Educational Enrichment and Homeschool Assistance

Let's Learn Something!

Arkansas LEARNS
EFA Approved Vendor
Now Accepting New Clients!
Joyce - Your Learning Guide

Do you want to inspire your child's curiosity and love of learning? Message me! I make learning fun!

With years of experience as a private tutor, substitute teacher, and homeschool mom, I understand that every child's learning journey is unique. I am a natural problem-solver, and I will go above and beyond to help unlock your child's unique gifts and passions.

I've worked with kids from Pre-K to 8th grade, but K-4 and struggling readers are my sweet spot. I have a passion for phonics and literacy and have worked with dyslexic and neurodiverse children. I try to infuse learning, growth, and fun into everything I do.

Let's chat about how I can help your child thrive! Message me to set up a time to talk about your family's needs.

About Me

I have over 25 years of Information Technology and Operations experience. Throughout my career, I've worked on many innovative projects ranging from workflow optimizations, to data analysis, to system integrations. As an IT Manager, I even sailed around the world twice aboard Semester at Sea ships!

Despite my engineering background (B.S.C.E., M.S.O.M.) and academic success, I always struggled with foreign languages, pronunciation, and spelling. Near age 40, I discovered I was mildly dyslexic—a revelation that changed everything. Working with a dyslexic tutor opened my eyes to how English actually works, transforming my frustration into fascination.

This personal breakthrough led me to volunteer with dyslexic children and to dive deep into phonics instruction. I learned that most people aren't taught all the phonics rules, making English seem illogical and full of exceptions. Complete phonics instruction makes a huge difference for logical learners who need consistent patterns. (I highly recommend "Uncovering the Logic of English" by Denise Eide.)

Teaching my own young daughter sparked my passion for education. I began substitute teaching, homeschooling, and eventually helping other homeschool families. Working with children energizes me, and I find myself constantly thinking of new ways to serve each student's unique needs. I'm honored that multiple families have called me their "Mary Poppins".

Education & Background

• Bachelor's in Computer Systems Engineering

• Master's in Operations Management

• 25+ years IT and Operations experience

• Semester at Sea IT Manager (Sailed around the world twice!)

• Global Volunteer Work: Mercy Ships (Ghana), Mission trip (Romania)

Services

I provide flexible educational support for children Pre-K through 6th grade. Whether we're working at your kitchen table, the library, or exploring the Air Museum together, I'm here to guide, coach, and champion your child's learning journey. I use your curriculum and bring bonus activities to make learning engaging and fun!

Session Pricing

1 hour
$30
2+ hours
$25/hour

Favorite Subject Areas

While I can help with all subjects using your curriculum, these are areas where I bring special expertise and enthusiasm:

📚 Reading & Phonics

Knowledgeable (and kind of obsessed) with structured literacy including phonics, morphology, and teaching techniques.

🔢 Math

Who doesn't love a good word problem! Whether your child excels at math or struggles with it, I can help them thrive!

🧠 Problem Solving & Growth Mindset

As a former IT consultant, I infuse design thinking into everything I do. I encourage kids to get curious, think outside the box, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.

🗺️ Field Trip Adventures

Learning comes alive with educational field trips! From museums to fire stations to library programs—I'm always ready for a learning adventure. Message me with your ideas and interests!

(Client covers entrance fees and applicable costs for field trips)

Learning Tools & Materials

If desired, I will bring a carefully curated collection of educational games, books, and hands-on learning materials. From phonics games to STEM activities, geography puzzles to creative projects—I have the tools to make learning an adventure!

Educational Bonus Materials

What Families Say

Ashley, Homeschool Parent
"Joyce has been our homeschool assistant for four years, starting when my children were in kindergarten, third grade, and fifth grade. Joyce is an excellent teacher and followed my lesson plans very well. In addition to teaching core content, Joyce prepared science experiments and bonus lessons for my children. This was always a highlight. A former teacher myself, I was impressed with how she researched best practices in education, scoured the internet for hands-on activities and applications, and confidently tried new approaches to teaching. She also found ways to positively motivate each child based on his or her personality and interests and had great rapport with each child. She helped my older children tackle challenging word problems and greatly advanced the reading skills of my younger child. I am so thankful for Joyce and the positive influence she has had on our homeschool."
Anna, Student
"NWA Learning Adventures is the funnest part of homeschooling. Mrs. Joyce is so exciting and a great teacher. My brothers and I enjoy how she helps us learn and have fun at the same time. We've gone geocaching, to museums, libraries, and so much more. I love this program so much."

Let's Connect

Ready to start your child's learning adventure? I'd love to chat about how I can help your family achieve your educational goals. Every child deserves to experience the joy of learning!