Spring/Summer 2019 Edition of Around Reston Magazine

My husband Michael and I moved from Washington, DC to Northern Virginia in 1994, on a January day that was so cold that our plants died instantly en route from truck to house. On our first day, I bundled up and drove to the CVS Pharmacy.  I was greeted at the door by an employee, who gave me a big smile and asked what I needed this evening.  I don’t remember what I needed but do remember being flabbergasted at the warmth of his greeting.  Was this what living in Fairfax County would be like?

Virginia has not disappointed me. We continued to encounter friendly and supportive neighbors and colleagues. Armed with an MA in Teaching and several years of experience teaching elementary school, I immediately started a home-based business, called Tutoring For Success, to supply high quality home-based tutoring to students throughout the DC metro area. Michael continued his day job as a computer programmer and created a database for our business, which he maintains to this day.  My goal was to work from home to have low overhead and thus pay our tutors well.  Another benefit was to be home for my eventual children.  Meanwhile, I was never lonely.  I worked with talented tutors, I tutored adorable children, and I conversed with friendly neighbors and store clerks.  I joined chambers of commerce and other networking groups. It was exciting to be involved in the community and watch Tutoring For Success thrive.

In 2003, with a 3-year old, 5-year old, and miniature poodle, we moved to a single family home in Franklin Farm, where we still live today.  Our Franklin Farm neighborhood takes friendliness to a new level with a steady stream of parties and even a neighborhood bluegrass band. We enjoy Franklin Farm’s thirteen miles of trails, two swimming pools, and six ponds. Franklin Farm is an ideal neighborhood for raising a family and a convenient location for running a home-based business and commuting.

This year, Tutoring For Success (www.tutoringforsuccess.com) celebrates 25 years in business, beating the daunting statistics.  We have helped over 4000 students achieve academic success.  Many of our tutors have been working for us for over ten years.  I believe that much of our success comes from living in such a supportive community and because we have remained relatively small allowing for more personalized services.

In addition to running Tutoring For Success, I serve on two local boards, the ADHD Resource Group of Northern Virginia and CHADD of Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).  Both groups offer free services to the Northern Virginia area, including support groups, free lectures, and an annual resource fair.

When I receive a call or email from a happy client, I know I chose the right business.  The future is in our children, and providing nurturing support to our future leaders will benefit society immeasurably.