Dr. Nakao was raised in the Methodist faith, and began her search for unification with the heart/mind of God at a young age, encouraging her parents to attend church as a child, even when on vacation in other states. After finishing her Ph.D. in Art Education at the University of Missouri, she was led to the practice of Sukyo Mahikari through a colleague at Northern Kentucky University.
She has now practiced this spiritual path, which is compatible with many faiths and teaches the importance of interfaith collaboration for achieving the ultimate goal of God’s Plan on earth, for about thirty-five years. She was formerly a center director for Sukyo Mahikari in at the Kentucky Renrakusho and the Cincinnati Okiyomesho, and a North American Regional Jun Kanbu (assistant staff). She now serves as a “pioneering member” in the Heartland and gives purification by God’s Light at Light Circles in and around Kansas and Missouri. She was also one of the founding members of the Caucus on the Spiritual in Art Education (CSAE) of the National Art Education Association, and served as the Assistant Chair from 2009 – 2011 and the Chair of the caucus from 2011-2013.