We were lucky to catch up with Lisa Vodola recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I have always been naturally inclined towards an optimistic outlook and fortunate to have had positive influences in my upbringing. Growing up, I was surrounded by a positive family. My parents, incredible role models of happiness and enthusiasm, exhibited love and passion for each other, their family, and their careers as educators. This created a nurturing environment that naturally instilled optimism in me. Witnessing their positive approach to life was a powerful influence, especially during my formative years.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As the Owner of Preschool Readers, I lead a dedicated team of Preschool Reading Specialists committed to nurturing young minds aged 3-5. Our mission is to provide a solid academic head start through our award-winning accelerated reading instruction. We focus on excellence and are proud to have been featured on CBS and in various family and parenting media outlets.
Furthermore, we extend our commitment to education by offering specialized teacher training sessions. These sessions empower teachers with the latest strategies and techniques for educating young minds.
Additionally, through our internship program, we work with students from colleges and universities across the US. Our program offers hands-on experience in social media and marketing, curriculum and instruction, and grant writing.
What I find most exciting about Preschool Readers is giving our students an academic head start while building their confidence, fostering the professional development of our interns, and providing teachers with the tools they need to make learning an enjoyable and successful experience for their students.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three key elements stand out: Passion for working with children: My passion for working with children has been the driving force behind making learning engaging and fostering confidence in our students. Advice: Identify and nurture your passion for genuine motivation and joy.
Stubbornness (Determination): My stubbornness to overcome challenges and stay focused on long-term goals has been instrumental. Advice: Let determination fuel your resilience.
Organizational Skills: Organizational skills play a pivotal role in managing the diverse aspects of running Preschool Readers. Advice: A well-organized foundation instills freedom and peace of mind.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was refrain from placing undue pressure on me. They encouraged me to do my best, fostering an environment of trust in my abilities without additional stress—whether about grades or transitioning from a classroom teacher to a business owner. Additionally, their love and support have been constants in my life. However, the most impact lies in the way they live their lives. They modeled a genuine love for what they did, pursued higher education, and engaged in their passions and interests while raising four children.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.preschoolreaders.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/preschoolreaders
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086356399222
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-vodola-edd-in-progress-151b0b7b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSfbuvSYVCysS_b9u0aN7yg?view_as=subscriber
