About Me

 Hi! I'm Ms Mary: A Teacher Who Colors Outside the Lines

The world didn’t know what hit it when I arrived in San Francisco at 17 — full of opinions, ambition, and probably a Sharpie or two in my pocket.

I studied Graphic Design at the Art Institute of San Francisco - California, where I dabbled in tech-based creativity and learned how to turn pixels into magic. But like any good plot twist, after college I found myself waiting tables, living in a 500 sq ft shoebox, and wondering where all my creativity had gone. (Spoiler alert: it was buried under a pile of student loan bills and a cheesecake habit I refused to give up.)

Eventually, I traded fries for freedom, lost over 150 pounds, found my fire (literally), and traveled the world in search of beauty, meaning, and the best art museums Europe had to offer. Somewhere between Santorini sunsets and cathedral tours, I rediscovered my purpose: empowering kids through creativity.

✏️ From Wild Wanderer to Full-Time Fire Artist & Educator

Today, I’m a full-time fire artist, traveling the country to share and sell my one-of-a-kind Fire Art at festivals and fairs. And when I’m not lighting up the art world, I’m pouring that same energy into the classroom as a full-time art educator serving students across Oakland and the surrounding school districts.

I also work with multiple after-school programs, bringing high-quality, joyful, and meaningful art experiences to schools that don’t have art programs. Whether I’m leading a paint-splattered lesson or helping students build paper bag portfolios they’ll cherish all year long, I believe in the power of art to inspire confidence, curiosity, and connection.

🎨 A Mission Bigger Than Art

I believe that teaching is a work of art — and it deserves just as much heart, boldness, and originality. Through my shop, Evolve & Inspire, I create artful tools, apparel, and lesson plans to help educators dream big, decorate boldly, and celebrate the magic they bring into their classrooms every single day.

Thanks for being here. Now let’s make something magical. 💫