Meet the Leadership Team

  • Board Chair, Linda Mercer, Education, Initiatives, Sponsor, Donate.

    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.

  • Board Vice Chair, Christy Larson, Ed.D, Education, Initiatives, Sponsor, Donate, Doctorate.

    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.

  • A woman with dark, voluminous curly hair smiling, wearing pearl earrings and a pearl necklace.

    Board Secretary

    Board Secretary

Meet the Leadership Team

  • Board Treasurer

    Board Treasurer

    Board Treasurer

  • A smiling woman with dark, curly hair wearing a pearl necklace.

    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.

  • 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.

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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.