About Me

I’m Mathina Starks, founder and lead educator at Vibrant Minds Microschool. My professional and personal journey has woven together psychology, caregiving, education, and motherhood. Each step has deepened my commitment to creating a school where children are valued for who they are and supported at their own pace.

Education & Training

• Purdue University (2003–2005) – General Studies & Psychology (Child Psychology, Human Development, Abnormal Psychology, Communications, Math, College Composition).
• East Central College (2017–2018) – Courses in Art (Painting) and School, Community, and Family.
• .Western Governors University (2024–2025) – B.A. in Special & Elementary Education (Dual Licensure)WGU_Transcript
• Missouri State University (Current) – Pursuing a Master’s in Special Education with emphasis in Low Vision/Blindness.

Professional Experience

• SL Start & Associates (1998–2002) – Supported adults with disabilities in group homes, teaching life skills and assisting with transition from institutional living.
• Your Friends and Neighbors (2003–2005) – Case manager for adults with disabilities; supervised 32 staff and supported 15 clients.
• Crossroads (2005–2006) – Residential psychiatric unit for boys (ages 6–16) with ODD, RAD, trauma, and abuse backgrounds; supported academics and facilitated social-emotional groups.
• Bob Belloni Ranch (2006–2007) – Girls’ rehabilitation ranch, facilitating counseling, life skills, and academics for foster and justice-involved teens.
• Foster Parent (2007–2013) – Fostered children ages 0–15, including many with behavioral challenges. Adopted my oldest daughter in 2012.
• Fresenius Medical Care (2007–2021) – Dialysis Technician, providing consistent patient care and support.
• Second Home Childcare (2021–2023) – Operated in-home daycare for ages 0–4, blending play-based care and early learning.
• First Student (2023–2024) – School bus driver, Washington School District.
• Homestead at Hickory View (2024–2025) – Overnight Concierge in independent living facility.
• Vibrant Minds Microschool (2025–Present) – Founder & Director of a one-room K–12 microschool grounded in mastery-based, inclusive education.

My Story

At age 15, I went on a mission trip to South America to help build a new orphanage for children with special needs. During that trip, I wrote a letter to God about wanting to be a mom to many. Over the years, that prayer has been answered in countless ways. I’ve cared for children of friends and relatives, worked in residential centers, tutored, fostered, and adopted.

From 2007–2013, I served as a foster parent to children ages 0–15, many of whom came with significant behavioral challenges. In 2012, I fought to adopt my oldest daughter—deemed “unadoptable” by the system due to her behaviors. Today, she has blossomed into an amazing adult and mother.

Later, at age 40, I was blessed through IVF with my son in 2020 and my daughter in 2022. Both children have since been diagnosed as Autistic, and my son is also legally blind with a degenerative condition. They are brilliant, determined, and continue to shape both my parenting and my teaching philosophy.

Their journeys inspired me to pursue formal training in education and special education. As I progressed through my studies, I saw the gaps in traditional schooling and realized I could create something different. Vibrant Minds was born from this vision: a mastery-based, inclusive, one-room schoolhouse where children learn at their pace and shine in their own way.

Philosophy

I believe no child is ever “behind.” Learning is a personal journey, and every child deserves space, patience, and encouragement to master skills in their own time. At Vibrant Minds, I combine academic rigor with creativity, play, and social-emotional growth so students gain not only knowledge but also confidence and self-direction.