Miss Mattie

The heart behind Vibrant Minds -

Before Mattie was an educator, she was a mother searching for a better way — and that search became the foundation of Vibrant Minds. With children ages 24, 5, and 3 — plus grandchildren, a large extended family, and former foster kids — she has always been surrounded by kids and deeply invested in their growth and well-being.

Her journey into education began when she felt the public school system failed her oldest daughter. After watching her struggle without the support she needed, Mathina made the decision to homeschool her from 8th grade on. Years later, when her young son was diagnosed with degenerative vision loss and was not receiving adequate services in public school, that calling only grew stronger.

Determined to advocate effectively for him, she began pursuing her BA in Education with the goal of completing a Master’s in Teaching the Visually Impaired — not to start a school, but to better support her own children.

But as she studied, something shifted.

Mattie realized two important truths:

• She needed a way to support her family while staying present for her children, and
• More and more families were feeling let down by a system that wasn’t built for every learner.

And from that, Vibrant Minds Microschool was born.

Mattie dreamed of creating a school where children who don’t fit the traditional mold — curious learners, creative thinkers, neurodivergent students, late bloomers, deep feelers, and kids who simply need a gentler approach — could finally thrive.

A place that is:

• welcoming
• adaptable
• supportive
• calm
• hands-on
• deeply personal

A place where learning feels joyful and meaningful — not rushed, rigid, or overwhelming.

Today, Mathina brings that vision to life every day through mastery-based teaching, individualized pacing, and a whole-child philosophy rooted in compassion and real-world learning.

Her experience as a mother, educator, advocate, and caregiver shapes everything about Vibrant Minds.

Her heart for children is the heartbeat of the school — a school built from lived experience, determination, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves an education that truly fits them. A place where they not only belong, but are loved, supported, and seen for who they are.