FAQ — Mavrode Education Services

Question 1

What subjects do you tutor?

Accepted Answer

I specialize in Spanish and social studies. Whether you are a student working through a course, a professional building language skills, or someone preparing for a specific exam or goal, I tailor the instruction to your situation. If you are not sure whether your needs are a good fit, just reach out — I am happy to have that conversation.

Question 2

What ages and grade levels do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work primarily with school-age children from elementary through high school. I also work with adults who are pursuing certifications, professional development, or returning to education after a gap. Every program is tailored to the individual, so age is less important than the specific goals we are working toward.

Question 3

Do you offer in-person tutoring in San Angelo, TX?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I offer both in-person sessions in San Angelo and online sessions via video call. Many families in San Angelo prefer in-person for younger children, while older students and adults often find online sessions just as effective and more convenient. We can discuss what works best for your situation.

Question 4

How often do sessions take place, and how long are they?

Accepted Answer

Session frequency and length depend on the student's goals and schedule. Most students meet once or twice per week for 45 to 60 minutes. For students with more intensive needs or time-sensitive goals, we can increase frequency. I build the schedule around what will actually produce results — not a one-size-fits-all formula.

Question 5

How much does tutoring cost?

Accepted Answer

One-on-one tutoring is $120 per month. This covers a structured, ongoing program rather than one-off sessions — because real progress requires consistency. If you have questions about what is included or want to discuss your child's specific needs before enrolling, I am happy to talk through it first.

Question 6

How quickly will I see results?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the student, the subject, and what we are working on. Some students show measurable improvement within a few weeks. Others — especially those who have experienced academic setbacks or loss of confidence — need more time to rebuild trust before the academic gains become visible. I will always be honest with you about what I am seeing and what the realistic timeline looks like.

Question 7

My child has tried tutoring before and it did not work. Why would this be different?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most common things I hear. In most cases, tutoring that did not work was focused entirely on content — drilling facts, reviewing worksheets — without addressing why the student was struggling in the first place. If a child does not feel safe enough to be wrong, no amount of content review will stick. I start with the relationship, build felt safety, and then layer in the academic work. That sequence matters.

Question 8

What is TBRI?

Accepted Answer

TBRI stands for Trust-Based Relational Intervention. It is an evidence-based caregiving model developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth. TBRI is designed to help caregivers, educators, and professionals better understand and support children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or early adversity.

Question 9

Who is the TBRI program for?

Accepted Answer

The TBRI-informed program is for anyone who works with or cares for children from hard places — foster and adoptive parents, biological parents navigating trauma, school counselors, social workers, teachers, church leaders, and community professionals. You do not need a clinical background to benefit. The principles are practical and immediately applicable.

Question 10

Are you a TBRI Practitioner?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am a TBRI Practitioner. I have completed training in TBRI principles through the Karyn Purvis Institute at TCU and apply them in my work with children and families.

Question 11

How is TBRI different from other parenting or behavior programs?

Accepted Answer

Most behavior programs focus on managing what a child does — rewards, consequences, compliance. TBRI focuses on why a child behaves the way they do, and specifically on the unmet needs that drive difficult behavior. The goal is not compliance. It is connection. When a child feels genuinely safe and valued, behavior changes as a byproduct — not because they are being managed, but because they no longer need the behavior as a survival strategy.

Question 12

What are the three principles of TBRI?

Accepted Answer

TBRI is built on three interconnected principles. Empowering Principles address physiological needs — sensory processing, nutrition, movement — that affect a child's ability to regulate. Connecting Principles focus on building trust and felt safety through attachment-based interactions. Correcting Principles provide a compassionate, relationship-based approach to guiding behavior. All three work together; you cannot fully apply one without the others.

Question 13

How long is the TBRI program?

Accepted Answer

Program length varies based on your goals and how deeply you want to go into the material. Some participants complete a focused introduction over several weeks. Others engage in an ongoing program as they apply the principles to real situations with the children in their care. I tailor the structure to what will actually be useful for you — not a fixed curriculum that ignores your specific context.

Question 14

How much does the TBRI program cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing for the TBRI-informed program is based on your situation, goals, and the scope of support you need. I do not list a flat rate because the program is not one-size-fits-all. The best next step is to reach out for a conversation — there is no pressure and no commitment required to have that initial discussion.

Question 15

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The easiest first step is to reach out through the contact form or by phone. We will have a brief conversation about your child or your situation, what you are hoping to accomplish, and whether Mavrode Education Services is the right fit. There is no obligation and no sales pitch — just an honest conversation.

Question 16

Do you serve families outside of San Angelo?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Online tutoring and TBRI sessions are available to families and professionals anywhere. I work with clients across Texas and beyond via video call. If you are in San Angelo or the surrounding Tom Green County area, in-person sessions are also available.

Question 17

What if my child is resistant to tutoring?

Accepted Answer

Resistance is almost always a signal, not a character flaw. Children who resist tutoring have usually had experiences that taught them tutoring means more failure in a new setting. I do not start with worksheets. I start with relationship. If your child is resistant, that is actually important information — and it is something I am specifically trained to work with.

Question 18

Can I sit in on sessions?

Accepted Answer

For younger children, I generally prefer parents to be nearby but not in the room during sessions — it allows the child to build their own relationship with me without the dynamic shifting. For older students, we follow the student's preference. For TBRI sessions, caregiver participation is often central to the work. We will figure out the right structure together.

Answers for San Angelo families and professionals

Still have questions?