Mary began her teaching career in a first grade classroom. Her first principal, Mr. Peterson, introduced her to his son, and six months later she became Mrs. Peterson. For 30 years she has taught all elementary grades from kindergarten to sixth in Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and California. She has served as a university instructor and master teacher for California State University Bakersfield. She recently had two of her books published by Scholastic books. She is a frequent presenter at local, state and national conferences and conducts seminars and conference sessions for the Bureau of Education and Research (BER) nationwide. 

After Mary sent her fourth and final child off to college she and her husband decided to move back to their roots in Utah and are enjoying spending time with four adorable grandchildren. Mary is now an educational consultant fulltime. Mary believes that the classroom should be a fun and exciting place where all students are given the opportunity to reach their highest potential.