Mary J. Yerkes is a professional writer, teacher, and speaker who specializes in addressing life challenges and change. With more than 20 years of leadership and ministry experience, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insight to her writing and speaking.

Research-oriented and a stickler for details, Mary is a frequent contributor to such popular print and online publications as Focus on the Family, Discipleship Journal, and SAVED: A Multicultural Christian Magazine. Mary also speaks at church and community events and teaches workshops on writing, living well with chronic pain and illness, defeating depression, and transforming pain into purpose.

This Web site illustrates the diversity of Mary’s writing, highlights her speaking topics, and provides helpful resources for those in need of hope and encouragement.





Mary covers on a wide range of topics—from spiritual growth to soul care and parenting teens to breaking into print. Her many credits include The Journal of Biblical Counseling, On Mission Magazine, Cross and Quill, Credo, The Quiet Hour, Beliefnet.com, Barefoot Ministries, Now What?/Bible Advocate, Standard, Troubledwith.com, Angel Dogs: Divine Messengers of Love, A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women, to name a few. Her bylined and ghostwritten articles also appear in Associations Now, The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, PayTech, Bank Systems & Technology, and Community Banker Magazine.

She is a CLASServices (Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speaker Services) graduate and a member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, Christian Writers Fellowship International, the Editorial Freelancers Association, and the International Association of Writers.

Mary is currently working toward her Biblical Counseling certification with the American Association of Christian Counselors, as well as credentialing with the International Coach Federation, the largest worldwide resource for professional coaches.

She lives outside of Washington, D.C., with her husband, Paul. They have one adult son who recently returned from teaching English in South Korea. In her free time, Mary takes long walks in the Virginia countryside with her rough collie, Misha.

Mary is currently accepting assignments. Contact Mary today to discuss your writing and speaking needs.