The Max Foundation is thrilled to welcome Lisa Byfuglien as the new Project 11 Coordinator. With nearly 30 years of experience as a preschool educator as well as the founder of the Smart Start Learning Center, Lisa is no stranger to empowering young minds. Her rich background in education, coupled with her passion for mental health advocacy, makes her a natural fit for this role.
Lisa’s journey to the Max Foundation is rooted in a personal connection. Her family has long been close to the foundation’s founders, and after learning about Project 11—a mental health initiative designed for schools—she felt a strong pull to contribute. “Mental health is such a critical issue today,” Lisa shares. “It touches everyone, and I knew I wanted to help in some way.”
Project 11 equips educators with tools to address mental health challenges in their classrooms, offering accessible lesson plans and a supportive philosophy. Lisa was drawn to the initiative’s inclusive approach, emphasizing that mental health knows no boundaries—it impacts individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances.
In her new role, Lisa focuses on increasing awareness and adoption of Project 11 across Minnesota and North Dakota. Networking plays a central role in her strategy. From connecting with local educators to engaging state education boards, Lisa works to build bridges and spread the foundation’s mission. One of Lisa’s latest wins has been collaboration with the school district in Win-E-Mac, Minnesota, where she partnered with educators to introduce Project 11, drawing local media attention and community interest.
Lisa is also exploring a partnership with Smiles for Jake, a mental health organization in the Brainerd Lakes area. This partnership aims to merge efforts and expand Project 11’s reach. “Working together is key,” Lisa explains. “When communities come together to prioritize mental health, the possibilities are endless.”
Despite her excitement, Lisa acknowledges the challenges ahead. Time management is a hurdle as she balances outreach efforts with the busy schedules of communicating with educators. Streamlining the communication process is one of the challenges.
Finding the time in educators’ already busy schedules is another hurdle she is striving to overcome. She’s exploring innovative ways to make the program even more accessible, such as advocating for continuing education credits for teachers who participate in Project 11 training.
Closing the gaps will help Project 11 effectively make the process easier to implement within the school systems.
Her long-term vision includes taking Project 11 beyond state lines. During an upcoming visit to Montana, Lisa plans to introduce the program to a charter school founded by her cousin, underscoring the initiative’s potential for national impact.
“Mental health affects everyone,” Lisa emphasizes. “If we can help schools create supportive environments for their students, we’re doing something incredibly valuable.”
With Lisa Byfuglien at the helm, Project 11 is set to make a lasting impact on student mental health. Through her dedication and the Max Foundation’s vision, the initiative is poised to transform classrooms into spaces where every student can thrive emotionally and academically.
Stay connected with the Max Foundation to follow Lisa’s progress and learn how Project 11 is making a difference in schools near you.
