Mrs. MaryFrances Perkins has been actively involved in the White Plains/ Greenburgh community in New York for over forty years as an artist and art educator. She has worked on special art projects for the White Plains Youth Bureau, the Hudson River Museum and created murals with artist in resident, the late Alton Toby.
She has served on the YWCA and NAACP boards. Currently, Mrs. Perkins serves on the Passage to Excellence Board of Bethel Baptist Church, Co-Chair of the Education Ministry, Voices of Bethel choir member, Co- Advisor Links -UN program, President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.,Pi Iota Omega Chapter ,WPNY, and BBC Summer Enrichment teacher.
Born and raised in White Plains, NY, she attended Spelman College and Florida A& M University, where she earned a BA in Art Education and an MA in Art Therapy from the College of New Rochelle.
During her tenure as an art educator, Mrs. Perkins taught on the elementary, middle and high school levels. Noted as a "master teacher", she has successfully mentored several student teachers and assisted high school students in preparing portfolios for college entrance. Mrs. Perkins continues to support and mentor new teachers.
She believes all children can learn and are creative. .However, as educators we must create a nurturing , creative, and supportive learning environment where all children will thrive.
Retired from the White Plains City School District, she currently teaches Studio Art, Studio Art II, Art 8 and General Art at Woodlands High School in Hartsdale, NY.
She and her husband (Wayne) are the proud parents of 3 adult children who are graduates of Woodlands High School: Jonathan(Electrical Engineer), Janeen(Mechanical Engineer), and Joslyn (Chemical Engineer).