Lead by Light

12/11/2025

Now scheduling tutoring/lessons for this winter and spring!

06/12/2025

My name is Alissa Holmes. I recently graduated from GCU with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I have always been passionate about education and believe in being a life-long learner. I believe giving children this drive and skill to strive to learn sets them up for life. I am a mom to a 2 year old girl with one on the way this August! While I've always wanted to be a teacher, I've always wanted to be a stay at home mom more! Tutoring gives me the best of both worlds so I can stay at home AND pursue my passion in teaching!

https://sites.google.com/view/lead-by-light/home

06/04/2025

My website is now up!
https://sites.google.com/view/lead-by-light/home

Go here to learn more about me, my tutoring services, and my blog!

Here is a snippet of my first blog post!

A Life-Long Learner

Why do I teach?
My passion is in life is teaching. I love helping others learn, grow, and succeed. My goal in teaching, in whatever format, whether it's parenting, teaching a classroom, tutoring, homeschooling, or whatever it may be, is to instill skills that help that person become a life-long learner who is independent and motivated. Teaching a child to read is great, but teaching a child that reading is the key to success and how to use that skill is priceless.

What does it mean to be a life-long learner?
A life-long learner is someone who strives to continue learning. This is a person who is not stagnant in their abilities and knowledge. In every area of our lives, improvement requires growth and progress. Learning does not just mean learning to read and write. Learning is the process by which we progress. A life-long learner is someone who does not remain content with where they are. A life-long learner is someone who strives to do better in all areas of their lives.

Read more: https://sites.google.com/view/lead-by-light/blog

05/03/2025

I am back to tutoring after completing my student teaching, Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, and teaching certificate! I am excited to follow my passion in helping little (and big) minds learn!
I am available all Summer to help your child learn and grow. I provide reading, math, and writing support to grades kindergarten to eighth grade.

Contact me to schedule a meet and greet to discuss your child’s needs:

(540)849-5586
[email protected]
Optional Google Sign-up Link:
https://forms.gle/Gsk2V79RCTzkM3Bx9
Feel free to message me through Facebook as well.

I am located in Waynesboro and prefer tutoring sessions in my home, but we can also discuss online platforms or meetings at another location.

09/09/2024

Look at the word work mat I’ve created for my tutoring students!

This mat can help students practice reading and spelling words. Teaching through this multi sensory approach allows students to physically manipulate the letters and sounds as they spell and read. Word work mats are great for decoding practice and phonemic awareness, as it allows students to see and manipulate individual phonemes(or sounds).

I created my word work mat using the free resource created by the University of Florida which I will link here:https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/UFLI-Printable-Word-Work-Mat-Updated-August-2020.pdf
This printable is specially designed for a Velcro file folder mat, but I adapted so I can use magnets which I believe are easier to manipulate and will be more durable.

Feel free to message me or comment with your questions about tutoring or word work mats!

09/05/2024

Tutoring Slots available! Message me through Facebook, email, or phone, or use the Google Forms to sign up!
https://forms.gle/684xAvRUTxUCv43o7

Both morning and afternoon slots available!

08/07/2024

08/06/2024

Tutoring and Lessons

- Tutoring in all subjects K-8
- tutoring and small group lessons
- Grouped after school homework help
- Math and Reading support

Sign up for a tutoring slot here 🙂
https://calendar.app.google/kNcDSvnVhx1XB8q7A

08/06/2024

Music lessons for all ages!

08/06/2024

Music and Education based childcare!
A safe place for children to be watched, play with friends, interact with music, and be read books and stories!

Current open time:
Fridays 1:30-4:30

Message me to open up another day/time!

07/11/2024

Here are some of the child care services I can offer. Message me on Facebook or through any contacts listed below and we can discuss your family’s needs!

06/18/2024

My Journey in Education:
A Shift from the Classroom to Home

My educational and career journey has been slightly unconventional. Then again, with changes in technology I feel it has become more common to not take the traditional in-person college route.

Even from an early age, I always knew I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. While my direction and course of education have changed along the way, one thing still stays the same. I love to teach!

I started college knowing I wanted to teach elementary school. With my passion in music, I also toyed with the idea of being a music teacher. As I took classes and worked jobs in child care and education, my priorities started to shift. While I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, what I want even more is to be a stay at home mom.

However, I started a goal and I was determined to finish it! Getting my degree has been so important to me, a personal goal I wasn’t willing to let go of. I started at an in-person university (Southern Virginia) during the COVID years, and then soon switched to an online university (Grand Canyon) so I could continue to work while I take courses. While in school I’ve worked in YMCA childcare and summer camps. I’ve also worked as a substitute teacher and teachers aid for public elementary schools. Over this time I also had my first baby who is now a 1 year old!!

While my new goal is not to be a traditional classroom teacher, I still want to use my knowledge and degree for myself and others. I plan to homeschool my children when they are school age. In the meantime, I know the importance of play, reading, and fostering a love for learning through exploration, play, and language development. I want to support families in providing childcare and developmentally appropriate education for young kids. Through my untraditional path, I have continued to find joy in teaching and nurturing young minds.