Owner and Academic Tutor, Lisa Marie, is Setting the Example for Horizon West Students

“Always give it 100% no matter what it is. Do your best. It will leave you feeling good inside.” – Lisa Marie

We enjoy shining a spotlight on Horizon Westers who are going above and beyond to make our community an outstanding place to live, work and play. That’s why we’d like you to meet Lisa Marie– owner of Ur Learning Solution. Her formal services include tutoring and academic prep, but she does so much more for her community of students. Lisa works tirelessly to ensure that her students become confident and courageous learners. She also is widely known in Horizon West for her efforts to meet the needs of students in tangible ways that go well above the call of duty.

Her mission is to help any student, at any level or grade, reach their potential in education through tutoring. She believes in building confidence and mentoring students to help them get through their learning challenges. We decided the best way for you to hear her story was to hear it straight from her. Here’s what Lisa had to say!

Tell Us About Your Background, How Did You End Up in Education?

I’m originally from up north, like many of my friends and neighbors here. I worked in corporate America and when I moved to Florida, I decided to change careers and follow my passion into the world of education. In the beginning of my career, I worked for a college teaching and tutoring new students. I quickly began to notice that many students were entering college unprepared and I was shocked. They didn’t know the basics and I realized that- in order to move on to college level learning- they would need academic interventions like tutoring on a regular basis. I found myself asking, “How did this happen? How did they graduate?”

That’s what prompted me to find my true passion which is working with kids before it’s that late in the game.

What Drew You to Tutoring?

My ultimate goal is to make an impact. Minds are much more open to learning at a younger age. Something interesting happens if you don’t engage learning at a young age.

There comes a time right around middle school where a switch happens from having natural curiosity and an open mind to a distinct lack of interest. Once that begins, it becomes increasingly difficult to connect the child to their own ability and desire to learn. Early intervention is critical to prevent lack of interest later on. It also helps with setting up habits of self- discipline and work ethic.

Every student learns different, as every teacher teaches different. We like to fit our students with the nontraditional teaching methods. What might work for one student might not work on another. We will find which style, method, tutor, or engagement will work for your child.

Why Did You Decide to Start Your Own Tutoring Service Rather Than Work Directly with a School?

I really love the ability to work one on one with the kids. My ultimate goal, as I’d mentioned, is to really make an impact on each child. In order to do that, I need to work directly with each student as an individual. The classroom has value in and of itself, but that extra step of working one on one is something special. Also, I find that working one on one or in small group settings allows me to work with a diverse variety of learners!

I can work as efficiently with a kinesthetic learner as I can with an auditory or visual learner. I can also work meaningfully with a student who may have learning disabilities. Small settings make a huge difference in opening up the way a student naturally learns.

What Ages Do You Serve and What Subjects Do You Cover?

All ages! I can work with toddlers who are just beginning their formal learning all the way to adults who are studying for LSATS or getting ready to take the ASVAB. There is no limit to learning and I’m happy to partner with each person no matter where they are in their educational journey.

One of the great things about building a community through Ur Learning Solution is that we are able to tutor ALL academic subjects! If your child can take the class in school, we can help them unlock their potential to exceed expectations. We are also currently able to offer tutoring in some foreign languages. Another area that many families find valuable is to book tutoring sessions with us for test taking skills. Test prep for the FSA, SAT and ACT are a big part of what we do. We also offer tutoring for the GRE, ASVAB, BORDER PATROL, LSAT, NLCLEX and more.

What Are You Passionate About and What Sets You Apart?

The best thing I think is when I see the lightbulb turn on. That moment when something just clicks after they’ve worked so hard; it really is special. I like to see the tide turn from not wanting to learn to enjoying learning and then loving to learn! I always tell my students that they have to want to succeed. Achievement is something you earn. Practice makes progress is the standard in our learning community and I thrive on their enthusiasm.

Tutoring is probably something many families have experienced at one time or another, but sometimes it can feel a bit like just another task to check off the list. I don’t want any of my students or families to feel that way. I make sure to connect with each family on a personal level. I want them to know that this relationship has value and meaning beyond the hour that they have booked. My goal is to be a part of their whole learning experience and to be involved in anything school related. I will meet with teachers, work with them in connected areas of learning and stay in touch to make sure they continue to stay on track. They are with me until they graduate no matter how long their formal sessions last.

What Should Families and Students Expect From Working With You?

Probably the first thing I want families to know is that they can expect to see improvement. Maybe that sounds like a given but you would be surprised! Academic improvement is not always a guarantee from a tutor, but it is from me. Your student will improve, and they will build confidence. They will unlock curiosity and begin to excel. It is very important to me that the students are engaged right alongside me.

I believe that tutoring is a two-way street and for it to be successful, both parties have to be invested. You can expect your student to be encouraged to share in the experience with me. I will meet them right where they are, make sure they are having fun, and encourage engagement so that your student is motivated and confident.

“Lisa Marie is one of our most supportive partners here at Water Spring Elementary. She is an active member of our school advisory council and works as a positive liaison to bring parents, teachers and community members together to support the successful growth of students. She knows that it’s important to recognize the hard work put forth by our staff members. She provides treats, awards and other surprises to keep our spirits up. Lisa Marie is known by the entire staff. She has such a giving heart and offers her services to ensure that any child who needs support, receives it. We are blessed to have Lisa Marie commit her time, passion for teaching and learning, as well as taking care of the needs of students and staff here at Water Spring Elementary.” – Amy Klabor, Principal of Water Spring Elementary

Why Did You Decide to Tutor in Horizon West?

It’s important to build into the community that you are a part of, so for me that meant working alongside educators that were already colleagues. I was fortunate to partner with several local schools, which has allowed me to create a growing community of learners!

One of the great things about Horizon West is the way residents rely on each other for support and information. Word of mouth has given me enormous opportunities to expand tutoring to so many more students.

You Are Well-Known Locally For Your Community Service Efforts. Is That Something You Find Important?

Community service is the single most important thing we can do as an organization. We love to give back to the community and get involved by helping others in whatever way they might need.

When we help the community, we help the students who come to us. Not only do we donate to various schools and sponsor different events, we also donate incentives for the faculty and staff, we partner with various local businesses to work together to help people in need, we donate to food pantries and help families during hard times in many different ways. Ur Learning Solution also supports and participates in various community events.

“I have used Lisa Marie’s tutoring service this past year for my senior. Tutoring for the SAT. My son is a competitive boy and likes to debate. I sat in on one session with them. She makes it fun but also challenged him to think outside his norm. She gave tests for him to do and if completed correctly rewarded him. Always a plus! School work and studying is never fun for most kids but she made it enjoyable for him. Thank you Lisa for time spent with my son!” –Marilou Stones

Book With Lisa Today!