Mary Ellen lives with her loving husband, fun kids, and sweet dogs in beautiful Hendersonville. She grew up a short drive down I-26 in Columbia, SC where many of her afternoons in high school were filled with basketball or track practice before homework time. Mary Ellen enjoyed a high quality public education from kindergarten through graduate school. She has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in sustainable development and conservation biology as well as a master’s degree in public policy. She strongly believes robust public education plays a vital role in keeping our democracy healthy and our communities vibrant.
Her commitment to academics and community service are reflected by her memberships in Kiwanis Club of Hendersonville, Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Mu Epsilon, and completing a 3-year term on the City of Hendersonville Environmental Sustainability Board.