Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Cynthia.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey really began back in high school, when I first discovered my passion for helping others. As I moved through college, that desire only grew stronger, and I started working as a teacher’s assistant in an elementary school. It was there that I realized I had a natural ability to connect with children — I could see their struggles, their uniqueness, and the unspoken needs they carried. I also understood how much of their challenges were rooted in limiting beliefs — the same ones I had carried myself for years.
At the time, I pushed myself to succeed in traditional ways: going to college, working in education, and later entering the corporate world. I even found success in sales, but I was unfulfilled, and after losing my father in 2010, I felt completely lost. That season of grief and struggle forced me to face my own limiting beliefs and destructive patterns. It was the most difficult chapter of my life, but also the one that ultimately brought me back to my true purpose: helping children find confidence, purpose, and joy in who they are.
I returned to school to earn my Master’s in Clinical Psychology, with a focus on child and adolescent psychology, and began creating after-school programs that addressed not just academics but also self-esteem, behavior, and social-emotional learning. I quickly noticed how many kids lacked a sense of purpose and belief in themselves, and I knew I wanted to create something more comprehensive.
In 2018, I founded Potentia Tutor Coach, a program dedicated to supporting children with behavioral challenges, learning disabilities, ADHD, ODD, anxiety, and more. What began as one-on-one academic and behavior coaching has since grown into a variety of supportive services for children, teens, and families. My approach is rooted in empathy — I truly understand the challenges these kids face because I’ve lived through many of them myself.
Today, I work as a behavioral coach and executive functioning coach, helping kids and families develop confidence, resilience, and the tools to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. My passion is to create an environment where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of achieving their full potential.
Looking back, every setback and struggle was a stepping stone toward this mission. I feel fortunate to not only be living my purpose but also to share it with the many children and families I get to work with each day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many people, my journey has been filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments where I almost gave up. Early on, I struggled with my own limiting beliefs and spent years trying to prove myself in ways that didn’t truly align with who I was. I found success in sales and corporate roles, but inside I was miserable. When my father passed away in 2010, it was a turning point that left me feeling lost and unsure of my purpose. The grief and confusion were so overwhelming that I numbed myself with unhealthy choices, and it took years before I was able to truly face those feelings and begin to heal.
Even after deciding to pursue my true passion, the struggles didn’t stop. I faced job losses, companies closing down, and moments of complete uncertainty about my future. There were times I felt like giving up, when depression and self-doubt made it hard to even leave the house. But deep down, I always held onto the vision of creating a program that would help children find the confidence, love, and purpose that I had spent so long searching for myself.
Those challenges became my greatest teachers. They taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of never letting go of your true calling. Today, those struggles allow me to connect with kids and families on a deeper level, because I know firsthand what it feels like to fight through pain, doubt, and fear — and to come out stronger on the other side.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Potentia Tutor Coach is dedicated to helping children and teens unlock their full potential by addressing behavioral, social-emotional, and academic challenges in a comprehensive and compassionate way. What sets us apart is our belief that true success starts from within — when a child develops confidence, a positive self-image, and a sense of purpose, everything else follows.
One of our flagship offerings is the Express Program, a four-month intensive designed specifically for children and teens struggling with behavioral challenges. It includes 2–3 weekly sessions, blending assessment, intervention, and hands-on coaching. The program is structured in three phases: first, we work with both the child and parent to assess challenges and introduce strategies; second, we focus on implementation and practice through one-on-one coaching and family participation; and finally, we move toward independence, ensuring both child and parent are equipped to continue success on their own. This structure not only helps eliminate destructive behaviors but also fosters lasting confidence, resilience, and healthier family relationships.
Beyond just behavior management, our programs are designed to empower children to see themselves differently — not as “problems to be fixed” but as unique individuals with strengths, talents, and unlimited potential. We know that limiting beliefs can shape a child’s future in painful ways, so our work is about replacing those beliefs with ones rooted in self-acceptance, confidence, and purpose.
What makes Potentia Tutor Coach unique is that we go beyond academics. We integrate emotional, social, and cognitive development so children can thrive in all areas of life. We work closely with parents, teachers, and communities to create environments where kids feel supported, inspired, and valued. Our mission is not just to improve grades or behaviors but to transform lives by instilling a strong sense of identity, belonging, and belief in what’s possible.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Potentia Tutor Coach is built on empathy and understanding. Every program we offer is personalized because no two children or families are the same. Our approach is holistic, inclusive, and grounded in the belief that every child deserves to feel confident, capable, and inspired to create a meaningful future.
At its core, Potentia Tutor Coach is more than a tutoring or coaching service — it’s to empower children and families to break free from limiting beliefs, embrace their uniqueness, understand each other and live with purpose. now and in the future!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m constantly seeking out resources that help me grow both personally and professionally so I can better support my clients. Some of my favorites include courses from Bob Proctor, Mel Robbins, and Shirzad Chamine, as well as platforms like Udemy that let me explore a wide range of topics. I also make it a point to read daily — books like The Power of Your Subconscious Mind keep me grounded, while Entering the Child’s Mind by Herbert Ginsburg has helped me re-think how assessments are used and reminded me that every child and family is unique and requires individualized approaches.
I’m currently in a coaching program with Shirzad Chamine that emphasizes wellbeing, self-love, and compassion, and I’ve found it incredibly valuable not just for myself, but also in equipping me with tools to share with clients. I also lean on parents as a resource, often asking questions or running small polls to gain insight into the challenges they face.
At the end of the day, I believe learning never stops. Whether through books, research, coaching programs, or self-reflection, I’m always working to expand my knowledge and find new ways to help children and families achieve lasting results.
Pricing:
- Free consultation
- $99 workshops
- Back to school special 2 intro sessions for $75
- one on one coaching or tutoring packages based on needs of clients
Contact Info:
- Website: https://potentiatutorcoach.com
- Instagram: @potentia_tutor_coach23
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083229253876&modal=focused_switcher_dialog
- LinkedIn: https://inkedin.com/in/potentiatutorcoacherin/
- Twitter: @PotentiaTutor
