Mary Bannon Derderian

Mary Bannon is co-founder to Imagine an Answer, and Clay and Grace's mom.  

 

For 12 years she earned a "Mom-cology" degree by immersing herself in the pediatric oncology world and advocating for Clay's needs and his care.  Before this, she held Director positions at the National Geographic Society and The Washington Post's online division.  

 

After Clay's diagnosis, she earned a Master's Degree in Education ( Visual Impairment) at U.Mass Boston, and became an Orientation & Mobility instructor, working with children with vision loss.  

 

Now, she has a boutique interior design firm and earned her Associated Degree in Architecture and Interior Design in 2024.  She is a commissioner on the Historic Preservation Committee for Annapolis, MD.    She also holds a B.S.B.A. from the University of Richmond and an M.B.A. from George Washington University.