Ruthanne Grundfast

Ruthanne Grundfast began her relationship with The Life Experience School in 1975 working with Lewis Randa as an intern for her graduate program in recreation therapy at Northeastern University. Prior to that training, Ruthanne received a Bachelor of Arts degree at George Washington University where she majored in studio art with a focused interest in art therapy and art history.

In 1980 Ruthanne moved to Bethesda, Maryland with her husband Ken and their two daughters. She worked for several years as an interior designer and spent much of her spare time doing volunteer work in her daughters' schools, in group homes for adults with disabilities and in community projects in Montgomery County, Maryland.

After returning to Boston in 1999, Ruthanne first volunteered at the Life Experience School, then joined the fulltime staff in 2001. She brings her years of experience in art and design, culinary arts and community activities to the students and enjoys helping them learn life skills, gain self-esteem and a sense of giving through their community service work.