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 backstories with our readers.
As a child, my family instilled in me the need to be a critical thinker and problem-solver and to help others when I can. My mother taught me to never settle for less than my best because mediocrity was not an option.
After several years of teaching the middle grades and GED classes, I felt the need to do more for my students and my community regarding the low literacy rates. This led me to start Literacy Innovations, LLC. Armed with a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a reading endorsement I was certain that I could make difference by helping people improve their literacy skills.
I started doing one-on-one tutoring sessions using hands-on materials while focusing on the strengths and needs of each client. The need to serve my community and reach more people led me to start family game nights. I started sponsoring family game nights in the Collinwood community for families to eat dinner and play educational games to enhance reading, math, and problem-solving skills. These events continue to be free and open to the public.
My love of literacy allowed me to be part of various literacy initiatives. I’ve been featured on “We the People” on WKYC and in Phenomenal Woman magazine. I am now in my 22nd year of teaching and am the program manager of Collinwood Reads, a community-based reading initiative. My goal is to create a community of readers and lifelong learners.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The ride hasn’t been smooth. I’ve dealt with people trying to put me in a box or tell me how to run my company. I’ve also had people not hire me because my company doesn’t have a well-known name.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Literacy Innovations, LLC is a tutoring company that focuses on increasing literacy and math skills. Literacy Innovations, LLC specializes in increasing literacy skills including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, word recognition, fluency, comprehension, and writing in the K-12 population using an individualized approach.
Another specialty area is special needs. I hold a special education license and have worked with this population since the age of 16. I have experience working with individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, and other special needs. I am most proud of my commitment to literacy and how my passion for improving literacy has garnered the attention that has assisted me in getting my message out and expanding my reach.
I would like the readers to know that I do not use a one size fits all approach. I design a plan specific to each client based on their strengths to gain maximum growth in minimal time. I will add test preparation to my list of services shortly.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see the tutoring industry booming in the next 5-10 years. I also foresee more virtual tutoring based on the literacy rates that are constantly declining.
Pricing:
- Individual sessions are $60 per one-hour session
- Game nights are free
Contact Info:
- Website: Literacyinnovations.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literacyinnnovationstutoring
