Mary Ellen Weiland attended the University of Northern Colorado and received a B.A. in Special Education with an emphasis in Moderate and Severe Needs and a certification as a Vocational Coordinator. She later received her M.A. in Agency Counseling with an endorsement in School Counseling from UNC. Weiland supplemented her counseling degree by getting a CAC (Certified Addictions Counseling) certification. Weiland obtained a license in School Administration from the University of Denver.
For 34 years, Weiland has worked in the education field. During her career in education, Weiland has taught elementary, middle school and high school age students with cognitive, physical, emotional and behavioral disabilities. Weiland has been a counselor at both the middle school and high school levels helping students process through social and emotional issues as well as applying and preparing for college and life. While teaching, Weiland worked part time therapist on the Addition Recovery Unit at a local hospital. Currently, Weiland is working with students ages 18 - 21 with cognitive, emotional and behavioral disabilities. She helps the students transition into adulthood by providing opportunities to develop work skills, appropriate social skills, and learn independent living skills.
When Weiland isn’t writing, she can be found kayaking on lakes throughout Colorado, spending time in the mountains, cooking, taking long walks with her dog, practicing yoga, reading, making jewelry, and enjoying the time spent with her family and friends.
Being a life long learner and always curious about people and their life experiences, Weiland is involved in and volunteers for various community and charity organizations. She continues her spiritual quest and personal enlightenment. She is taking classes in Mentoring and Leadership in order to be a leader in her own life and to help and encourage others to take the “lead” in their lives.
Weiland lives with her chocolate Labrador retriever, Coco in Denver, Colorado.