Our Story

What would you do if your children are reading below their current reading level?

Strokes of Genius, LLC is a revolutionary company dedicated to improving teen literacy through immersive, interactive learning environments. We use technological tools for literacy education, equipping teens to succeed academically and beyond while helping schools and programs meet critical educational benchmarks.

We partner with schools and youth programs to transform their locations into captivating spaces where students can engage in targeted, hands-on literacy sessions that blend reading, writing, and critical thinking exercises with real-world problem-solving scenarios in safe tech spaces.

Our sessions are designed to make literacy engaging and relatable for today’s teens. We focus on developing essential skills through creative curriculums, interactive technological tools, and a modern approach to students’ learning styles. Our immersive experiences have empirically shown a boost in comprehension, vocabulary, and writing fluency in ways that traditional methods are beginning to incorporate.

Douglas Pitzer, the founder, is pursuing his doctoral studies at Virginia Tech, focusing on integrating data validated by electroencephalography devices. These devices monitor brain activity during conventional learning as well as during our immersive literacy sessions.

Douglas Pitzer, Founder

Since returning to Roanoke, Virginia in 2016

Douglas Pitzer has shown steadfast dedication to his community. With a Master's degree in Educational Psychology, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech, he has played a pivotal role in developing workshops, certification courses, and educational programs for local schools, colleges, and educational bodies.

Pitzer's extensive educational background and experience cover a broad spectrum of academic levels and settings. He has enriched minds as a college professor at UASD University in Nagua, Dominican Republic, and has showcased his adaptability by teaching at high school, middle school, and elementary levels, instructing ESL for Region-5 Adult Education, and coordinating for Virtual Academies during the Covid-19 pandemic.

His passion for meaningful education culminated in the founding of Strokes of Genius, LLC, reflecting his commitment to educational innovation. Pitzer's educational path also includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Norfolk State University, obtained in 2012, and a Master's in Educational Psychology from Virginia Tech, completed in 2021.

Pitzer's engagement extends beyond his professional pursuits; he is deeply integrated into his community, serving as the 2024 Get2KnowNoke Roanoke Region Talent Ambassador and Chair of the Neighborhood Advocacy Council. His volunteerism and community service earned him a spot on the Serve Virginia Honor Roll in January 2024, part of the Virginia Governor's Awards. His active participation in various community groups, including as Vice President of Blacks in Technology for Southwest Virginia, the Youth Services Citizens Board, Humble Hustle Company, Inc., and more, highlights his comprehensive approach to community enhancement.

Thankful for Year 3 of working with the City of Roanoke’s Teen Apprenticeship Program.. We introduced Project Management to students through a simple engineering activity. The goal was using productive communication to accomplish their skills.
4 months have flown by that fast of afterschool workshop with @roanokepubliclibraries . For the last week before the holidays, we had an engineering competition to plan out and build a tower using only your resources available and no hands. The creativity was flowing for the prizes 😂🎊 #AfterschoolAcademicFoundations
Here’s a look at our partnership with @bit_swva and @bgcswva providing Afterschool Esports to participants. For day 1, the participants were introduced to Esports with a competition that practiced teamwork as Project Management Professionals (PMP) and engineers to create the most stable structure out of balloons. Communication was key in this activity just like in Esports Tournaments.
Blacks in Technology would like to thank the Westend Center, Roanoke City Parks and Recreation, and Cox Cable for making this afterschool program come to life through partnership and using a curriculum created by Strokes of Genius, LLC. I believe this will be a new catalyst for introducing areas of STEAM. We’re excited for what’s to come.
Over the past month, Strokes of Genius, LLC. has been focused on working with our first intern @rixhamir . He’s now beginning his journey in college at @virginiawestern and we wanted to highlight some moments he excelled in over the past month
Over the past month, Strokes of Genius, LLC. has been focused on working with our first intern @rixhamir . He’s now beginning his journey in college at @virginiawestern and we wanted to highlight some moments he excelled in over the past month with him. 1. Practiced Networking skills for Engineering at Globberfest @virginia.tech 2. Public Speaking and Leadership Training through teaching a classes at Williamson Road and Gainsboro Library. @roanokepubliclibraries 3. Demonstrated strong organizational skills and technical proficiency in configuring gaming systems and peripherals. Coordinated and managed the setup of gaming stations and equipment for esports tournaments, ensuring optimal functionality and a professional environment. @playroanoke
Summer 2024 is a wrap.. We’re thankful to all the community partners, collaborators, and organizations that we volunteered for that made the summer such a success for Strokes Of Genius, LLC.… Here’s some highlights from June and July. Thank you.
The 2024 Teen Peace Jam for the City of Roanoke @city_of_roanoke is all set up… thank you to the Youth Services Citizens Board for the city of Roanoke for allowing @strokes_of_genius_va and @bit_virginia to lead all technical setup and support .. we are excited to see the results tomorrow.
Strokes of Genius and Blacks in Technology will be having open tournaments biweekly on Fridays for Esports all summer for ages 14+ 🎉.. We’ll have games, prizes, and more! Make sure to sign up. The link is available in our bio.
Strokes of Genius and Blacks in Technology will be having open tournaments biweekly on Fridays for Esports all summer for ages 14+ 🎉.. We’ll have games, prizes, and more! Make sure to sign up. The link is available in our bio.
This summer, we will be reinventing. What tutoring looks like… The goal is to combine education and entertainment together our weekly tutoring workshops for participants will focus on math and reading through the eyes of STEM activities..
This summer, we will be reinventing. What tutoring looks like… The goal is to combine education and entertainment together our weekly tutoring workshops for participants will focus on math and reading through the eyes of STEM activities..
We are thankful that we will be providing steam workshops at Gainesboro library for participants this summer… We are really looking forward to seeing everyone soon in June. Will have guest organizations and surprises at each workshop 🎉
We are thankful that we will be providing steam workshops at Gainesboro library for participants this summer… We are really looking forward to seeing everyone soon in June. Will have guest organizations and surprises at each workshop 🎉
Tutoring is back! New tutors, new space, new equipment, and new motivation. We are working on how to accommodate everyone within our scheduling that has been reaching out. Thank you.
Robotics for kids has returned for 2024 at Melrose Library! We were so excited to have new participants and old participants return to begin learning driving and coding fundamentals with robotics. We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
Thank you once again to Williamson Road library for allowing us to work with your community. We’re now on month three, and we want to thank all the participants who have been coming to the computer, basic classes being taught by black and technology in partnership with Strokes Of Genius Tutoring.
We wanted to extend our heartfelt appreciation to @roanokepubliclibraries for allowing us to host an amazing event during African American History Month. Your dedication to celebrating and educating about Black history is truly commendable. The insightful discussions and educational activities provided today was a rich tapestry of knowledge and inspiration around music and culture. It’s through events like these that we continue to learn, grow, and appreciate the contributions of African Americans throughout history. Thank you for creating a space where we could come together, learn, and celebrate. We look forward to more enlightening events in the future! With gratitude, @strokes_of_genius_va
We’ve been working on the new space since November. We are proud to finally have an authentic workspace for tutoring our students. We’re excited to announce tutoring returns next week.
Thank you to all our collaborators that made this Esports Tournament come true to end the year 2023. Special thanks to @city_of_roanoke Parks and Recreation and @blacksintechnology who are the only reason this was possible. We will begin hosting one tournament a month. Dates and sign-ups will be available beginning of next year.
Congratulations to the participants for successfully completing the 1st Tech Camp by Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board. Thank you for allowing us to be apart of your journey during this week. This last day of the camp at Virginia Western
Congratulations to the participants for successfully completing the 1st Tech Camp by Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board. Thank you for allowing us to be apart of your journey during this week. This last day of the camp at Virginia Western Community College in their Stem Lab was absolutely inspiring for the participants and instructors as well. Special Thanks to Richard Mansell and his conversation about his career in Space Technology with Ivo Limited.
Thank you to @greaterroanokeworks for having Strokes of Genius present for Day 1 of Tech Camp! Today, we built Raspberry Pi Computers with the participants while learning about Hardware setup and installing practices.
Thank you to @greaterroanokeworks for having Strokes of Genius present for Day 1 of Tech Camp! Today, we built Raspberry Pi Computers with the participants while learning about Hardware setup and installing practices.
Strokes of Genius launched multiple programs this week, some old and some new. We wanted to show some highlights of the past week: 1. Young Doctors Program at Melrose Library 2. Academic Support at Strokes of Genius 3. Studio Rental for Virginia Tech Student Documentary 4. Science Exploration on Wednesdays at Strokes of Genius 5. New Self-Published Book: Learning is Your Superpower: Advice for becoming who you want to be 6. Computer Basics in Collaboration with Blacks in Technology at Williamson Road Library
Thankful for Year 3 of working with the City of Roanoke’s Teen Apprenticeship Program.. We introduced Project Management to students through a simple engineering activity. The goal was using productive communication to accomplish their skills.
4 months have flown by that fast of afterschool workshop with @roanokepubliclibraries . For the last week before the holidays, we had an engineering competition to plan out and build a tower using only your resources available and no hands. The cre
Here’s a look at our partnership with @bit_swva and @bgcswva providing Afterschool Esports to participants. For day 1, the participants were introduced to Esports with a competition that practiced teamwork as Project Management Professionals
Blacks in Technology would like to thank the Westend Center, Roanoke City Parks and Recreation, and Cox Cable for making this afterschool program come to life through partnership and using a curriculum created by Strokes of Genius, LLC. I believe t
Over the past month, Strokes of Genius, LLC. has been focused on working with our first intern @rixhamir . He’s now beginning his journey in college at @virginiawestern and we wanted to highlight some moments he excelled in over the past month
Summer 2024 is a wrap.. We’re thankful to all the community partners, collaborators, and organizations that we volunteered for that made the summer such a success for Strokes Of Genius, LLC.… Here’s some highlights from June and Ju
The 2024 Teen Peace Jam for the City of Roanoke @city_of_roanoke is all set up… thank you to the Youth Services Citizens Board for the city of Roanoke for allowing @strokes_of_genius_va and @bit_virginia to lead all technical setup and support
Strokes of Genius and Blacks in Technology will be having open tournaments biweekly on Fridays for Esports all summer for ages 14+ 🎉.. We’ll have games, prizes, and more! Make sure to sign up. The link is available in our bio. This summer, we will be reinventing. What tutoring looks like… The goal is to combine education and entertainment together our weekly tutoring workshops for participants will focus on math and reading through the eyes of STEM activities.. We are thankful that we will be providing steam workshops at Gainesboro library for participants this summer… We are really looking forward to seeing everyone soon in June. Will have guest organizations and surprises at each workshop 🎉
Tutoring is back! New tutors, new space, new equipment, and new motivation. We are working on how to accommodate everyone within our scheduling that has been reaching out. Thank you.
Robotics for kids has returned for 2024 at Melrose Library! We were so excited to have new participants and old participants return to begin learning driving and coding fundamentals with robotics. We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
Thank you once again to Williamson Road library for allowing us to work with your community. We’re now on month three, and we want to thank all the participants who have been coming to the computer, basic classes being taught by black and techn
We wanted to extend our heartfelt appreciation to @roanokepubliclibraries for allowing us to host an amazing event during African American History Month. Your dedication to celebrating and educating about Black history is truly commendable. The insi
We’ve been working on the new space since November. We are proud to finally have an authentic workspace for tutoring our students. We’re excited to announce tutoring returns next week.
Thank you to all our collaborators that made this Esports Tournament come true to end the year 2023. Special thanks to @city_of_roanoke Parks and Recreation and @blacksintechnology who are the only reason this was possible. We will begin hosting on
Congratulations to the participants for successfully completing the 1st Tech Camp by Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board. Thank you for allowing us to be apart of your journey during this week. This last day of the camp at Virginia Western Thank you to @greaterroanokeworks for having Strokes of Genius present for Day 1 of Tech Camp! Today, we built Raspberry Pi Computers with the participants while learning about Hardware setup and installing practices.
Strokes of Genius launched multiple programs this week, some old and some new. We wanted to show some highlights of the past week: 1. Young Doctors Program at Melrose Library 2. Academic Support at Strokes of Genius 3. Studio Rental for Virginia