Shandra Madsen

“Shandra Madsen has made Herriman her home for the past 25 years, where she and her husband Todd have raised their five children. A Riverton native, Shandra and Todd were childhood sweethearts, marrying after Todd’s mission to Honduras. Today, they have three adult children, two teenage boys still at home, and one granddaughter who brings joy to their entire family. For Shandra, the greatest happiness comes from being a wife, mother, and grandmother, or “MiMi,” as she’s affectionately called. Alongside her family, Shandra enjoys cooking, hosting parties, exercising with friends, and serving others.

Shandra’s journey as an entrepreneur began in 2007 when she started Deals to Meals, a business centered on her love for cooking, meal planning, and preparedness. For ten years, Shandra shared her knowledge and passion with others, all while balancing the busy demands of raising five children. Her husband Todd was a key part of the business, and they cherished the time they spent building it together. However, in a turn of events that Shandra calls divinely inspired, she felt a strong calling to transition from business to service. She embraced the opportunity to serve as the Director at the Columbus Education Center in Herriman, a role that has allowed her to impact lives in a deep and meaningful way.

As the Director, Shandra leads a dedicated team at the Columbus Center, which serves 250 adult students, 80+ teens and children, and a growing network of volunteers. Her role involves coordinating efforts between various committees, ensuring the center runs smoothly, and fostering a sense of community among everyone involved. From 75 teachers and 25 substitutes to the youth who come to serve, Shandra is continually inspired by the kindness and generosity of the Herriman community. She believes that the center would not be what it is today without the selflessness of those who give their time, talents, and resources to help others.

Shandra’s path has not been without its challenges. Throughout her life, she has struggled with anxiety and bouts of depression. For many years, she didn’t understand the nature of her mental health struggles and felt “different” from others. However, with time and faith, Shandra has learned to embrace these challenges, using them to grow in empathy and compassion. Her experiences with mental illness have deepened her reliance on her faith and strengthened her desire to serve others who may be going through their own struggles.

Through her work at the Columbus Center, Shandra has found a sense of purpose that goes beyond what she ever imagined. Being part of a team that brings hope and comfort to people in their darkest moments is a gift she holds dear. She feels fortunate to work alongside individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others, whether through teaching, providing childcare, or simply offering a helping hand.

For Shandra, serving at the Columbus Education Center is more than just a job—it’s a calling that allows her to give back to a community that has given so much to her and her family. She feels immense pride in the people of Herriman, who rally together in times of need and continually lift each other up. In her words, “We are all God’s children, and there are no boundaries to His love. I see this love in every person who serves at the center, and I am grateful for each and every one of them.””