Mary Mooi

Mary, a native Michigander, returned to Holland a few years ago with her husband after living in Northern Indiana for nearly 20 years.  Mary received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Michigan State University. In 2002, she obtained her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from Western Michigan University. Mary has a long career in human services.  Initially, she worked in the foster care and adoption field, and later worked with families of children or adults having cognitive or other disabilities.  In that role, she often assisted parents at IEP meetings to obtain the very best school services and supports for their loved one. She also developed programs designed to give caregivers a break from often intense and stressful responsibilities. After obtaining her MSW, Mary assisted children and adults as a therapist in both public mental health centers and private practice settings, utilizing a wide variety of therapeutic modalities.

Her mission is to improve the mental health of individuals, families, and communities in sensitive and creative ways.  She believes that people who are healthy in mind, body, and spirit are better equipped to contribute to their families and their community.  As the eldest of 8 children, mother of 2, and grandmother of 13, Mary is a strong believer in the strength and power of the family unit. She believes every individual is influenced, for better or worse, by their family of origin.  Mary further believes that beliefs and patterns of dealing with life are often intergenerational in nature and passed from one generation to another.  At times these often-unconscious mindsets interfere with the person’s outlook, goals or relationships.  Knowledge, sensitivity and creativity are some of the attributes Mary brings to assist in dealing with complex emotions and situations.