Our Story

What we believe

What we do

What guides us

Meet Our Founder
Diane Cutler Lewis is an educator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist committed to helping students reach their highest potential. She began tutoring a friend's daughter and within one year, had 21 students from referrals. The best part was that she loved her students as they poured laughter and joy into her heart. Tutoring quickly became Diane's passion and life purpose.
She founded A+ In Home Tutors in 2003 to promote educational awareness and customized learning for students of all backgrounds and grade levels. The organization has grown to be one of the leading tutoring vendors to many Charter Schools and community partners throughout California. In 2021, Diane launched Firefly Tutors, presented by A+ In Home Tutors, to continue to expand tutoring services with the goal of more positively impacting greater numbers of students in all 50 United States.
Diane earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Northridge, majoring in Liberal Studies and Education with a California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential in K-8th grade learning.
Diane's career in education was inspired by her father, Morris Cutler. In 2019, she published Education Warrior, an inspirational memoir of her father that highlights his global impact on education in Afghanistan, Kenya, and California. Also, as a tribute to her father, she founded Education Warrior, a not-for-profit created to provide much-needed tutoring for vulnerable at-risk children of families with high hopes but little money who are the most likely to drop out of school.
In addition to her passion for making education accessible to all, Diane embraces travel, people from diverse cultures, delicious foods, art, music, theatre and enjoys an active, healthy lifestyle in Anaheim, California.
Diane.Lewis@fireflytutors.com
888-505-5930

Diane Lewis
Our Leadership Team

Tyler Cunningham
Education Consultant
tyler.cunningham@fireflytutors.com

Michele Taylor
Education Consultant
Michele is an experienced educator and educational consultant passionate about helping students reach their full potential. With a background in teaching, administration, tutoring, and special education, she is dedicated to supporting students and families. Based in Florida, Michele enjoys the beach and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.
michele.taylor@fireflytutors.com

Sophie Warner
Sophie is a teacher and tutor who loves to share her love of learning. Based in Los Angeles, she is dedicated to getting students the support they need. She enjoys nature, reading, singing, and learning new languages.
sophie.warner@fireflytutors.com

Tracy Davis

Anna Kasson

Seth Alfarero

Seth Alfarero
FAQ

Tutor Of The Month
We're delighted to celebrate Joy Smalley as our Tutor of the Month for June 2026! Based in Tustin, California, Joy brings a warm, calming presence to every session, along with a gift for helping students rediscover the joy in learning.
Joy holds a Master's degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Education and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. While she has been part of the Firefly Tutors team for the past three months, she brings with her more than 15 years of experience as a homeschool educator for her four children. She specializes in reading, writing, history, and elementary math, meeting each student right where they are.
What Joy loves most about tutoring is the chance to create a space where students can grow without pressure. "I love creating a calm, supportive learning environment where students can develop confidence and curiosity without the stress and pressure that often accompany education," she shares. Her goal in every session is to help students discover a genuine love of learning while encouraging their creativity, individuality, and unique strengths.
Some of Joy's proudest moments come from watching a child who once disliked reading begin choosing books on their own and falling in love with stories. One of her favorite things to remind students is that learning is meant to invigorate our lives. It builds confidence, encourages play and creativity, and helps us develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Outside of tutoring, Joy has lived a wonderfully adventurous life. She spent 12 years living in Asia, including time in Mongolia, Thailand, and Indonesia, and she is a published author. And like many great educators, she never starts her day without a good cup of coffee, which she takes black.
Joy's thoughtful approach and her genuine belief in every student make her a wonderful part of the Firefly Tutors team. Thank you, Joy, for the calm, the encouragement, and the love of learning you bring to every session.

