Mary Van Duyne

I never dreamed this life could exist. From the lost and broken 21 year old girl of 10 years ago, it has been an amazing journey. I've worked with Detroit youth as a school social worker for the last 6 years after devouring college like I would a large Jet's pizza. I guess you could say based on my previous experiences, I never saw my capability. But once I did, I didn't want to ever let it go. I have a passion for helping people. The human life is so fragile. All it takes sometimes is an outstretched hand. I often fantasize about stretching my hand so far and so wide that I save the whole world from pain and suffering. I'll just start with Detroit. For now. I am recently married to my polar opposite and the most perfect match that God could give me. We have an old crotchety cat named River, a neurotic sweetheart Beagle-Shepherd Hayley, and the recent addition of crazy but cuddly Boomer the kitten. I am OBSESSED. I could spend 8 hours staring at our pets lovingly. No joke. When I'm not working with kids and families, creepily mothering our animals, or being awesome, I am COOKING. This comes mostly from a love of eating. But also from finding joy in the creativity of taking fresh, local ingredients and making them something beautiful and delicious. Between the passion for seeing people grow and succeed, an amazing partner by my side, the cutest fur babies a girl could ask for, support, love, and spirituality, I am one lucky lady.