The Challenge

Master trainer Tammy Marino understands the rewards and realities of working with children and childhood care and education providers.  As president of Portland-based Phoenix Solutions, Marino helps daycare, preschool and school administrators navigate the thicket of state government regulations and industry best practices.

Phoenix Solutions markets to more than 1,500 certified child care centers and education organizations in the state of Oregon. Her trainers are carefully screened to ensure that they meet the highest ethical standards required by her clients, mostly small businesses. 

Marino travels by car to her customers’ place of business, where she conducts her workshops. Supplementary materials are distributed in person and via email. Fuel and copying charges can set back Marino nearly $500 a month, an expense that Phoenix Solutions has been desperately trying to reduce.

In graduate school, Marino had taken courses online and understood the efficiencies and convenience of distance learning. She wanted to move her training initiatives online. But she couldn’t find a low-cost learning management system that didn’t require extensive IT support or customization.  

The Solution

In early 2009, Phoenix Solutions turned to Educadium to implement an EasyCampus virtual classroom setup. “Educadium’s great tutorials and templates made setting up my campus a snap,” says Marino. “We enjoyed the step-by-step instructions and responsive help team. I was able to get set up in very little time, and our company-branded campus made my clients feel comfortable.”

The Benefits

Marino sees distance learning as a means to shave thousands of dollars a year from her travel and operating budget. But she’s also looking at her new EasyCampus as a means to build business, grow revenues, and improve brand-name awareness.

“There are many options such as webinars, white boarding and online campus components, so Educadium’s EasyCampus is a good investment for me,” Marino says.

The Results

The response from current clients has been very positive, says Marino, encouraging her to expand her eLearning offerings. Phoenix Solutions is readying online courses in a variety of subject matters, including HR management and leadership. 

“As a small businessperson, I am looking for value, great service, and reasonable fees.  Educadium delivers all of that and more. EasyCampus will enable me to expand my business, enhancing the value I provide to my clients.”

The Future

Tammy Marino sees tremendous potential with online training, improving her team’s productivity and reach. In 2009, working with Educadium, she wants to market online and offer tuition courses to new learners beyond the Oregon market.

“I’m thrilled to be associated with Educadium,” she says. “Using EasyCampus, I am able to connect others in their field and provide them with a wide range of resources.”

For more information about Tammy Marino and Phoenix Solutions, visit www.askphoenixsolutions.com.