Hidden Gems: Meet Ebony Donley of Literacy Innovations, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Donley.

Hi Ebony, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story started as a child. I loved reading and learning new things. I grew up in a print rich environment and spent a lot of time at the library. I come from a family of readers and reading was modeled in my home and the homes of my family members. I was also raised to be a critical thinker and problem solver and to help others when I was able. I was taught to strive for excellence at an early age. My love of literacy led me to major in education in college.

After teaching for several years, I noticed a decline in literacy skills of the youth. I started Literacy Innovations, LLC – a tutoring company to help solve that problem. I wanted to address and improve the literacy crisis in my community and beyond. Armed with a Bachelor of Science on Education, a Master of Education, and three Ohio teaching licenses, I was certain I could be part of the solution. I started doing one-on-one tutoring sessions using hands-on materials. I created learning plans for each learner that focused on using his/her strength to help improve his/her areas of concern.

The need to expand my reach and serve more people led me to start hosting monthly family game nights in the community. During these game nights we play educational games that focus on enhancing reading, math, and problem-solving skills. I also give away free books and other educational resources to the families. These game nights continue to be free and open to the public.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, owning and operating a Literacy Innovations, LLC has not been a smooth ride. It has difficult competing with larger, more well-known companies. It has also been challenging to hire and retain knowledgeable, reliable tutors. Literacy Innovations is more than a business; it’s a passion. I’ve also struggled with people trying to put me in a box and have me conform to their idea of what a tutoring company should be.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Literacy Innovations, LLC was founded to solve the ongoing literacy crisis. Literacy Innovations, LLC is a tutoring company that specializes in enhancing literacy and math skills of the youth. We focus on increasing all aspects of literacy, including phonemic awareness, phonics, word recognition, vocabulary development, fluency, comprehension, and writing in the K-12 population using an individualized approach.

Serving the special needs population is also a specialty area. I have been working with students with exceptional needs for over thirty years. I have experience working with individuals with autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, and other special needs.

I am known for promoting literacy and improving reading skills though one-on-one tutoring sessions and community events. I am most proud of my commitment to literacy and how working to solve the literacy crisis has garnered the attention of people who have assisted me in expanding my reach. I have participated in citywide reading campaigns and worked with various businesses to promote reading.

Literacy Innovations, LLC is set apart because we do not use a one size fits all approach. A personalized learning plan is developed for each client using hands-on materials. The client’s learning style, likes, and strengths are used to create the learning plan.

I am most proud of being able to maintain integrity of my brand. Literacy Innovations, LLC maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. I also have WBE, MBE, and EDGE certifications with the state of Ohio.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
An important lesson that I’ve learned along my journey is to be true to myself and the vision I have for my company. I’ve learned to stand firm in the way I structure my tutoring sessions and my pricing.

Pricing:

• $75.00 one-on-one tutoring sessions
• Family Game Nights free

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.literacyinnovations.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literacyinnovations?utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BNrjvkUJh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonydonley2015