Mary Jo Thayer’s early life experiences gave her a heart for education and empathy, the combination of which was her springboard for earning two degrees in the field of teaching. Her humor, joy, and large doses of reality have encouraged hundreds of students of all ages to follow the true calling of their hearts and consciences.
She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Catholic Writers Guild. She has contributed to several books and periodicals about education, hospitality, and motherhood. Her column “Confessions of a Homeschooler” was distributed through Catholic Homeschooling in Hawaii. She has been the keynote speaker at events for both adults and teens, women’s retreats, Legatus chapters, Theology of the Body conferences, Fortnight for Freedom, and on the steps of the Michigan state capitol.
After teaching in all arenas, she semi-retired from mid-Michigan to West Michigan. She continues to mentor women throughout the U.S. and is always at the ready to share her zeal for natural and moral law. Her open classroom of love goes wherever she goes.
Water skiing, hiking, traveling, and grandchildren are her primary fun activities. She is married to her high school sweetheart, John, and together they raised their cherished family—sans pets—with faith, courage, and enthusiasm in beautiful, season-rich Michigan. Close to the Soul is her first novel and recently won the Christian Inspirational category and was a finalist in Religious Fiction in the 2021 American Fiction Awards.
Find her at her website and on Facebook as Mary Jo Thayer, Author