In this heartwarming and real conversation, Joanne Kaminski sits down with long-time community member and reading tutor, Malissa Stoudymire, to talk about her incredible journey from a career in advertising to becoming a powerful force for change in the lives of struggling readers.

Melissa opens up about:✔️ Her shift from the corporate world to the classroom
✔️ Why her background in business helped her grow her tutoring practice
✔️ The magic of working 1:1 with struggling readers
✔️ What it's really like to run a reading intervention business online
✔️ And why being in a strong community helped her skip years of trial and error

Whether you're a teacher looking to pivot, a tutor feeling stuck, or someone trying to figure out how to serve struggling readers more effectively—this episode is for you.

✨ Key Takeaways:

• How mentorship fast-tracked Melissa’s growth

• What it's like to move from group instruction to personalized support

• The confidence shift that comes from knowing your worth

• Real talk about pricing, boundaries, and building long-term student relationships

• Why trying to figure it out alone will slow you down

Negative feedback happens—to all of us. Whether it’s about your teaching style, your content, or a misunderstanding of your offer, it can feel personal. In this episode, I sit down with the always-wise Michael Gibbon to talk about:

• Why negative feedback can hit so hard (especially for educators)
• How to separate your identity from your work
• What to do before responding to a tough review
• Using AI (like ChatGPT) to write professional replies without losing your voice
• The real cost of staying invisible out of fear

Michael shares a powerful story about a painful two-star review—and how he turned it into growth, reflection, and a stronger tutoring experience. If you’ve ever hesitated to create content or doubted your services after hearing a critique, this one’s for you.

🎧 Press play. Breathe deep. And let's talk about how to handle criticism like a pro without losing your heart in the process.

🎯 Sponsored by Pencil Spaces – Special pricing for Online Tutor Business listeners:

a. One on one tutors just getting started - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ca0KAM0VuMarY4hmW5VkYYVJCGOlZLnNtQmpu4Swgvs/edit?usp=sharing

🧠 Watch Michael’s TED Talk: “Transforming Anxiety”: https://youtu.be/knuT6my4atk?si=Bkukznvpif3nKPDH
💬 Join Michael’s Facebook Group: Tutoring Business Success Support: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16SKR4vNSu/
🎙️ Check out Michael’s Podcast: Coach for Tutors: https://open.spotify.com/show/5SFy33R6YFV7yfHADHolYP?si=5c49b6305e0c4d0e
📧 Free Masterclass – How to get students from around the world: https://www.onlinetutorcoach.com/insider-secrets-club-with-free-offer

👥 Join our free Facebook Group: “The Ultimate Support Group for Online Tutors”: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DteY9HjiJ/

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@joannekaminski

🔗 Follow Joanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannekaminski/

Ready to take your tutoring business into your own hands? In this episode of the Online Tutoring Business Podcast, Joanne Kaminsky dives into why having your own website is a total game changer. Say goodbye to hefty platform fees and limited branding—your website gives you the freedom to showcase who you are, keep more of what you earn, and attract your dream students.

n this episode of the Online Tutor Business Podcast, we’re diving deep into what it takes to set intentional goals and achieve incredible results in your tutoring business. Hear from two powerhouse tutors, Dimitra and Millie, who’ve transformed their businesses by ditching vague plans and adopting data-driven strategies.

Discover how:

We’ll explore the secrets to creating realistic, actionable goals, overcoming the fear of financial planning, and applying inspired actions that get results. Plus, hear their tips for following up with potential clients and turning missed opportunities into thriving relationships.

If you’ve been relying on “hope marketing” or struggling to move the needle in your business, this episode will inspire and equip you to take the leap toward intentional success.

🔗 Ready to join a community that has your back and helps you thrive? Join the Insider Secrets Club Today https://tutors-network-together.circle.so/checkout/insider-secrets-club-30

In this episode of the Online Tutor Business Podcast, we dive into the transformative power of AI in education with Dr. Sarvesh Bhardwaj, founder and CEO of Magna Education AI, and Steve Rossi, an experienced AP educator turned edtech innovator. Discover how Magna Education AI is equipping AP tutors with cutting-edge tools to streamline grading, provide instant feedback, and personalize learning—freeing up valuable time for what truly matters: teaching and mentoring students.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there. We explore the broader role of AI in education, its potential to enhance—not replace—teaching, and how all tutors, regardless of subject, can responsibly integrate AI tools into their practice to save time and improve outcomes.

Whether you’re an AP tutor, an edtech enthusiast, or simply curious about how AI is shaping the future of education, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking discussion. Tune in to learn how you can harness AI to elevate your tutoring business while staying true to the core values of teaching and learning.

Link mentioned in the podcast to learn more about Magna AI for AP teachers and tutors.

Here are links for how you can get in touch with Maria Sevilla:

Join host Joanne Kaminski as she sits down with John Dwyer, founder of the Institute of WOW, to explore the power of creative offers that captivate potential clients and turn leads into loyal customers. Learn how tutors like you can leverage unique incentives (like vacations!) to fill your calendar faster than ever—all without resorting to discounts that cut into your bottom line.

To check out the vacation package go here.

Connect with Crista on LinkedIn

This platform has built-in game mechanics that keep students motivated, participating, and excited to learn—something Zoom just can’t deliver. Tune in to discover how this new tool is transforming online tutoring with fun, interactive elements that will change how you and your students experience learning!