Mary Heeringa (1st grade) taught special education for 3rd, 4th and 6th graders in Ogden prior to coming to Early Light Academy. She moved to Utah in 2008 with her husband, Jeremy, their dog, and cat. Born and raised in the small town of Galesburg, Illinois, Mary went to school at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. While in college, she taught grades, K-9, and held leadership positions in a national sorority, Carthage College Republicans and Democrats, InterVarsity, and the Student Wisconsin Education Association. She also helped to organize an "alternative spring break" to Mississippi for Hurricane Katrina relief. While Mary does miss the Midwest, she does not miss the bitter cold winters spent on the shores of Lake Michigan!

When not teaching, Mary enjoys reading—her first love, which she loves to pass on to her students. She also loves being outside and exploring Utah, whether its driving to Moab to go hiking with her husband, rock climbing, bike riding, or cheering for her favorite sports teams. Mary enjoys living in Utah and is very excited to teach at Early Light Academy.