Mary Mitchell is one of those special one-of-a-kind people I have had the privilege to know in my life and while living at Bethany Hill School.  We are accepting with sadness that she will be leaving at the end of June and transitioning to a new place in her life. She’s been an integral part of our community and served as Associate Program Director and Educational Counselor. She started out 15 years ago as a dedicated volunteer, tutoring a resident for his GED exam and teaching poetry to several residents at New Beginnings. She also ran a children’s gospel group called Joyful Noise. 

In my life, Mary has been a friend, counselor, and has served many roles. She has helped me grow personally, at work, and throughout other areas of my life. Mary has been a mentor to me and I aspire to be as much like her as I can.  I would describe Mary as kind, creative, insightful, smart, talented, generous, and resourceful.  She has a great sense of humor, quick wit, and is always encouraging.  She can find the bright side in most anything.  Also, she encourages residents to get involved in building community at BHS.  We’ve been blessed to benefit from her many talents. “In a supportive community where people believe in each other anything is possible,” she says.

Mary will remember and miss so many things about BHS.  She loved her involvement with Puppy Love, New Kids on the Hill and, of course, the Read to Daisy Club.  “I got to see and develop the creativity of each new child,” she says.  “Also, because I am a big reader and an author, I felt a sacred union with kids around books and stories.”

Mary feels as if BHS is her second family and is grateful for the trust she has been given by residents.  She loves helping people recognize how worthy they are to pursue their goals and dreams. “I felt privileged,” she said, “to have a job where I am constantly celebrating people moving forward in their lives.” Mary says she’ll spend more time with family and will begin to write seriously again.  Is there a possibility of another novel written by Mary?  We look forward to her future visits on special occasions, and wish Mary luck and happiness in her future endeavors.

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