IDEA PRESS & IDEA MUSIC 

Mary Lou (Amato) Johnston was born and raised in the dairy country of southern Vermont.  She was active in 4-H and church youth activities and attended local schools.  She studied at the University of Vermont and Keene State College, New Hampshire where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education. Relocating to sunny Arizona, she taught elementary classes for 25 years in Mesa Public Schools.  She completed her Master’s Degree at Arizona State University and was initiated into Alpha Delta Kappa honorary sorority for women educators.  She has been a member of the Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy in Mesa for many years.  Following retirement from teaching, Mary Lou spends her time making handmade paper for crafts, reading and sewing.  An avid traveler, she has visited 104 countries to date.  Twice widowed, she has a son who lives in Mesa and extended family in New England.