Meet Your Team
Board Chair & President
Brent Smith
Brent became a Jesus follower when he was 12 years old. He married his high school sweetheart, and they have 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren. He is an engineer, inventor, and founder of several successful companies. His personal mission statement is to lift up people and make Jesus smile.
"Portals is an exciting educational endeavor that will influence students for Christ and make Jesus smile."
Executive Director
Dr. Seann Dikkers
Seann gave his life to Jesus and has never looked back. He is a husband of 33 years, father of two homeschooled adults, and recently a grandfather. He manages curriculum design, delivery, and quality of the learning experience. He is currently pastor at Calvary Chapel White Bear. Previously, he served over 25 years in classrooms, school administration, and conducting research. He has authored a stack of articles and books around the efficacy of play and projects, and now advocates around the world for parent-led learning.
"You cannot build the best curriculum ever without rooting it in the Truth of God's Word."
Board Member
Keith Anderson
Keith is currently owner and board member of IRD a company that manufacturers glass and ceramic parts. He serves on the boards for Opportunity Enterprises, NorthStar Christian Academy, and Portals. Formerly he served also with Alexandria Industries. Keith has been married to Eileen for 59 years and has three grown children and five grandchildren.
"I want to help as many people as possible learn about Christ".
Board Treasurer
Nevin Smith
Nevin is enjoying retired life with his wife Lisa. He served as a commercial pilot for decades and now is active in his church, Pro-Life advocacy, and serving where the Lord leads -- including treasurer for Portals. Whenever able, he spends as much time with his grandchildren as possible.
"It is all about people. We serve the Lord when we love one another."
Board Member
David Schonberg
Dave met his wife, Jean, at SIL UND and they married in 1967. David and Jean started homeschooling their five children around 1978. They operated a 35 acre commercial garden, became members of a home church in their home until moving to a community center in Alexandria. They have offered a home to ex offenders and David has managed a machine shop that gives ex-offenders a chance to learn work skills. God has been teaching them all their lives. He is good.
"Everyone has a God given potential and purpose--so we never stop learning".
Operations Manager
Danielle McRaith
Danielle is a follower of Jesus Christ and wife to an amazing husband. She is also the Portals Operations Manager, streamlining the user experience and developing processes that simplify the on-boarding experience for new families and schools. Receiving her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Bethel University, she spent 5 years working in Human Resource Management before starting with Portals.
"I love that Portals makes it possible for anyone to homeschool!"
Projects and Endeavors
Tanya Rodriques
Tanya is a Jesus-loving wife, homeschooling mom of four, and graphic designer who is passionate about biblical education and discipleship. She earned her B.A. in Graphic Design from the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and has spent nearly 15 years in the design field.
"My heart's desire is to use my God-given creativity and gifts for the purposes and glory of God."
Lesson Planner
Britta Dikkers
Britta is a Christ-follower and homeschool graduate. She and her husband live near the Twin Cities. Britta graduated with a degree in education and taught English overseas before joining Portals in 2024. At Portals, Britta creates lessons and projects for Thinkers (middle schoolers).
"I love finding ways to weave the Bible into each course!"
Digital Development Dude
Greg Malinowski
Greg is a husband and father of four homeschooled children. He is currently pastor of Calvary Chapel Enid and "Digital Delivery Dude" for Portals. Greg has designed and continues to develop the digital interface that families and schools use to receive and customize the lesson plans they use to teach their students.
"I wonder, 'Why shouldn't homeschooling be as easy as ordering tacos?'"
Lesson Planner | Sales
Stephanie Dikkers
Stephanie is a pastor's wife and mom of two. Her greatest passion is following Jesus and being His servant. She homeschooled her children for 16 years. Homeschooling was an amazing blessing for her family and allowed her the joy of being able to raise kids to follow Christ. Previously she worked 8 years as a preschool teacher and director. She loves creating memorable projects that students look forward to doing.
"Portals is what I wished I had when I homeschooled!"
Lesson Planner
Becky Fallstrom
Becky is a mother of four and wife to an amazing husband. Her BA degree is in Elementary Education through Colorado Christian University and her MA degree in Curriculum and Instruction. God provided many opportunities to work among different age groups and in different schools. After being blessed with her eldest child in 2001, the Lord allowed her to fall in love with homeschooling all four children.
"I consider it a blessing and privilege to have been able to educate my own children with the values and beliefs that I hold so dear."
Lesson Planner | Hub Support
Kari Hessing
Kari's whole heart belongs to Jesus, and she's eternally grateful that He blessed her with five beautiful children and one loving husband! She always wanted to grow up and become a mother and a teacher and God surprised her with a calling that allows her to be both. Her work background includes sales, customer service, and working in the education field across grade levels. This is her eleventh year homeschooling.
"I am thrilled that I get to work with the best team and help other families achieve their homeschooling goals!"