Our Services

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Life Coaching & Holistic Health Coaching

Tutoring

Homeschool Assistance & Curriculum Planning

Learn more about our services and Excellent Tutors & Coaches below, or click “Start a Conversation” for general communication.

Founder & Life Coach

  • Life Coach, Holistic Health Coach, Lead Tutor/Coach for UHL Tutors

  • Certified teacher since 2000, with experience in Finland, New Orleans, and Central Texas.

  • EC-8 Generalist & Special Education EC-12

  • English as a Second Language (ESL/ESOL)

  • Gifted & Talented (GT/GATE)

  • Founded UpwardHouse Learning in 2022

Are you ready to Level-Up?

My name is Kathy Ylostalo.

I love helping clients find the root of their struggles and leading them to potential solutions. I offer tutoring in all the main subjects of public, private, and homeschool, as well as Life Coaching and Holistic Health Coaching. Even for subject-area tutoring, the most success comes when we work to change “stuck” patterns of thinking and behavior. I have been an educator for nearly 3 decades now, specializing in non-traditional learning, with a focus on a client’s goals, desires, learning styles, and needs. My teaching certifications are EC-8 Generalist, Special Education EC-12, English as a Second Language (ESL/ESOL), and Gifted & Talented (GT/GATE). I also hold certifications in herbalism and Holistic Health. I have the privilege of supporting all of our amazing tutors and coaches with strategies and resources, as needed.

Some of my favorite pastimes are spending time resting and exploring outdoors, training & caring for our pets, discussing curious topics over coffee, and learning & creating new things.

Fill out the interest form below to set up your first consultation. I look forward to seeing you Level-Up!

Dr. Joni Ylostalo - Tutor

  • PhD in Biomedical Sciences

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry, Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

  • University research since 2000, and university classroom teaching since 2014.

  • I offer tutoring in Biology, Chemistry, and Math for high school and college.

  • Also, graduate and professional level tutoring (PA, PT, Nursing schools, etc…)

  • Trusted UHL Tutor since 2023

Need helping passing a class?

Let me know!

My name is Dr. Joni Ylostalo. I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry, MS in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from the University of Oulu in Finland, and my PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Tulane University. My many years in university teaching and research provide practical expertise to my students. I offer tutoring in various sub-disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, and Math at the high school and college levels, as well as graduate and professional levels (PA, PT, Nursing schools, etc.).

Some of my favorite pastimes are spending time with my wife and daughters, playing disc golf, trout fishing, and listening to great 80’s hair metal.

If you need help passing a class, or prepping for an upcoming class or test, I can help. Fill out the interest form below to take steps toward your success.

Serena Ylostalo - Tutor

  • Honors student studying Neuroscience - Pre-Med

  • Offering:

    • Tutoring in high school & college level math and science

    • Proofreading services on essays and writing assignments.

    • Coaching on good study practices, organization, and note-taking

    • Dance choreography and cutting music

  • Trusted UHL tutor since 2022

I look forward to helping you tackle those tough subjects!

Hi! My name is Serena Ylostalo.

I am an honors student at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, here in Belton. I am really enjoying my Neuroscience Pre-Med courses.

Math comes to life in the sciences, and I love teaching it to others. In addition to high school- and college-level tutoring in math, I am also an amateur line editor/proofreader for a local author, so I offer assistance in proofreading essays and writing assignments. I can also assist you with studying for tests & exams, as well as coach you in organization and note-taking. Need help with dance choreography or cutting music? I do that, too!

Some of my favorite pastimes are dancing with the UMHB dance team, spending time outdoors, singing & playing musical instruments, and reading complex dystopian fiction.

Fill out the interest form below to get things started. I look forward to working with you soon!

Sydney Skaggs - Tutor

  • Student at University of Mary Hardin Baylor, studying Art Education

  • Experienced in tutoring elementary students

  • I tutor in elementary math, reading, writing, and photography

  • Photographer + mixed-media artist

  • Trusted UHL tutor since 2025

I am excited to help you find a passion for learning!

Hi! I’m Sydney Skaggs, an Art Education major at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor with a passion for helping young learners succeed. I have experience tutoring elementary students in both math and reading, and I enjoy finding creative ways to make learning engaging and fun.

I believe that every child can reach their full potential with the right guidance and encouragement, and I strive to build confidence and curiosity in each student I work with. Whether your child needs help mastering foundational skills or tackling new challenges, I’m here to support their growth every step of the way.

I have been a freelance photographer since 2020 and have a great love for helping people find their passion.

I am so excited to work with you! Fill out the form below and I’ll reach out soon!

Taylor Mason - Tutor

  • Elementary Education student at UMHB

  • Experienced in planning lessons, classroom management, and building social-emotional skills

  • Available to tutor elementary core subjects

  • Joined the UHL team in 2026

I’m excited to help you grow in academic skills and confidence!

Hi! My name is Taylor Mason, an Elementary Education major at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. I am passionate about creating engaging, supportive environments where students feel confident to ask questions, make mistakes, and discover a love for learning!

I have extensive experience working with children through teaching Sunday school, serving as a camp counselor, and participating in hands-on teaching clinics through my education program. These experiences have helped me develop strong classroom management skills, creative lesson planning strategies, and the ability to connect with students of diverse personalities and learning styles!

In my free time, I participate in all things creative! I am a member of the UMHB dance team, I love to pick up new artistic hobbies, and I enjoy cooking.

Please fill out the form below to let me know how I can help you!

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