Mary was born and raised in Northwest Detroit with her four siblings by her parents Timothy and Colleen Ebendick. Both her parents are Lutheran educators. She was a long time member at Guardian Lutheran in Dearborn, Michigan, before transferring to Our Savior in 2003.
Mary has been immersed in Lutheran Education since kindergarten. She attended elementary school at Guardian Lutheran in Dearborn, Michigan, followed by high school at Lutheran High Westland. Upon high school graduation, she was recruited to run cross country and track at Concordia University, Ann Arbor, for two years. Mary received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in K-12 Art Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art at Michigan State University in 2007. She then completed her Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University, Portland, Oregon, in 2013.
Mary has been serving at Our Savior as Kindergarten and First Grade teacher since the spring of 2012. Previous to teaching at Our Savior, she taught K-12 art in Pinckney, Hamburg, Brighton, Oak Park, and Hamtramck public schools for four years.
Mary and her husband Jim have six children, Austin, James, Braydon, Andy, Emmalee and Hannah. Her children are actively involved in wrestling, hockey, and dance, which leaves her with little spare time. But when time allows, she enjoys a quiet jog, winding down with a good book, or traveling and camping with the family.
Academic degrees held:
- Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, Michigan State University, 2007
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education, Michigan State University, 2007
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction/Early Education, Concordia University, Portland, OR, 2013