I live in Otsego, Michigan with my husband John and 3 children; Lorna age 11, Jadon age 7 and Cloey age 3. I have been a stay at home mom since Lorna was born, she was born with many issue affecting her growth and development. She has many unique characteristics with no overall diagnosis or an undiagnosed genetic condition. I have volunteered in many aspects of my community. I have been a parent representative for my Local Interagency Coordinating Council for Early On for the past 8 years. It has been 6 years since I became a Girl Scout Leader for my daughters troop. I have volunteered, been on an advisory committee and am currently a Board of Director for Parent to Parent of Southwest Michigan. I have volunteered and held a position on my kids school PTO. For a few years I have been a Den assistant for my sons Cub Scout Den.
 

Since returning to Austin, Texas from Trumbull, Connecticut in 2005 Mary Elizabeth has been teaching at Texas State University-San Marcos in the Department of Physical Therapy. In the fall she became assistant professor in a tenure-track position as she hopes to complete her PhD in physical therapy in May 2008. Currently she is a doctoral candidate at Texas Woman’s University and her dissertation focus is differential diagnosis in pediatrics. This year she passed her clinical specialist exam in pediatric physical therapy and is now nationally certified. 

Mary Elizabeth continues her clinical practice through a local company in Austin, Little Tesoros Therapy Services, LLC. She is again working for/with many therapists that worked for her in her first Austin experience…and she loves it! Without the frustrations of management she can enjoy her patient care. Mary Elizabeth specializes in medically fragile children and children without definitive diagnoses.  

In her leisure time she does respite care for a local adoption agency, Marywood Family Services. It is not unusual to see her on the Hike and Bike/Lady Bird Trail with a stroller in tow. Her colleagues at the university have also gotten used to the sounds of infants in her office, and her students enjoy the one-on-one interaction with the children as they learn neuroscience and pediatric physical therapy. Recently Mary Elizabeth has ‘adopted’ two new rescue puppies as she lost dear Chipper prior to her move from Connecticut. Bella and Hannah Grace now join ‘Grandma’ Anna. 

In addition, Mary Elizabeth is on the Board of Directors at Sammy’s House, a daycare for special needs children that also takes care of typically developing children. Her Chi Omega Alumnae group worked to renovate the new home of Sammy’s House and raised over $10,000 for one room which included renovating the kitchen, refurbishing of the beautiful wood floors, painting, and purchasing of adaptive equipment. Despite Mary Elizabeth’s passion for the project, yet inability to assist meaningfully with many renovating tasks, her alum group is still allowing her to move from president-elect to president in 2008! Don’t ask her to use a sander or remove cabinetry…but she can inspire others with the stories of the children to move mountains! Many family, friends, Austin school groups, the Bikers for Christ, and Sears jumped on board before she was done. Her Chi Omega Sisters were a remarkable source of assistance and support!