Mary Jo took a non-traditional path to gaining an education. She has an AS degree from Gwynedd Mercy College. After graduating Mary Jo worked until the birth of her daughter, but always knew that she would return to school at the right time. While working full-time to support her daughter, Mary Jo earned a BBA from the Wharton School and a MPA from the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania.
In 1992 Mary was elected to serve on Narberth Borough Council. For twenty years she served the people of Narberth as a member of the council, 8 years as the "lone" Democrat and 10 years as the Council President.
In 2012, Mary Jo ran for State Representative and won with 59% percent of the vote. She has been serving as a State Representative for the people of the 148th district since 2013.