Mary was born in Wisconsin and raised on a dairy farm. She has been active in children's ministry since she was in junior high school. Prior to returning to church work Mary worked in farm radio reporting and the banking industry. She received her Bachelor's degree in Family Ministry from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Mary and her husband (Gary) have four children (Aaron, Rachael, Jacob and Nathan). In Mary's spare time she enjoys photography, playing with her family, traveling and reading.