My name is Cindy Pearson and I have been a resident of Golden since 2005. I moved to Golden with my husband when I was pregnant with our daughter, Miranda, and I was still teaching part-time in schools. Teaching for 16 years, I have worked in public, private and parochial schools, teaching mostly middle school-aged children. At that time, I was really trying to “find my place” within the Golden community. I was still teaching in Denver and not wanting to commute anymore with young kids; I knew I needed a change. Having a passion for working with children, I began tutoring as a side business, and one of my clients suggested I think about opening my own tutoring company. My mind was racing, and in 2012 I took a chance and launched what is now Golden Tutoring and Enrichment. When I started Golden Tutoring and Enrichment, it was just me, then there were 3 of us, then 10 of us, and now we have over 40 tutors helping hundreds of Golden children and families.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career/accomplishments. What do you love most about what you do?
I have a Master in Education from University of Colorado and have received numerous teacher awards from various schools. I was a camp counselor, and I spend time mentoring tutors within my program. What drives me is the personal connection with kids, especially teenagers. I want them to feel heard. I don’t want them to feel like they can’t learn something or that they are not good at something. Just because they don’t understand something does not mean they can’t “get it.” I feel that as a teacher and a tutor it is our job to help them find their way, never telling them they can’t do it, instead helping them find the way. Seeing those light bulb moments and watching their confidence increase is the best feeling.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants or breweries in our community?
My two favorite restaurants are Okinawa Sushi and El Callejon. My favorite brewery has always been Cannonball Creek Brewing Company!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved to Golden in 2005
Q: What is one of your favorite hiking or biking trails?
I love hiking North Table Mountain – the Rim Rock Trail is a great hike.
Q: What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
Go with the flow. Trust the process. Everything is going to work out.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Windy Saddle Cafe. It has the “cool” and “hip” factor that I love about Golden.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The small town vibe. It still exists in Golden, and the community is very tight and connected.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I attended a Fame-style high school, a school for performing arts. I lived “Fame”! I concentrated on dance in college but majored in Education and Geology.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I am inspired by everyday people who help other people, people who give up their time to have empathy towards people outside of their everyday world.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Welcoming, warm and free.
