Actor, Author, Motivator
Helping individuals and organizations align personal passions with professional practices, creating new levels of productivity and performance.
If the name Mary McDonough sounds familiar, it may be because she portrayed Erin, (the sensitive middle daughter) on the hit series, The Waltons for a decade. Continuing her acting career into adulthood, McDonough has appeared on numerous series; ER, Picket Fences, Will and Grace, Boston Legal, and The New Adventures of Old Christine, among others. She has also utilized her communication and media savvy as a special correspondent for Entertainment Tonight and host of programs for The Travel Channel & The Family Channel. Reaching others, it seems, was not just a career choice, but ultimately, a calling.
Mary chronicles her Walton family and life beyond the mountain in her strikingly honest book, LESSONS FROM THE MOUNTAIN, WHAT I LEARNED FROM ERIN WALTON. Mary shares the story of her overnight transformation from a normal kid in a working class, Irish Catholic family, to a Hollywood child star. Touching, funny, sometimes heartbreaking, Lessons from the Mountain is the story of everything Mary McDonough learned on her journey over—and beyond—that famous mountain.
Perhaps the result of the many years she spent working in and successfully navigating her place in a difficult and highly visible industry, it seemed only natural for Mary to connect and guide others. Thus, her work as a Life Coach began. A seasoned public speaker, she works with businesses and organizations of all sizes to help them attain their goals in a harmonious and effective way. Most gratifying of all, however, is the one-on-one work she does with men and women to deal with and overcome the fear of anxiety associated with career transition, life balance, communication, and health issues so that they may experience the love, passion and success they so deeply deserve.
An outspoken activist, McDonough spent fifteen years lobbying congress on behalf of women’s health. After experiencing and overcoming her own health crisis, she began performing hands-on work to help heal others heal their health, spirits and lives. With “can-do” determination, she adheres to a strong “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade” philosophy. Utilizing solutions she created to answer issues affecting her own life, she was founding director of the Lupus LA, and currently heads In The Know, an organization dedicated to educating women about their own health.
Among her many interests are issues-oriented and educational film making, teaching and political advocacy. An award-winning Director, Writer and Producer of theatrical, corporate and video productions, the highlight of career remains the “production” of her only child, Sydnee.
Mary recently moved to Denver, her novel, ONE YEAR came out in MAY. Her new Novel THE HOUSE ON HONEYSICKLE LANE is out October 2016.
- California Women’s Conference Women influencing Legislation
- Alliance For Lupus Research, Walk With US
- 31st Annual Kentucky Book Fair
- The Bigger Game Expo, Silver Bay, NY -Workshop/ Key Note, INTUITION: Your Inner GPS
- Cherry Blossom Festival, Marshfield, MO
- Girl Scouts
NACW National Association of Commissions for Women
We were hosting a national conference for advocates of women’s rights and women’s issues and we needed a dynamic speaker who could provide an uplifting and positive vision. Mary McDonough presented the closing keynote speech at the 2010 Annual Conference. The audience was enthralled with her presentation. It was the perfect closing for a three-day content-rich training environment, leaving the conferees informed, enlightened and inspired. Judith Vaughan Prather, Montgomery County Commission for Women
THE SHERIDAN GROUP
In a tough town like Washington DC and in the rough and tumble world of politics, asking a staff to sit down and focus on personal interaction is not easy. Mary McDonough brought our team of hard core professionals into a skeptical room and immediately made them at ease and engaged in a very productive session. Her professional, yet very personal, style was a clear key to her success. She was knowledgeable, empathetic, tough and transparent. It’s been nearly a year since we worked with Mary and our staff is still calling that session “the most productive staff development time we’ve ever spent”. We are in her debt as a team and highly recommend her services. Tom Sheridan, President, Founder
CORE POWER YOGA
We hired Mary to facilitate a workshop for our company to improve an already thriving workplace. The goal was for all involved to become more positive and productive and employees would find a safe, anonymous forum to vent their concerns. My managers were working at a functioning level, but fear and concern were limiting them from leading workshops and programs to their full capacities. The two employees that completed the training with Mary both experienced a breakthrough in their confidence and also experienced more balance in their lives and work. They experienced more joy from their jobs. The workplace became even more positive-and lightness around goals and leading programs was evidenced by the managers enrolling more people, and having less stress leading programs. They are continuing to thrive in their lives and teaching to this day. Thank you Mary!! Heather Peterson, West Coast Director Core power Yoga.
New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women
Mary McDonough was both a keynote speaker and workshop presenter at the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women Girls Conference. She spoke on the topic of Body Image to over 400 girls ages 13-17. Her high energy and delightful sense of humor captured the girl’s attention. Her personal story was powerful and one that the young women could relate to. Following her keynote address, Mary was a presenter in a workshop on Body Branding: Getting Comfortable with The Skin You’re In. The evaluations from the girls and adults alike were outstanding. Mary’s message was important and had the potential for being emotionally charged but her sincere high motivational approach captured their trust. After a few minutes, the dynamics of the room was electrifying. Girls walked away believing that “they were just fine with whom they are and the way they looked.” No little feat for the age group that was in attendance. Mary Molina Mescall, Executive Director, NM Commission on the Status of Women, President, National Association of Commissions of Women
Celebration Conference
It has been a pleasure to know Mary McDonough as a professional for over six years now. I have had the utmost honor of having Mary as a Keynote speaker at our convention. I was taken with how Mary engaged the entire audience and provided tools for those attending to discover how to get out of their own way to become more successful. Her personal touch made each and every person in that room feel special. She has a unique ability to captivate her audience. Julie Taylor, Show Producer, Celebrate Xpo!
Alpha Omicron PI AOII
Mary’s words and inspirational story moved our membership and was highly motivating and challenging. She personified for us how we as human beings can and must adapt to life and the ever-changing world around us. Our goal was to get people talking and engaged, to inspire and motivate our volunteers and membership and inspire them to overcome challenges and adversity. Mary certainly did that. Mary spoke to approximately 600 members of a women’s fraternity with ages ranging from 19 to 90. She made us laugh and moved us to tears. She taught us and challenged us. Lisa Neidenthal, President AOII
Team Women
As the President, of a women’s networking group, Team Women, I asked Mary to facilitate a meeting to assist the group to identify our goals and ways to work together for the success of the organization. She led a difficult conversation(s) where she was able to make everyone feel comfortable in voicing their concerns. Additionally, Mary spoke to the group about our own first impressions, confidence and the need to understand what your “brand” and core values are. She worked with us one on one to perfect our elevator speeches. This was quite a challenge due to the diverse careers and experiences in the group. It was necessary to orchestrate the confrontation(s) and breakdown in the group to make for a stronger foundation. Mary did that and the group added additional members and the members who attended Mary’s workshop continued to feel “safe” in voicing their questions and concerns. Marty Hartsock, President, Team Women HB
To learn more about Mary’s availability for your next event, please click here or call (303) 478-6652.
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