Great Minds Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  We have a dedicated Board of Directors who support our mission to grow a love for learning!  Our board meets the third Wednesday in January, April, July and October at 6 p.m at Great Minds Learning Center.  Everyone is welcome to attend. 

Great Minds Learning Center Board of Directors

Natalie Gustafson, Chair

 Natalie is a family nurse practitioner and mother to a daughter who has greatly benefited from tutoring at Great Minds. “Reading  is such a critical and enriching skill that any struggles must be met with early intervention.”

Tammy Mattonen, Treasurer

Tammy is a certified public accountant with expertise in non-profit organizations.

She is on the board of directors because she believes the tutoring that GMLC students receive can be life-changing.  

She says, "I am proud to be a part of bringing this invaluable service to our community."

Janna Salmela, Secretary

Janna is a portrait photographer and mom to a child with dyslexia.

 Janna Block, Member

Janna is a nurse practitioner in the area and a parent of children with dyslexia.

 Previous Chair

 Mary Shideler

Certified massage therapist and author, Mary Shideler, also known as the Kayak Lady, is a lifelong resident of the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area where she grew up at Back O’ The Moon Resort. Early on, Mary learned to appreciate and respect the outdoors. She has traveled to all seven continents and worked worldwide, once capturing wild camels in the outback of Australia.

 

Mary has provided quality professional massage therapy services, classes and workshops since 1991. She has kayaked all 1007 lakes in Itasca County.

 

Mary has never let her own dyslexia get in her way. In fact she did not learn she was dyslexic until she was 52 years old. She just knew she was a very poor speller and had a difficult time sounding out words. Great Minds Learning Center has given Mary useful tools to leave her old reading habits and writing patterns behind.