Mary Perry has been playing piano since she was six years old. Desiring to branch out in her musical journey, she began studying flute at age 9. Then, at age 16 she added the viola to her musical capabilities. Along the way she picked up the piccolo and the organ! She continues playing and teaching all five instruments to this day.

She obtained her elementary education degree from Faith Baptist Bible College and has taught as a paraeducator in a number of school districts in the midwest, helping educate children who have special needs. She recalls with fondness teaching a child with special needs how to play Mary Had a Little Lamb and watching the delight in their eyes as they repeated that simple song. As a teacher, she has learned that each child learns at a different rate, so she tailors each lesson to the meet the needs of the child and how much they can understand and practice.

It is said of her, “Mary has an exceptional ability to successfully support students from a wide variety of backgrounds and dispositions in their learning and personal growth. Mary worked with some of our school’s students with the greatest needs and she thrived while doing so. She does not coddle students, but successfully supports them to the point where they are able to correctly and confidently complete their tasks on their own. Mary treats all students with respect, dignity, and care, and ensures students are aware of the gravity of their accomplishments.”

Furthermore, “Mary’s experience working with our students was valuable and she was patient with all of our students.  I worked closely with Mary and she interacted effectively with other staff members in the building.  She was always positive towards challenging students and always encouraged them to do their best.”

Mary has been married to her husband for 16 years, and in her free time enjoys refining her skills on her set of musical instruments, loves improvising over hymns and other songs, and enjoys cross-stitching gifts for others.