About Mary

Hello, I’m Mary!

I partner with church and marketplace leaders, helping them establish sustainable rhythms of life, deepen their relationships with God, themselves, and others, and write to publish.

Equipped with advanced training in spiritual direction, life and leadership coaching certifications, and extensive publishing experience, I’m passionate about helping others know the fullness and freedom I’ve experienced in Christ.
Spiritual Direction
photo of a walk through a dark forest leading to light<br />

I am a trauma-informed spiritual director with post-graduate training from Sustainable Faith’s School of Spiritual Direction. Based in Sanford, NC, I offer spiritual direction via Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet. I specialize in helping church and marketplace leaders navigate challenges and transitions, heal from trauma, and align with God’s purpose for their lives. With over 30 years of experience ministering to the Body of Christ, I have served as a prayer minister, healing prayer practitioner, lay counselor, conference and event speaker, workshop leader, Sunday School teacher, and writer. I am a member of Grace Church in Southern Pines, NC, and the proud mother of a son and daughter-in-law, both creatives living in New Jersey. LEARN MORE

Life & Leadership Coaching
As a professional life and leadership coach, I received my certifications through the Professional Christian Coaching Institute and The Academies. I coach clients around diverse topics, including but not limited to life purpose and calling, spiritual gifts, strengths, leadership and organizational challenges, transitions, chronic illness, and more.

I also offer life purpose and calling workshops and, occasionally, chronic illness workshops. LEARN MORE

Writing Coaching
Drawing on my decades of experience as a professional freelance writer, I coach established and aspiring non-fiction writers, helping them shape their books, memoirs, articles, and blogs for publication or pleasure.

In addition, I offer a writing for spiritual formation course for groups. I’m also working on developing a writing-to-heal workshop. Stay tuned for updates.

Writer Mary Yerkes in her library writing
Professional Freelance Writer
As a professional writer, I’ve published widely in the inspirational and general markets. Over the years, I have contributed regularly to Focus on the Family’s flagship website, AG News, and other popular print and online magazines. They include Christianity Today’s WomenLeaders.com, CBN.com, Conversations Journal, and others.

On the business front, I’m a regular contributor to the award-winning Independent Banker Magazine. My areas of expertise also include C-suite communications, white papers, articles for print and online publications, websites, and more.

I’m also an experienced ghostwriter who specializes in working with church and marketplace leaders and entrepreneurs. LEARN MORE

Personal Bio
Mary Yerkes seated with 3 collies surrounding her
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved God and animals! Five years ago, I moved from Northern Virginia, a busy suburb of Washington, DC, to a 10-acre hobby farm in Sanford, NC, a small, semi-rural town just south of Raleigh. I share the farm with five rough collies, including a service dog and show dog, two miniature therapy horses, four English Angora rabbits, and chickens. Let’s just say I’m never bored! A lifelong learner and avid reader, I love nothing more than curling up in front of the fireplace with a good cup of coffee, collies, and a good book.

I’d love to hear from you!

Contact Mary

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