Mary moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1990, assembling a staggeringly varied resume to support her creative work, including sous chef, waitron, receptionist, hairstylist, language study abroad program coordinator, information director, copywriter, editor, webmaster, genealogical researcher, marketing manager, and communications coordinator. She also managed to squeeze in study of Comparative Literature at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, expanding her knowledge of literature from around the world.

In partnership with her husband and fellow artist, Kevin Dally-Muenzmaier, Mary launched Cerebral Bends Productions in 2003, an arts production and creative services company that encompasses numerous artistic and commercial endeavors. Five years later she launched CricketToes, an art and culture blog focused primarily on Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin, featuring news and event previews as well as artist, organization and project profiles.