Mary teaches in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program for Winona State University.
She completed a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) from St Catherine University and the University of St Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has a B.A. in Sociology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and an MSW from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. She is also licensed as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the State of Minnesota. Prior to teaching, Mary's direct social work practice included medical social work, school social work and clinical practice with children and families.

Mary's family enjoys living in Winona - the beauty of the river and the bluffs never ceases to charm. She always feels lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world. They like to fish, garden, cook and attend live music. She is married and has two children. Her husband teaches at WSU, their daughter lives in Chicago and their youngest attends Cotter.