Mary graduated from Smith College and earned an MPH from UNC - Chapel Hill. Before writing for children, Mary's career focused primarily on strengthening non-profit, social justice organizations - both as a management consultant and an executive director. She has directed a rural health organization in Appalachia, worked at United Way SENE and consulted with many community-based as well as national non-profits. She also taught AP Psychology while she and her husband and 3 children lived in Ecuador. Mary has also spent several years in the filmmaking world. Her films delve into issues such as refugee resettlement, the emergence of independent radio in West Africa and the importance of stories in the health care system. Her first film was the inspiration for Wherever I Go, her debut picture book (Atheneum/S&S 2020), illustrated by Munir Mohammed. When not writing, Mary teaches ELL to newcomers in her area. Mary lives with her husband and pup on a farm in Westport, MA. where they grow vegetables, tend hens and cultivate honey. They have 3 grown children.

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Books by Mary Wagley Copp