About Our School

What is a folk school?

The folk school tradition traces its origins to Scandinavian countries, with NFS Grundtvig of Denmark coining the term 'schools for life' as part of his philosophy of education, and of his vision for strengthening and empowering communities. Our folk school focuses on an unplugged, deliberate approach, with an emphasis on intergenerational learning that is fun, collaborative and restorative.

MMFS Mission

Our mission is to enrich lives and strengthen community by inviting all people to discover the joy of creating together from a folk school tradition.

MMFS Vision

Our vision is to make a better world by building community, encouraging curiosity, and celebrating the gift of beauty in all we create.

MMFS Values

  • We value a culture that supports learners and teachers.
  • We invite all communities to gather in the joy of making.
  • We believe in the restorative value of our natural environment, and in our responsibility to protect it.
  • We strive to be a positive presence, seeking to nurture, support, and champion the communities we serve.

Our Board

group photo of the board of directors

From left: Julie McGarvie (Ex-Officio Member, Executive Director), Jenni Corbett, Dick Osgood, Molly Sanford, Andy Wallace, Jen Betchwars, Robin Brooksbank, Amanda Bryant, Nanc MacLeslie, Christa Getchell.

Robin Brooksbank (Founder & Board Chair). Community volunteer, former city council member and board member for a variety of nonprofits, retired co-owner of manufacturing company.


Amanda Bryant. Current Head of Operations with many crafting hobbies. Forest Lake community member who loves reading, tending a small flock of chickens and walking her two dogs.


Andy Wallace (Treasurer). Owner of construction company for 20+ years, long-time local volunteer for a variety of organizations.


Christa Getchell. Following a fulfilling professional career of 40+ years in the non-profit arena, she now focuses her time on family, friends, and community.


Dick Osgood. Dick is a retired lake ecologist. Dick is also a lifelong woodworker.


Jen Betchwars. Fiber art, native plant and outdoor enthusiast; currently a professional storyteller and associate creative director at Target.


Jenni Corbett. Long time community volunteer, resident of Forest Lake, fiber, wood and painting enthusiast who enjoys cooking and baking for her loved ones.

Julie McGarvie (ED, Ex-Officio Member). Returned to the area as an adult after growing up in Chisago County. Always interested in the arts; professionally she has focused on strategic communications and creative production for arts and cultural organizations.

Molly Sanford. Artist, educator, and fabrication shop / makerspace director at the University of Minnesota. Nature enthusiast, local resident, and community builder.


Nanc MacLeslie (Secretary). Founding board member of the Marine Mills Folk School and the Marine Community Library. A dedicated craft enthusiast and a supporter of folk schools everywhere, she also enjoys singing with various ensembles.

History of Marine Mills

Founded in 1839, Marine Mills was the site of the first commercial sawmill in what would become the state of Minnesota. As lumbering became less of a dominant economic force, Twin Cities residents became increasingly interested in the area for its natural beauty and access to the St. Croix River. In an effort to emphasize the area's pastoral beauty, the city name was changed to 'Marine on St. Croix' in 1912, as 'Marine Mills' was felt to be too industrial.