VOTE FOR MARY 2021
With over 16 years of local and international teaching and school leadership experience, I have deep convictions about the role of public education in supporting student learning and shaping healthy communities. I am a strong believer in service and civic engagement and throughout my life I've been committed to giving back to my community. As a long term resident of Wheaton and graduate of Wheaton North High School, and with four children enrolled in the district, I bring a depth of insight into the unique strengths, opportunities, history, and culture of our community. Below I share some of my own priorities and perspectives on public education, but my vision for school board governance is an obligation to represent the interests of the entire community in ways that bring healing and move student learning and organizational effectiveness forward.
PRIORITIES
My priorities are not issues based, rather they describe some of the values I hold and the lenses through which I view the role of the school board in representing the entire district and advancing public education.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and ANTI-RACISM
Public education that strives to create opportunities for all children to learn requires district level decision making through an equity lens informed by diverse perspectives and a commitment to anti-racism.Through practicing critical consciousness and dialogue and pursuing a robust understanding of the history of public education, district leaders can model culturally responsive school leadership and embrace restorative practices as a way of life.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT and ACCOUNTABILITY
A healthy democracy requires that community members hold our institutions accountable to wise financial and operational decision making that prioritizes district health and sustainability needed to ensure student learning and success. The strength of public education lies in honest, ethical, student-centered leadership that advances the district's mission and vision and promotes transparency and trust in the community.
CREATIVITY, FLEXIBILITY, and INNOVATION
The global pandemic has been a divisive yet catalytic moment that has required adopting new and flexible learning formats and necessitated the re-imagining of public education. Leveraging the opportunity to advance equitable, creative, and flexible solutions will help mitigate significant setbacks and expand the innovating thinking that will guide the direction of 21st century public education.
STUDENT WELLNESS
and BELONGING
Student wellness and belonging are at the core of learning, growth, and human flourishing. COVID-19 losses extend beyond academic performance and include the social emotional impact on students as they navigate significant stress and instability. The lack of human interaction that technology cannot fully replace compounds student wellness needs and requires intentional targeted support. Public education that fosters opportunities for students to understand and value their own diverse identities and form meaningful connections and a sense of belonging at school helps shape educational outcomes that prepare students to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing and increasingly complex and connected world.
EDUCATION
My educational experiences have provided knowledge in educational leadership, business management, comparative and international education, and teaching and learning that will contribute to thoughtful and informed decision making.
PhD LEADERSHIP FOR INTERNATIONAL AND INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION, University of Minnesota
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATE, Bethel University
MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, Northern Illinois University
BA K-12 ART EDUCATION, Judson University
EXPERIENCE
My local and international professional experiences have shaped my leadership, expanded my perspectives, and developed my ability to listen and work effectively as a team.
DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE STUDENT LIFE, Wheaton College 2018 - Present
INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENT COORDINATOR, Wheaton College 2016 - 2018
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT, American International School, Ghana 2013 - 2016
IB ART TEACHER, Lincoln Community School, Ghana 2012 - 2013
PRINCIPAL, Right to Dream Academy, Ghana 2011 - 2012
DIRECTOR OF ENRICHMENT, International Community School, Ghana 2010 - 2011
ART TEACHER, Laurel Hill Elementary School 2004 - 2010
SERVICE
My commitment to community service in public education include state, district, and local level policy development, community engagement, and advocacy for under-resourced learners.
DISTRICT 200 EQUITY TASK FORCE 2020-Present
ISBE DIVERSE AND LEARNER READY TEACHERS 2020-Present
DISTRICT 200 CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL 2018-Present
MCNEIL SCHOLARS ADVISORY BOARD 2018-Present
SANKOFANOW ADVISORY BOARD 2016-Present
EDEN COMMUNITY LIBRARY 2014-Present
GET INVOLVED
1. Like and share on social media here
2. Request a free yard sign here
3. Encourage CUSD200 residents to VOTE on April 6
4. Send your questions and ideas to
5. Learn more about the role of the School Board here
6. Subscribe for updates
Thanks to many of you who have asked about campaign donations!
I'm delighted to direct your love for the children of CUSD200 to the Student Excellence Foundation, a 501c3 that engages the community to enrich educational experiences that empower students to reach their greatest potential.
