Our Story

For Marianne Jylha, the roots of Great Minds Learning Center started close to home. For years, she watched her daughter, Megan, struggle to learn with traditional teaching methods. Finally, a dyslexia diagnosis in 4th grade changed everything. Once Megan received specialized instruction that addressed her specific learning needs, she began to flourish. Marianne realized that there were many others just like Megan who could use this type of specialized help. She founded Great Minds Learning Center in 2011 as a nonprofit organization to help students of all ages with reading difficulties.

Due to the inaccessibility of sustainable funding, Marianne chose to dissolve the nonprofit status as of December 31, 2022 and created Great Minds Learning Center, LLC. The scholarship program took on a new structure and continues to be funded by the people who believe in our mission. Free from the relentless responsibility of fundraising, Marianne is now fully engaged in curriculum development, teacher training, and advocacy for improved learning experiences for children with learning disabilities.

Marianne's educational experience:

• 2017 - M.Ed., College of St. Scholastica

• 1992 - B.S. Elementary Education, University of Wisconsin- Superior

• 1989 - A.A. Itasca Community College

• 1989 - Diploma, Grand Rapids Senior High School

Helping students grow a love for learning

Our staff is trained in instructional methods proven effective for helping students learn.  Whatever barriers to success your child (or you!) have encountered in the past, our one-on-one instruction and consistent progress checks will open up the path to success.

Our Mission

The mission of Great Minds Learning Center is to provide children and adults with the necessary reading and spelling skills to accomplish their educational and personal goals.  

“Great Minds has changed my son’s life. It’s given him a future.”

— Colleen