Mary was born and raised in Salt Lake City as a first-generation American. Her parents hail from the Kingdom of Tonga: A tiny island in the South Pacific where their King committed his country, his people, and his posterity to God’s protection. When discovering American Heritage School, she felt a profound aspiration to be a part of an educational institution that proclaimed entirely what her Tongan ancestors lived, “God and Country are my inheritance.”

She attended University of Utah and earned a bachelor’s degree of Behavioral Science in Sociology with an emphasis in diversity. After graduating she became a college adviser at the University of Utah and has always found great joy supporting the next generation in higher learning.

Mary has been married for 12 years to her true love, Taniela. They are parents of two sons and one daughter who will attend American Heritage School, Salt Lake City campus. She looks forward to reinforcing both academic and gospel principles that will encourage children to invite and cultivate the spirit in their daily decisions.

She enjoys spending time with her family, serving others, in-depth scripture study, and reading good books! She has always believed in President Hinckley’s wise counsel, “Train your minds and hands to become an influence for good as you go forward with your lives.” Mary is delighted to become an “influence for good” by joining the American Heritage team and pursue their mission of teaching and living truth and light through Christ.