Marissa Jesko
Center Director
I am Marissa Jesko, Center Director of the LearningRx Center in Maple Grove. I am so honored to be able to help families in Maple Grove, Plymouth, Osseo, Champlin, Dayton, Rogers, Otsego, Elk River, Anoka and the whole northwest metro area live better lives through cognitive training.
From a young age, my passion has been to help people, especially children, reach their full potential. This led me to earn a Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology and Elementary Education and Masters of Elementary Education, both from the University of Minnesota. In my many years as a classroom teacher, I was disappointed that I did not have the time or tools to address each student’s unique learning needs and struggles. Instead, I would watch my students continue to falter in the classroom and fall further behind. This pushed me to take a step back and evaluate how I achieve my goal of helping people reach their full potential, which is what led me to LearningRx. Working with students ranging in age from 5 to 95, each with their own individual history, strengths and set of skills, has been so fulfilling. I cherish the daily interactions with students and seeing how LearningRx training impacts so many distinct aspects of their lives. I look forward to meeting you and being a part of your journey!
Nate Maus
Director of Training
I’m Nate Maus, the Director of Training for LearningRx of Maple Grove along with our locations in Eden Prairie and Shoreview. I studied Psychology at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and am a Board Certified Cognitive Specialist. I was initially drawn to LearningRx in 2008 as a way to apply the academic knowledge I received from my studies in cognitive psychology to help individuals directly. In the past, I took great joy in working with clients personally as a cognitive trainer and now focus my time as the Director of Training on finding and training amazing and highly skilled individuals to work as cognitive trainers. I love seeing the amazing growth our trainers deliver daily. I have a passion for helping people and oversee all our programs to ensure every student receives the best cognitive training possible.
Noah Sievert
Trainer Supervisor
I’ve been working at LearningRx since Spring 2013. Prior to that, I had an internship at the Center for Spirituality and Healing where I explored the effects of mindfulness on the brain. I enjoy working with students of all ages and adults, helping them to improve their skills and achieve their goals. Whether we are working on reading, attention, or self-accountability with school, I love to challenge clients to move beyond their current skill levels to reach new heights.
Chiamaka Okonkwo
Lead Cognitive Skills Trainer
Chiamaka majored in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and she grew up in the Twin Cities area. Her hobbies include reading, running, and listening to music. Her favorite brain training activity is Reasoning Brain Cards. Chiamaka loves Brain Training because she says, ” It is an extremely rewarding experience to see the positive changes that Brain Training has on a student’s confidence and in their ability to learn. “
Elise Bierbaum
Director of First Impressions
Hello! My name is Elise Bierbaum, and I am the Director of First Impressions at LearningRx in Maple Grove. I grew up in Willmar, MN and now live in Maple Grove. I love working at LearningRx because I find it rewarding to build connections with families and watch the students grow. In my free time, I love to paint, cook, and spend time with my puppy!
Kara Brathwaite
Cognitive Skills Trainer
Hi! I’m Kara, I came to LearningRx with a degree from Malone University in Psychology. My favorite procedure to train at LearningRx is Reasoning Brain Cards because I LOVE doing logic puzzles. My favorite motto is to learn to love the little and small blessings, as well as the big ones! Outside of LearningRx you will find me enjoying writing, reading, baking, and drawing.
Natalie Pongmany
Cognitive Skills Trainer
Hello! My name is Natalie and I attended the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities as a Psychology Major. Outside of academics, I enjoy swimming, snowboarding, and reading! In the past, I was a swim instructor, and my favorite part was to see the joy on people’s faces when they finally overcame a difficult task. This is why I became interested in LearningRx; I want to be a part of people’s journey of conquering mental challenges and to expand their love of learning!
Illeana Thao
Cognitive Skills Trainer
Hello! My name is Illeana and I study psychology at the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities. I believe learning is a blessing, and although it can be difficult, I understand how rewarding it is to overcome significant challenges. I became interested in LearningRx because I love to help others overcome mental challenges that I know they can overcome. In my free time, I love to do arts and crafts, dance, and be with my friends and family.
