As I began to write my very academic and glowing review of Christie, my daughter came in and simplified my work: "She is the best teacher I've ever had! She shows you different ways to solve problems, and makes it way easier to learn. She is funny and likes to make jokes. I love Christie!"
Really? Wow! Would you imagine that this is a 10th grader talking about her tutor?
We started with Christie 6 years ago when my 4th grader was becoming less and less confident at school, and about learning in general. We started with Christie as a way to help her build skills and confidence so she could be successful in junior high and high school. Four years later, you could not imagine how proud we were when our daughter received the Principal's Academic Award two years in a row, and twice received the "Academic All-American" plaque with her cheerleading squad who came to know her as "one of the smart kids." We attribute this success to Christie who was the consistent force behind the continual uptick in our daughter's grades and pride in her work.
Christie shows an amazing ability to recognize specific learning challenges, and uses games and reinforcement strategies that are fun for kids and boost their confidence. She makes connections with the kids through her good humor and keen insight into each individual's learning style. When one approach doesn't work, she has the experience, knowledge, and resources to "find another way" and so often gets the student to that "A-ha! Moment."
Above and beyond Christie's winning way with kids, is her top-notch organization and professionalism. She keeps an organized notebook for each student and prepares lessons for each as she sees fit, her billing is done clearly and in a timely manner, and she makes herself available for consultations and meetings with school officials and other outside professionals.
Obviously, Christie's personal brand of tutoring has filled a need in Petaluma and the surrounding areas as evidenced by her constant expansion. Since we started with her, she has moved to a beautiful new center and has selectively hired four quality tutors.
Our daughter is now on the academic path to college, is a Band student, and a cheerleader. Christie Johnson has been part of it all. Her work with our daughter has been integral in this success, and we have joked that our daughter should be the "poster girl" for The Christie Johnson's Learning Center. Now we think that Christie Johnson should be the poster girl for superior tutoring services.
Thank you, Christie. We love you and are so grateful to you. Please don't ever move! read more
