Mary overcame the childhood challenges of polio, an abusive, alcoholic father and a drug addicted mother by immersing herself in her academic career. She was high school valedictorian and went on to receive a BS in Communications from Boston University. When she worked in public relations at the counseling center at Boston University, the director urged her to pursue a career in social work noticing her compassion and empathy when interacting with students. Mary received an MSW from Boston College and was inducted into the Jesuit Honor Society Alpha Sigma Nu.

She went on to have a decorated and celebrated career at the VA where she received a Blinded Veterans Association Certificate of Appreciation Award, social worker of the year and employee of the month. But Mary knew something in her life was missing. In December 2006, the diagnosis of post polio syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease, gave Mary the push she needed to make dramatic lifestyle changes to get on the path to health and healing.

In February of 2007 as Mary asked for Divine guidance of what was next in her life, she wrote the poem "Running the Race". She had no idea as she sat in a leg brace using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility that in fact two years later she would cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and raise $10,535 for Spaulding Rehab Hospital where she took the first steps on her healing journey.

She is now the author of two books of inspirational poetry. Her first book of inspirational poetry, "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" was published in December 2007. Her second book, "Set Sail for a New World:Healing a Life Through the Gift of Poetry" was released June 2010.  Visit Mary's author's page on amazon.com.

***COMING SOON*** Songs of Freedom:Healing Trauma Through The Gift of Poetry with revised poems from her previous books and new poems inspired by her journey on the yoga mat and KMI Body Work

Mary has been a guest on the Jordan Rich show of WBZ Boston. He wrote the foreword to her second book of inspirational poetry.  Mary has been selected by the radio station voted #1 by the National Association of Broadcasters, Magic 106.7 for their Exceptional Women radio show. She was a finalist for Brookline Woman of the Year 2010 and honored at their award ceremony, "Women Who Inspire Us." She has been featured on numerous blog talk radio shows, a presenter at the 2009 Massachusetts Poetry Festival and an inspirational speaker at Boston GreenFest2010. She is the subject of a short film documentary, "Keeping the Pace:The Mary McManus Story". Be sure to visit Mary's You Tube Channel to hear her share her journey in her own words and click on the News and Events tab to read articles and hear interviews about Mary's incredible healing journey. Mary donates her time and talent to organizations that are near and dear to her heart.

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Contact Mary via email at maryamcmanus@gmail.com