Meet the Leadership Team
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Linda Mercer
Board Chair
Linda has been a lifelong philanthropist who actively seeks to promote the welfare and well-being of others. Linda brings over 20 years of expertise in Philanthropy, Charitable Causes, Marketing and Retail Merchandising. She is responsible for overseeing the marketing, branding, and promotional strategies for the company's events and products. Linda specializes in charitable causes, special events, driving customer engagement and sales through innovative marketing initiatives, e-commerce development, and effective visual merchandising.
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Christy Larson
Founder/Board Vice Chair
Christy is a skilled educator with expertise in Computer Science and STEM instruction for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology and Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and a Master's degree in International Business. She is also in the process of completing her Doctorate of Education in Applied Science. With over ten years of experience in nonprofit management, sales and marketing, and corporate business development, she brings diverse leadership and strategic expertise to her role.
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Board Secretary
Board Secretary
Meet the Leadership Team
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Board Treasurer
Board Treasurer
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Stephanie Rataj
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Stephanie Rataj is an experienced homeschooling educator with over a decade of hands-on expertise in designing adaptable, inclusive curriculum for families of all backgrounds. Since beginning her homeschooling journey in 2014, she has become known for supporting diverse learners—including neurodiverse students and children with special needs—through practical, real‑world strategies that work in everyday family life.
As the leader of a household of twelve, Stephanie skillfully manages multiple grade levels, learning styles, and personalities at once. Her ability to blend proven educational philosophies with lived experience has made her a trusted resource for families seeking spiritually diverse, integrated, and individualized approaches to home education.
What started as a mission to create a safe, empowering learning environment for her own children has evolved into broader support for other homeschooling families. Passionate about helping parents feel confident and equipped, Stephanie provides curriculum guidance, strategies, and encouragement to help families thrive—no matter their size, needs, or background.
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At-Large Member
At-Large Member
Join our leadership.
Apply to join our leadership team.
Board of Directors
Our board of directors is responsible for overseeing Mamie Pearl Foundation (MPF) activities. Board members meet periodically (typically every 6 to 8 weeks) to discuss the affairs of MPF. All are experts in their respective fields and dedicated to our mission, vision, and values.
Advisory Counsel
Our advisory counsel is an expert volunteer group that meets four times a year to give advice and support to our board of directors and executive staff. Advisory counsel members contribute to the Mamie Pearl Foundation in many different ways, but all support our mission, vision, and values.