Mary Thompson grew up on Maple Shade Farm in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin — a place full of stories, hard work, and five generations of family memories. A graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, Mary's love of adventure took flight during a year abroad in France.

She has had a career in education as a classroom teacher and a state program manager; and, as an HR executive I financial services. Now she is writing some of the stories she loves to tell.

She shares her home in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband Larry Jenkins and, of course, Coco Mia — a spirited pup who has turned everyday life into one big adventure.

Mary is also an active member of Rotary Club of Madison, whose mission is to connect, grow, and serve. Thanks to those Rotary connections, she discovered a talented team behind The Adventures of Coco Mia--LOST—her illustrator, digital marketing specialist, and publicist — proving that real-life friendships and community support are at the heart of every great adventure.