Mary Kesselring

Mary is an educator, researcher, conservation advocate, and community leader whose life's work has been dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and protecting vulnerable populations—both human and wildlife alike. Based in Westminster, Maryland, Mary spent more than 15 years as a special education teacher with Howard County Public Schools, where she developed innovative teaching strategies to help students with diverse learning needs achieve academic success. Her passion for education began while working as a substitute teacher in Carroll County, where she discovered a talent for creating individualized learning materials and support systems that helped struggling students improve their confidence and performance. Throughout her career, she became known for her creativity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping every student reach their full potential.

Driven by a desire to better understand and advocate for students with disabilities, Mary earned a Master's degree in Secondary Education from McDaniel College, along with certification in special education, before pursuing a PhD in Special Education from National University. Her doctoral research focused on the mental health needs of teenagers with autism and intellectual disabilities, an area inspired by her firsthand experiences in the classroom. Her research highlighted critical gaps in support services for neurodivergent students and reinforced her longstanding belief that educational systems must provide more individualized and evidence-based approaches to meet the unique needs of these learners. Throughout her teaching career, Mary championed creative interventions, including hands-on learning activities, music-based engagement, and animal-assisted approaches that helped students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Known by many as "The Monarch Whisperer," Mary's passion for advocacy extends well beyond education. She is an active conservationist and community activist dedicated to protecting Maryland's farmland, rural communities, and endangered wildlife habitats. She has become a leading voice in efforts to oppose high-tension power line projects that threaten agricultural land and monarch butterfly migration corridors. Mary has personally raised and released hundreds of monarch butterflies and supports numerous charitable organizations, including groups focused on wildlife rescue, military families, and veterans. Her work with organizations such as STOP MPRP, Fortress of the Bear, and Tunnel to Towers reflects her deep commitment to service. Whether advocating for students, protecting wildlife, or supporting her community, Dr. Kesselring exemplifies a life dedicated to education, compassion, perseverance, and meaningful impact.