Marie Ann Dean

Marie Ann Dean is an American novelist and poet from Iowa, with a particular interest in Catholic contemplative spiritualities in the Latin Rite tradition. A teacher by profession and former Montessori homeschooler, Dean helped set up various classical education schools and Montessori homeschools across the United States (US). She also lectured on English Literature at the University of Notre Dame (US), and on both Theology and Literature at Bristol University, United Kingdom (UK). As a practicing Catholic and pastoral counselor, Dean has served as lecturer to diocesan teachers in the US and Canada, also teaching catechesis and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) classes as director. She was also a lay chaplain with the Westminster Diocese, United Kingdom (UK).

Dean has a Bachelor's degree in History and Philosophy/Theology from Marycrest College, and a Master's degree in English Literature from the University of Notre Dame. She was also Downside Scholar Fellow in Theology at Bristol University. Dean holds a Master Teacher's Certificate from the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools. An international Catholic blogger since 2007, Dean writes regularly on matters of the Catholic faith and spirituality at Etheldreda's Place and The Courtyard. She is also twice winner and Grand Prize-winner of the Mississippi Valley Poetry Contest with her poems. Dean enjoys painting in watercolors, acrylics, and oils.