About Us






Gold Star Tutoring

At our tutoring service, we believe in nurturing each student's unique strengths by providing personalized attention tailored to their needs. Join us in a journey of learning where your success is our top priority, right from the comfort of your home.

Our Mission

Our mission at Gold Star Tutoring is to help students shine by building confidence, closing gaps in literacy and math, and creating a strong foundation for lasting academic success.

Meet the Founder

Mona Gooding, M.Ed

Gold Star Tutoring was founded by Mona Gooding, M.Ed., an experienced educator with over 20 years in elementary education, holding a Master’s degree in Literacy and certification as a Reading Specialist. Gold Star Tutoring was built on a foundation of passion, experience, purpose, and vision. Gold Star Tutoring was created to provide high-quality, personalized academic support in literacy and mathematics- empowering students to grow not only as learners, but as confident, capable leaders.

Throughout my career, I have worked with young learners across various stages of development, helping students strengthen foundational reading and math skills while building confidence and independence, and making learning fun. As a literacy specialist, I have dedicated my work to identifying learning gaps, supporting struggling readers, and creating meaningful learning experiences that meet students where they are.

My passion for education extends far beyond improving academic performance. I believe education is a powerful tool for shaping confidence, character, and lifelong success. Through my work, I focus on developing critical thinking, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility—skills that empower students both in and out of the classroom.

In addition to my background in education, my passion for acting has profoundly shaped my teaching style. It allows me to bring a dynamic, engaging energy into each lesson—creating meaningful learning experiences that captivate students and inspire a genuine love of learning. Through this approach, I help students develop the confidence to speak clearly, express their ideas effectively, and carry themselves with pride. I often remind my students that “words have power,” guiding them to use their voices with purpose, clarity, and impact.

Driven by a deep thirst for knowledge, I pursued and earned my Associate’s degree in Nursing—an experience that uniquely complements my work in education. This blend of expertise allows me to approach each child holistically, supporting not only their academic growth but also their emotional and physical well-being. Grounded in my nursing background, I place a strong emphasis on social-emotional development, recognizing that when students feel understood, supported, and secure, they are empowered to excel academically and flourish beyond the classroom.

Through Gold Star Tutoring, my mission is to transform learners into confident, capable, and empowered individuals, guiding each child from good to Gold Star. With a commitment to excellence and personalized instruction, I partner with families to strengthen academic skills, build lasting confidence, and cultivate the next generation of leaders-one student at a time.

Our Team

The team is comprised of dedicated educators who share a passion for helping students grow with confidence and excellence. Each tutor brings an educational background and experience working with children, and is carefully selected, trained, and supported through ongoing professional development. This ensures that every student receives high-quality, consistent instruction aligned with our commitment to personalized, results-driven learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We specialize in early childhood through upper elementary (Pre-K–6th grade), with a strong focus on building foundational skills in reading, writing, and math.

  • We provide targeted support in the following areas:

    • Early Literacy (phonics, fluency, comprehension)

    • Writing Skills (sentence structure, responses, organization)

    • Math Foundations & Problem-Solving

    • Test Preparation

  • Gold Star Tutoring is founded by a certified teacher and literacy specialist with 20+ years of experience. We use evidence-based strategies, personalized learning plans, and a supportive approach to build independent, confident learners.

  • Every student begins with a targeted assessment including phonics, sight words, reading fluency, comprehension, writing, and math skills. We use this data to create a personalized learning plan.

  • Frequency depends on your child’s needs: • 1x per week – Maintenance or light support • 2x per week – Skill gaps and steady progress • 3x per week – Intensive support

  • Sessions are offered in-person at local libraries, in small groups, or virtually.

  • Yes. Small group sessions (3–4 students) allow for collaboration, engagement, and confidence-building.

  • Yes. We offer shorter, developmentally appropriate sessions for preschool and kindergarten students.

  • Payment is required in advance to reserve your child’s time slot. Monthly packages are billed at the beginning of each month.

  • We require 24-hour notice. Late cancellations may result in a forfeited session, except in emergencies.

  • Many families notice improvements in confidence, focus, and skills within a few weeks. Consistency is key.

  • Yes, but we focus on teaching the skills behind the work so students can succeed independently.

  • Absolutely. We specialize in structured, engaging lessons that help students stay focused and succeed.

  • Submit your contact information, schedule a consultation, complete an assessment, and begin your personalized plan.

  • Reach us by phone, email, or website contact form. We respond within 24 hours.