Meet our Founders
Stephanie Henson, Ed.S.
Mary Anne Willett, Graduate School Canidate
Mary Anne Willett, Graduate School Canidate
Program Director
Founder
Background
Doctoral Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)
with Highest Distinction
Liberty University
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary Education
with High Distinction
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education with a minor in English
Liberty University
Certificatio
Program Director
Founder
Background
Doctoral Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)
with Highest Distinction
Liberty University
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary Education
with High Distinction
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education with a minor in English
Liberty University
Certifications
EC-6 Core Subjects
English as a Second Language (ESL) Science of Teaching Reading (SOR) Google Educator Level
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Mindset
Universal Design for Learning Analysis (UDL) Mindset
Texas Reading Academies
Welcome to Smart Scholars Tutors! I’m Stephanie Henson, Ed.S., founder of Smart Scholars Tutors and a dedicated educational professional serving the San Marcos, TX, community. With a passion for empowering students and families, I bring years of experience as an educator, curriculum developer, and instructional leader. My goal is to provide K-12 students with personalized support that bridges learning gaps and inspires academic success.
As a classroom teacher, instructional leader , and interventionist in the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (SMCISD), I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of education. Serving in a Title 1 school, I’ve taken a data-driven approach helping students reach or exceed grade-level proficiency.
At Smart Scholars Tutors, I bring the same dedication to every student. Our services focus on:
- Flexible, personalized tutoring for reading, math, and more.
- Intervention programs to support students with dyslexia, special education needs, and learning differences.
- Enrichment opportunities for gifted learners and grade-level extensions.
My approach emphasizes Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and flexible grouping strategies, ensuring that all students—regardless of ability—feel supported and challenged. These methods are key to addressing the learning gaps created by the pandemic and helping students thrive academically.
Before launching Smart Scholars Tutors, my career path was enriched by a variety of experiences, including service in the United States Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom, teaching in diverse educational settings, and leading professional development initiatives. I’ve also designed curriculum aligned with state and national standards, created pacing guides, and facilitated district-wide training sessions on innovative instructional techniques like UDL and Culturally Responsive Teaching.
At Smart Scholars Tutors, my mission is to provide affordable, flexible, and effective educational support to the students and families of San Marcos. I am passionate about creating learning environments where every child feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving their goals. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community—one scholar at a time.
Let’s connect! Whether you’re looking for intervention, enrichment, or grade-level support, Smart Scholars Tutors is here to help your child succeed.
Mary Anne Willett, Graduate School Canidate
Mary Anne Willett, Graduate School Canidate
Mary Anne Willett, Graduate School Canidate
Special Services Director
Co-founder
Certifications
ESL K-12
Generalist 4-8
Reading By Design K-5
The 2024-2025 school year ushered in my 22nd year as an educator. From the time I was 6 years old, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. But as a student who struggled in school as a result of a reading learning disability, school did not come easy to
Special Services Director
Co-founder
Certifications
ESL K-12
Generalist 4-8
Reading By Design K-5
The 2024-2025 school year ushered in my 22nd year as an educator. From the time I was 6 years old, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. But as a student who struggled in school as a result of a reading learning disability, school did not come easy to me. So I made it my mission to become a teacher with the purpose of helping struggling readers. It has been my passion and pleasure over the years to work with so many students.
I attended Louisiana State University and graduated from The University of Central Florida with a degree in Elementary Education with a specialty in Reading. I am presently enrolled in Lamar University in their Special Education Graduate program with a concentration in Educational Diagnostics.
For the past three years I have been the Dyslexia Specialist and Interventionist at Travis Elementary in San Marcos, Texas. For eleven years, I taught in Lewisville Independent School District at Degan Elementary School. In Sanford, Florida I taught 4-8th grades for 8 years.
I am the mother of three amazing daughters, and a very sassy Chihuahua named Nola! I look forward to supporting students who may be struggling. Together, we can “Empower Minds, One Lesson at a Time