Mary is a Registered Nurse and has been with HOPE since its inception in 2008. Mary began as a Chaplain with Nursing Home Ministries. During these visits to hospitals and other support facilities, she recognized an overwhelming need for education and support around Dementia. This disease not only impacts the patient, but also their families, friends, and medical staff who care for them. Mary’s desire to educate and support those affected by this disease quickly became a new passion which led to a new purpose in her life.
Pastor Dick Merrick was a guiding light in Mary’s journey – he was a mentor, teacher, and a friend and she served on his Board of Directors for 3 years. During this time she became acquainted with Teepa Snow: therapist, teacher, and author of “A Positive Approach”. In 2011, Mary was honored to be asked to take over Dick Merrick’s support group and she maintains that role to this day. She is amazed to see how much the program has grown and how many people have found support, education, and advocacy through HOPE.