About us

Who are we?

LIFE Tutoring originated from the passion and enthusiasm of two special education teachers who knew their skill sets could make a positive impact beyond the traditional classroom. Megan and Julie have a combined 22 years of experience in public school settings, and have taught students of varied backgrounds, needs and strengths. For the duration of their careers, they have offered after- school tutoring to Pre-K through high school students. Together, they discovered there was a need for high-quality, targeted tutoring instruction, conducted by experienced, certified teachers in the greater Hartford area. Megan and Julie founded LIFE Tutoring in 2018, offering both in person and virtual support to hundreds of families for the next 4 years at their brick and mortar tutoring center in West Hartford, CT. They did this while simultaneously teaching special education full time. Fast forward to 2023 and they are embarking on their next venture, LIFEonLine!

This is a one stop virtual shop for students and parents to support their learning in math. (ELA TO COME) They have heard time and time again how stressful it can be when kids sit down at home to attempt their math homework or study for a test. Parents want to help but don’t always know the best way how. Julie and Megan have created and curated worksheets to target each math standard aligned to the Common Core in grades three through six. Along with each worksheet is a comprehensive, engaging, easy to follow and natural video of them teaching the skill and showing strategies to help students be successful. They wanted to take the stress and frustration away for families while helping students learn and become confident. They also missed working together so had to find a way to change that

Megan

A co-founder of LIFE Tutoring and LIFEonLine, Megan Marino was graduated from the University of Hartford with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education, K-12, and earned a Master’s Degree in Research-Based Learning Interventions from the University of St. Joseph. While an undergrad, Megan distinguished herself as a Best Buddies Chapter President. An international nonprofit for young adults ages 18-21, Best Buddies helps learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities to form inclusive and genuine one-to-one friendships with their academically advantaged peers. This position informed and refined Megan’s expertise in the identification of the learning and social-emotional needs of children and young adults. Knowledgeable in the application of the research-based interventions that target the complex needs of individual learners and ensure steady growth over time, Megan has made this approach a foundation of LIFE Tutoring. Megan is currently a special education teacher at an elementary school in central CT, and has provided outside tutoring services for the last twelve years. In her personal life, Megan likes to spend time at the beach with family and friends, bake cupcakes and cookies, and travel to learn how people all over the world live and enjoy life.

Julie

A co-founder of LIFE Tutoring and LIFEonLine, Julie Oberholtzer was graduated from the University of Hartford with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education, K-12, and earned a Master’s Degree in Reading and Language Arts from the University of St. Joseph. As an undergraduate, Julie was a four- year, Division 1 soccer player, and finished her soccer career with the insight that 20 years of full athletic engagement and hard work imparts. As a center midfielder, Julie embraced her collaborative role as a valued member of a team. For any learner in any setting, Julie learned that each small effort makes a difference. In the classroom, Julie’s research-based expertise infuses such efforts with structure and meaning, and creates opportunities for significant academic, social and emotional growth. It is this belief system that informs her work and provides the infrastructure of LIFE Tutoring. Julie presently holds a position as a Special Education Teacher at a middle school in Maryland. She has offered after-school tutoring services, Pre-K-9, for the last ten years. In her personal life, Julie is an active hiker, dog mom to Otis and Albert and loves traveling with her young daughter and husband.