Assistant Pastor Bio

 Born and raised in Newport News Virginia, Mary is a lifelong Methodist.  She and her husband Roger have attended Fredericksburg United Methodist church since 1983. She completed her undergraduate degree In Psychology at James Madison University and obtained a master’s in clinical psychology from George Mason University.  Dually licensed in Counseling and Marriage and Family therapy, Mary has been a psychotherapist in private practice with her husband since 1985.  She served as adjunct faculty at VCU for 15 years in the School of Social Work.  Board Certified in Forensic Traumatology, and Emergency Crisis Response, Mary provides critical incident stress debriefing for families, individuals, and groups.  She is a Nationally Certified parent trainer, Diplomate in Forensic Assessment, Mediation, and Custody Evaluation, and provides co-parent training. She is Board Certified in Executive Leadership and trains executives in emotionally Intelligent leadership.   Mary is certified in many non-clinical instruments including Gallup Strengths Finders, Core Strengths, and DiSC.

     Mary is passionate about wellness and prevention and in 2017 she was the first in Virginia to complete the Health Ministry Certification through Wesley.  She was part of the launch of the Better Health Ministry in 2017 focusing on whole-person health.  As her role expanded, she joined the staff of FUMC in 2018 where she also serves as the Congregational Care Coordinator. She received Special Mission Recognition from the United Methodist Women in 2018 and became a Stephen Minister in 2019.    Obeying the call to ministry in 2018, Mary began the process of completing the requirements to become an associate pastor. Her skills as a professional listener will be used to continue in congregational care.   She is humbled to serve the faith community that has faithfully sustained her.  

Mary has been accepted to study at Drew Theological Seminary.