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation Board, Museum of Nebraska Art Board, Kearney Area Storytelling Festival Board, University of Nebraska Foundation Grants Committee and a member of Women Investing in Nebraska. In previous years she has served as President of PEO Chapter IX and Chapter EG, Humanities Nebraska, Kearney Area Women’s Club, Kearney Literacy Council, Serendipity and a member of the Minden Opera House Board. Awards include the Community Foundation Philanthropy Award, Friend of MONA Guild Award, Kearney Hub Freedom Award for Arts and Entertainment, and the prestigious Chamber of Commerce Friend of Kearney. Mary is the proud mother of two children and six wonderful grandchildren with her husband Tom.