Mary Jo Thayer

Mary Jo Thayer is an award-winning American author, educator, and public speaker. In her early career, she taught high school English in New Kent County, Virginia. She earned a master's degree from Michigan State University, while homeschooling her four children, and later taught moral theology at Lansing Catholic High School. She is a contributing author to Karen Ehman's "A Life That Says Welcome" and Maureen Wittmann's "The Catholic Homeschool Companion.” A natural extrovert and people lover, Mary Jo's primary fun activities include grandchildren, pickleball, traveling, and hosting gatherings. She is the eighth of eight children and grew up in Grand Ledge, Michigan. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and together they raised their four children with faith, courage, and enthusiasm. She began her journey as a novelist upon relocating to Grand Rapids in 2012. "Close to the Soul" is her first novel. Connect with her through her website: maryjothayer.com