Writing/Reading tutor for all ages in Monmouth County
Expanded Horizons Tutoring Center is a Sea Girt, NJ-based company that offers tutoring services for all ages, primarily in reading and writing, at the location of your choice.
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The company was founded on the belief that the learning process should be an enjoyable one. We strive to meet the individual needs of students and enable them to learn in a more holistic way by tapping into their imaginations. Each child is different, as is each way in which he or she learns. At Expanded Horizons, our mission is to embrace those differences.
Instead of being able to regurgitate a pile of information with the goal of doing well on a test, Expanded Horizons Tutoring Center will teach children how to learn the material. Our tutors will help children cultivate their own garden of knowledge. The result will not only be a good test grade, but an awareness that triggers a deeper understanding of the subject matter and the ability to open his or her mind to more learning.
Our goal is to improve your child’s reading and writing skills while inspiring them to learn more and have the courage to strive for more. Expanded Horizons instills the confidence needed to tackle any writing project and succeed!
Your child is important to us and needs to feel like he or she is in control of his or her learning experience and not just another number in the classroom.
Our program caters to the individual's needs and aptitude by performing an assessment prior to tutoring. We also distribute a questionnaire to both the student and parent so that the most personalized approach can be achieved.
Tutoring sessions focus on helping students grasp the concepts they will need to know to perform well in their class, as well as developing study strategies to effectively prepare for exams in their class. A long-term focus of empowering students is favored over a short-term problem-solving strategy. Unlike the larger tutoring companies, Expanded Horizons Tutoring Center has the advantage of being more streamlined, flexible and adaptable in the way in which it tutors. The model can be changed. There are no rigid constructs as there are with the large tutoring companies.
Keywords: tutoring writing reading Monmouth County Sea Girt tutor children SAT Prep ACT
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
With more than 25 years of experience in writing and tutoring, I began operating as Expanded Horizons Tutoring Center in January 2013.
What is your primary product or service?
Reading, writing and standardized testing tutoring for all ages.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
If you would like to see my resume, I will be happy to send a copy to you.
Heather McCulloch Mistretta
555 Washington Boulevard, 2N, Sea Girt, NJ 08750; 732-996-5881; heather.mistretta@yahoo.com
• Insightful, adaptable, creative leader who directs, motivates, and inspires people to action.
• Excellent communicator who excels in fostering strong relationships.
• Strategic thinker who sees both the big picture and the critical details.
• Superior written, oral communication skills; able to convey complex ideas in simple, accessible language.
• Self-motivated and able to get things done and move projects forward in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong facilitator, building collaboration among diverse groups and interests.
EXPERIENCE
Monmouth University, External Affairs, West Long Branch, NJ
Assistant Editor, 2009–present, Assistant to Editor, 2006-2009
Write, edit and conceptualize content of quarterly award-winning alumni magazine and annual honor roll and act as a strong University steward by editing and creating marketing and public relations copy for all departments on campus and maintaining strong relationships with alumni.
• Recently volunteered to join campus-wide effort to create book on superstorm Sandy; was named one of three editors to review content and appointed as the chief editor for the final product.
• Recipient of “Cuppie” Awards from the Association of Communicators in Media for “Second Chances” in 2009, for “Putting First Things First” in 2010 and for “MAC Shines in Superstorm” in 2014; 2012 and 2013 NJ Society of Professional Journalists Awards for excellence in writing; JASPER Award for “Life Lessons from a Horseshoe Crab” in 2013 and for “Hawks Help Haiti” in 2010; 2013 APEX Award; 2011 and 2012 Spotlight Awards; MarCom Awards in 2010, 2011, 2012; 2011 bronze Higher Education Marketing Award.
• Regularly interview prominent alumni and then maintain ongoing relationships.
• Write solicitation, thank you letters and proposal copy to major donors from president and vice president.
• Develop content for social media, and in turn, use social media as a means of research.
• Research and solicit speakers for University events and president’s speaker series.
• Regularly use Raiser’s Edge database to update donor information.
• Organized the viewing in the athletic center of “Coming off the DL,” an independent film about cerebral palsy directed by two alumni. The viewing was an important social statement and was effective in attracting various members of the community, including trustees, alumni and athletes.
• Spearheaded inaugural women’s forum in November 2013. Planning second one for spring 2015.
• One of main organizers for annual 5K at Monmouth University to benefit the Kortney Rose Foundation.
Women & Girls Education (WAGE) - International, Sea Girt, NJ
Co-Founder/President, 2013–present
Co-founded a non-profit organization that is committed to educating both boys and girls in an effort to combat the rampant violence against women across the globe. Our group recently received a proclamation from Asbury Park in recognition of a pilot program we ran last summer mentoring middle school children. http://wageintl.org
Expanded Horizons Tutoring Center, Sea Girt, NJ
Founder/Owner, 2013–present
Manage a small tutoring company specializing in reading and writing and committed to offering a holistic, innovative and personable approach to learning, which instills confidence and inspires students to embrace their curiosity and strive for more. http://expandedhorizons.vpweb.com
Columbia Child Health and Progress Study, New York, NY
Lead Writer/Researcher, 2000–2004
Interviewed parents to collect data for a long-term case study based on premature children born at Monmouth Medical Center, Jersey Shore Medical Center and St. Peter’s University Hospital.
• Contributed to an epidemiological study of cognitive, neurological, and behavioral problems in a longitudinal cohort of 1,105 children ages 13-18; conducted research to help determine the relationship between neonatal brain injury and academic performance.
• Wrote synopses for each child’s findings and how they relate to others, published in medical journals.
• Conducted study under the auspices of several prestigious institutions including Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Michigan State University.
Water Environment Research Foundation, Alexandria, VA
Freelance writer, 2000–2003
• Edited scientific reports and wrote project synopses in layman’s terms for the company’s website on topics such as wastewater treatment and new technologies related to waterborne pathogens.
• Wrote proposals for upcoming research projects.
Thomson Reuters, New York, NY
Journalist, Energy/Power Desks, 1996–2000
Researched, wrote and edited news stories for the energy desk by interacting daily with natural gas and electricity traders, analysts and spokespersons. The competitive field required efficient, timely, accurate and insightful copy.
• Contributed to the creation of the “Power Desk” shortly after starting in response to the evolving energy market.
• Provided technical analysis of the markets on the New York Mercantile Exchange prior to the market’s opening and throughout the day, a tool and benchmark that was used by many traders in the market.
• Attended annual natural gas conference in Houston each April.
Waterman Associates, Red Bank, NJ
Managing Editor, 1991–1996
Managed a staff who produced a newsletter and a daily market report for the natural gas industry, delegating assignments to staff members when necessary; contributed to layout and marketing of each publication.
• Climbed the ranks within the company from associate three weeks following my college graduation to managing editor in two short years.
• Represented my company at the annual natural gas conference in Houston.
• Researched, contributed to, and edited BTU's Black Book.
• Edited Upon the Tented Field, a Civil War novel by Waterman Associates for Historic Projects.
• Recruited by one of my sources to work for Reuters.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
• Pursuing master’s in English, Monmouth University
• B.A., Communications, The American University (concentration: Print Journalism)
• Fluent in French; proficient in American Sign Language
• Advanced knowledge of Outlook, MSWord, Excel, Joomla, Publisher, PowerPoint
• Completed Certification in Medical Terminology I and II, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS/EXPERIENCE
• Former tutor for Monmouth County Department of Social Services’ Linkages program
• One of 13 recipients of a $1,000 tuition remission scholarship, involving tutoring junior high school students in math and English in Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
• Wrote/edited project and grant proposals for A Green Footprint
• Completed website content writing and promotional copy for Findaballer, Inc.
• Nominated for a 2015 Vagina Warrior Award, which recognizes local women and men working to end violence against women and girls or volunteering to enhance the lives of women and girls.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Unlike the larger tutoring companies, I have the luxury of being more flexible and adaptable to your child's needs. I can design my learning programs that specifically address where additional help is needed. Also, because I don't have any overhead, I don't have all those hidden fees that the larger companies have.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
I can travel throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties. I often meet at libraries.
Provide detailed directions to your location
N/A
What type of payments do you accept?
I can accept cash and checks as well as PayPal.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
I am the sole proprietor of my business.
What are your hours of operation?
I will do my best to accommodate your schedule.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
I am a very good listener and adaptable.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Anything written by Mark Twain.