Mary is a seasoned and dynamic educator, presenter, and facilitator committed to helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential. With a strong background in philosophy and a passion for personal growth, she empowers others to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Mary has designed and delivered engaging courses within the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system. She excels at creating innovative learning experiences that inspire critical thinking, problem-solving, and personal transformation. Her popular Philosophy of Happiness class is an interdisciplinary course that combines philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, and mindfulness to promote a life of intentional value.
In 2014, O’Neill received the Systemwide Adjunct Award for Excellence in Teaching from the CSCU. She is a Stanford University-Certified Designing Your Life Educator and a Life Design Catalyst Program Facilitator. She is a Fellow in the Greater Good Science Center’s Bridging Differences in Higher Education Learning Campus Cohort. Additionally, she holds a professional certification from Florida State University in College Well-Being, Trauma, and Resilience.
In her consulting and coaching work, Mary specializes in employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational culture. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical application, she helps clients create lives that harmonize the professional and personal. She guides individuals and organizations to uncover their purpose, set meaningful goals, unlock their creativity, identify dysfunctional beliefs, and navigate obstacles and siloed thinking. Mary believes we can lead more authentic and fulfilling lives by understanding our values and strengths and creating ways to live into them.
Mary is the co-host of the Main Street Moxie podcast, devoted to telling stories of grit, determination, and resilience. Mary holds a B.S. in Accounting and a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Scranton and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy from DePaul University.