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.