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WV Uncommonplace Presents: The Collection
Step Ahead Tutoring Services
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Introduction:
- Guest: Gabrielle Critchlow, owner and director of Step Ahead Tutoring Services
- Services offered: In-person and online educational services, including tutoring, resume assistance, graduate school counseling, college counseling, and test prep.
Inspiration for Starting the Tutoring Program:
- Gabrielle's journey started in college when she worked as a tutor for an after-school program for foster kids.
- She enjoyed helping students with their schoolwork and realized the importance of building relationships with them.
- Gabrielle's passion for tutoring led her to work for various companies and eventually start her own business.
Education and Background:
- Gabrielle holds a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
- While she didn't receive formal business training, her educational background in psychology and counseling has been invaluable in her business.
Obstacles Faced in Building the Business:
- Gabrielle encountered challenges in getting funding and marketing with a limited budget.
- Being a one-woman army required wearing multiple hats and juggling various aspects of the business.
Services Offered:
- Step Ahead Tutoring Services offers one-on-one tutoring, test prep, and online counseling services.
- Gabrielle's team also provides editing and proofreading for essays and documents.
Mentoring and Influencing Others:
- Gabrielle feels a sense of fulfillment in mentoring and empowering young students to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
- She emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and mental health aspects of tutoring to provide holistic support.
How to Request Tutoring Services:
- Interested clients can visit the website (www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com) and fill out a request form for in-person or online tutoring.
- They can also reach out to Gabrielle directly at 347-762-2838 for inquiries.
Impact of COVID-19:
- COVID-19 forced the business to transition to online services, which opened new global opportunities.
- The pandemic, however, led to a decrease in clients and tutors and required quick adjustments.
College Counseling and Graduate School Counseling:
- Step Ahead Tutoring Services provides guidance for college applications, financial aid, and finding suitable schools.
- The focus is on tailoring services to meet each individual's needs.
Closing Thoughts:
- Gabrielle shares her unexpected journey from being an employee to a business owner.
- COVID-19 brought both challenges and opportunities, and Gabrielle remains optimistic about the future of online tutoring.
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