Mari graduated from UC Davis in 1981 with a degree in Animal Science, working on horse breeding farms, in small animal medicine, and finally exotic animal medicine with Marine World/Africa USA. In 1993, after a transfer through her husband’s job to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mari taught science in middle school, grades 6-8. Another move took her family to Singapore where she began teaching for The Riding for the Disabled Association, a job that combined her love for children with her passion for horses.

Upon returning to the USA, Mari began teaching for Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center, ultimately working as the Program Director until 2005 when another overseas transfer took her to Thailand. That move provided Mari with the opportunity to introduce the benefits of therapeutic riding to the disabled community in Rayong, where she started a center. In 2010, with a final relocation back to the Bay Area, Mari took over as Executive Director of Xenophon. In 2016, Mari was awarded the PATH International Professional of the Year Award, both for Region 11 and nationally.  Mari retired from Xenophon in 2018.

Outside of work, Mari enjoys time with family, dog training, and working with her 3 Friesian horses. She has competed successfully in dressage and Obstacle Challenge at the state level, does carriage driving, and loves exploring the trails in the Sierra Nevada Mountains both on horseback and mountain bike.