Mary Hornbeck began her career in early care and education 18 years ago when, at the age of 21, she became the owner of Special Beginnings Early Learning Center. Since that time, she has expanded her business 5 times and now operates four programs that serve over 250 families. As Executive Director, Mary leads a 6-member management team and 50 staff members.

Mary holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Life from the University of Kansas. She serves as a State Liaison for and member of the National Association of Child Care Professionals. Mary is a Validator for the National Accreditation Commission. She is also a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Kansas Women’s Business Center, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. She is a national trainer in all areas of early care and education as well as business management and leadership. Mary has written and implemented staff and parent policy handbooks, developmental assessments for young children. She is active in her community as an advocate for quality care and education of young children and for women business owners. In 2007 she was honored in Kansas City as one of 25 Women Who Mean Business by the Kansas City Business Journal.

Mary has been married to her husband Steve for 19 years. She is the proud Mom of Andrew, 16, Carolyn, 12, and Matthew, 6.