P.E. & Music Teacher - Mrs. Mary Northend

Mrs. Mary Northend was born and raised in Southern California to parents who immigrated from the Philippines after WW2. She has been working with children in the YMCA, Girl and Boy Scouts, and city recreation agencies her whole life.

A graduate of the University of the Pacific (Stockton CA) in 1982 she holds a specialized degree in Recreation Administration with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education and Music. Throughout her career she has taught in a variety of parochial and public schools as well as coached a variety of sports.

Mary has directed and sung in many church choirs, praise bands and choral groups as well as played flute in college, church, and community orchestras.

“I believe music and movement provides a unique experience in the world around us and thus, a unique contribution to intellectual as well as the physical and spiritual development. Music provides peak meaningful experiences that help to create excited learners.”

She and her retired Lutheran Pastor husband of 40 years relocated to Beaverton from California to be closer to their daughter and Son-in-Law (Matt and Danica Sheean) and 4 grandchildren, who are members of St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Mary began teaching PE & Music at ASA in January of 2022 and feels it’s a privilege and a blessing to have the opportunity to teach at Agia Sophia Academy.