Our Founders
“Our mission has always been simple: to make this knowledge accessible, sustainable, and grounded in hope. We created the Masgutova Foundation so the next generation would have the tools, research, and support that so many families need today.”
— Dr. Svetlana Masgutova, Denis Masgutova & Pamela Curlee
The foundation was founded in 2014 by:
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Svetlana Masgutova Ph.D.
“A human life, in any state of physical or mental health, is of the highest value in this world.”
– Svetlana Masgutova, Ph.D.
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​Dr. Svetlana Masgutova is the creator of MNRI® / The Masgutova Method®, a pioneering approach to NeuroReflex Integration rooted in her early humanitarian work since she was helping the survival of traumatized children in 1989, and in several other big catastrophes (school shooting, wildfire, flood, and individual). Over the past three decades, her research-driven method and practical work of her clinics' professional colleagues have supported the development and recovery of more than 300,000 children and 80,000 adults worldwide.
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​She is the Founder of the Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute, the Masgutova Foundation, the Masgutova Graduate School of Neurodevelopment Sciences, and the MINDS Group, and has led over 300 inter/national MNRI® conferences and clinics.
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​A respected lecturer, researcher, and author of more than 200 publications, Dr. Masgutova remains dedicated to advancing neurodevelopment, trauma recovery, and humanitarian support globally.
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Dennis Masgutova, Emeritus
“Set a goal, move forward, reach it. This is the meaning of life.”
– Denis Masgutova, MA (1983–2016)
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Denis Masgutova dedicated his life to advancing MNRI® / The Masgutova Method®, beginning his work at just nine years old. Known for his intuitive, compassionate approach, he supported children and adults with neurodevelopmental challenges, trauma, and sensory-processing difficulties.
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As Co-Founder of the International Dr. Svetlana Masgutova Institute and an International MNRI® Specialist, Denis played a key role in developing techniques, refining programs, and expanding MNRI® globally. He also led international rehabilitation camps and helped train professionals who continue this work today.
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His commitment to research included collecting EMG/BTS data from over 300 children with Cerebral Palsy and Autism, contributing to a deeper understanding of reflex integration and neurodevelopment.
With a background in psychology, developmental pathology, and massage therapy, Denis combined scientific insight with a profound ability to connect and support others.
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His legacy lives on through the research he advanced, the global community he helped build, and the lives he impacted.
Pamela Curlee, Emeritus
“Simple is profound.”
– Pamela Curlee
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Pamela Curlee is the Co-Founder, Emeritus of the Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute (SMEI) and a leading advocate for the global expansion of the Masgutova Method.
Since meeting Dr. Masgutova in 1994, she has dedicated decades, and more than 10,000 hours, to teaching, testing, and in-depth training. Through her work, she has helped train thousands of people who have contributed to the growth and spread of Masgutova Method programs across all 50 states and 40 different countries. She has also participated in well over 150 Family Conferences.
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As Head of Instruction at SMEI, through 2024, she had led the development of the Masgutova Method Core Specialist Certification and Instructor programs, and co-authored Trauma Recovery – You Are A Winner with Dr. Masgutova. She holds a B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Colorado State University, pursued graduate studies in deaf education, and served as a Faculty Chairperson and Board member for the Educational Kinesiology Foundation in the 1990s.
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She is the mother of two daughters and grandmother of four.