Meet the Board of Directors
Jason Wheeler - Association Director
Jason has been involved in Odyssey of the Mind non-stop since 1990. In his time as an OMER he’s been a wizard, a TRex, an M&M, a clown, a crayon, and construction worker, a kangaroo, a World Finalist, a board member, a judge, a head judge, a World Finals Head Judge and as of 2020, he will serve the Maine Odyssey as the Association Director. But easily his favorite role with Odyssey is as an Odyssey Dad. Jason is inspired by the positive change he sees in Odyssey kids year after year and is focused on making sure every kid in Maine has the opportunity to experience the benefits of teamwork, collaboration and creative problem solving that makes Odyssey of the Mind special.
Fran Bodkin - Coaches Coordinator
Fran has been involved in Odyssey of the Mind in many capacities over the years and has enjoyed them all! Both of her children, now in college, have participated on Odyssey teams and have had experiences that have carried forward into their current college careers. Some of Fran’s favorite Odyssey memories include coaching her children’s teams and watching them grow and learn with their friends. She is now volunteering on the board as the Coaches’ Coordinator. Fran lives with her family in Acton, Maine.
Michelle Breton - Primary Director
I have been involved with Odyssey of the Mind for eight years, first as a parent, then as a coach and judge and now as a board member. I love all things Odyssey and my hope is that I can be instrumental in making this program as strong as it can be so that it can be a place that children in Maine can experience growth and form friendships through creativity.
Rena Farrington - Volunteer Director
I am one of the newest board members. I have been involved with Odyssey of the Mind for the past 5 years. The past 2 years as a coach, before that as a supportive parent and chaperone for the team as they traveled to World Finals.I love watching the team members mature and grow in the program. Their intelligence and imagination never ceases to amaze me. I look forward to what the future of Odyssey will bring- we have an amazing opportunity before us
Kurt Freitag - State Problem Captain
Much to my surprise I found myself volunteering to be a long term judge back in 2010. Eventually, I ended up in Problem 2 and with my background as a marine electrician and in computer science it was a natural fit. As a board member it’s my duty to make sure that each kid has the best experience possible.
Michele Freitag - Secretary
I’ve been involved with Odyssey for 14 years. For the last 13 years, I’ve been the OotM coordinator for the York Schools. I’ve also been a judge, a coach, and even a team member! I figured, “Why let the kids have all the fun?” While doing my masters, I competed with two of my sons and their friends on a college team. I love what Odyssey offers to children and adults alike - so many real life skills. It is a huge part of my life. I AM an OMER!
Merrell Long - Training Coordinator
I have been in OM for 19 years, 13 coaching, 6 as District Coordinator, 4 Judging, and 4 as Training Coordinator on Maine OM Board. I have been a trainer for 9 years for various trainings. I have been to Worlds 12 times, 4 times as a Coach, 1 as a Judge, 1 as a parent, and the rest as District Coordinator. I have also done the Coaches Competition at Worlds 1 time. Odyssey has taught me many things, most importantly to open my mind.
Shari Long - Tournament Director
I started my OM journey in 2002 when our son’s teacher suggested he give it a try. It turned out to be a great fit for him and our whole family! Through the years I’ve coached, assisted with training sessions, judged at the Primary Tournament and was an Assistant District Coordinator. I’ve attended World Finals 5 times as a coach and as a participant in the Shadow Program where I spent the week learning about all aspects of running an OM program and Tournament. I’m currently in my second year as a board member and this will be my 4th year as the Discovery Region Tournament Director.
MaryBeth Nolt - Tournament Director
MaryBeth lives in Portland, Maine, and coaches her two young OMers. She first experienced Odyssey of the Mind when she was in grade school. She has been a part of Odyssey as a team member, coach, judge, board member, and tournament director! She loves seeing the creativity and confidence that build in kids through the program.
Jim Rowe - Treasurer
I started my teaching career in 1989 and was introduced that same year to Odyssey of the Mind, by veteran Auburn Middle School math teacher Jim Ervin. After observing his teams undertake the problem solving process, solving spontaneous problems, and creating an original vehicle using an electric drill and skateboard parts I was hooked. In the Spring of 1993 I attended my first World Finals at the University of Maryland, coaching the problem “Dinosaur," and have been very fortunate to have coached incredibly dedicated, dynamic teams that have competed at World Finals at Michigan State and Iowa State. Odyssey gives teams and coaches the opportunity to express their creativity and uniqueness and that motivates me to be a continuing part of this great organization.
Hesper Schleiderer Hardy - Legal
Hesper is a long-time member of the Odyssey Family! She participated as a student team member in elementary school through high school, with her team qualifying and attending World Finals four times. After completing law school, Hesper returned to Maine Odyssey: she has been a Structure Judge since 2006 and a Board Member since 2007. Odyssey’s emphasis on creative thinking, problem solving, and teamwork are lifelong lessons that Hesper benefitted from personally and she wants to ensure others get that same opportunity!
Jeff Beavers - COMING SOON!
Miranda Engstrom - COMING SOON!
Our Vision.
To provide the Odyssey of the Mind creative problem solving program to all Maine students.
Our Mission.
To support all students by providing opportunities to take risks, think in unique ways, and grow in an environment that encourages them to become confident, collaborative individuals.
Our Why.
Every student is capable of a moment of genius, and this moment is not always limited to solving a complex math equation, programming a computer, composing an opus or putting the finishing touches on a beautifully painted masterpiece. This moment refers to the point in a student's' educational journey when they find their inner strength and realize that they are capable of great things. When kids are given the ability to take a risk in an environment where there is no right or wrong...no grades...no standardized tests, their minds flourish and their character shines. Odyssey of the Mind provides kids with that environment and the chance to discover their own genius...that is why Maine Odyssey of the Mind does what it does.
Odyssey of the Mind (OM™) teaches students how to develop and use their natural creativity to become problem-solvers. Imagine being faced with a problem that requires an original solution. It can be frightening. Now imagine not being afraid to solve that problem – that is what OM members learn. This skill and self-confidence will carry over to all areas of their lives. OM brings the classroom to life as students apply what they learn and combine it with their interests and passions to solve our unique open-ended problems. OM also emphasizes teamwork, budgeting, time management, public speaking, and so much more. This international program is designed to help students at all learning levels grow as individual learners, grow as team members, and to reach their full potential.