Hi, I'm Mary.
I'm a communication professor, researcher, coach, lifelong learner, unabashed Mister Rogers fan, and the kind of person who genuinely lights up when someone says, "Ohhh...that makes sense now."
For over a decade, I've taught students, partnered with schools, coached individuals through life's messy seasons, and explored one question that has quietly shaped nearly everything I do:
What helps people truly thrive?
That question led me to research belonging and preadolescent suicide prevention, create the "You Are Enough!" social-emotional learning curriculum, speak internationally about my work, and help people of all ages better understand themselves and one another.
Along the way, I've learned something important. People don't need someone to "fix" them.
They need someone who will help them recognize their strengths, understand how they think and communicate, build practical skills, and move forward with curiosity instead of criticism.
A few years ago, following a national school tragedy, I received a call from educators looking for guidance. Although my doctoral research had prepared me academically, that moment reminded me that schools sometimes need support long before - or long after - a curriculum can help. It strengthened my commitment to being a resource for educators navigating both everyday challenges and life's hardest conversations.
That's the heart behind 2B Learning Labs.
Whether I'm developing curriculum, speaking with educators, consulting with schools, coaching individuals, or teaching communication, my work is guided by the same belief - people flourish when they feel they belong, understand themselves, and have learned how to communicate with compassion.
When I'm not teaching or writing, you'll usually find me listening to Audible with a cup of coffee nearby, bingeing a British crime drama for the umpteenth time, laughing through an improv class, planning my next adventure, or rearranging my office again because it feels (somehow) like a productive use of procrastination.
I believe learning should be joyful, relationships should be kind, and that growth happens best in environments where people are challenged without being shamed.
If you're looking for someone who brings together research, real-world experience, and a genuine love for helping people grow, I'd be honored to work with you.
A few fun facts...
☕ Coffee is almost always within arm's reach.
📚 I'm a college communication professor who still loves being a student.
🎭 I teach improv because saying "Yes, and..." turns out to be surprisingly useful in real life.
🇬🇧 I'm a lifelong Anglophile who once lived in England.
🐩 My standard poodle, Crumpet, occasionally supervises coaching sessions.
🌈 I believe colorful spaces can make hard work feel a little lighter.
💛 My favorite reminder is simple:
Take such good care of you.
Credentials (because those matter, too)
Dr. Mary Stover is an educator, communication specialist, speaker, and coach with more than two decades of experience helping people learn, grow, and connect.
She holds a doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership, a master's degree in Communication and Leadership, and has taught interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, and professional communication at the college level for many years. Her work has included developing K–5 social-emotional learning curriculum, researching suicide prevention and belonging, presenting nationally, and coaching students and professionals to build practical, sustainable skills for everyday life.