MEET OUR STAFF
Isabella | Educational Specialist
Hailing from the East Coast, Isabella graduated from Harvard College with a B.A. in Sociology before she followed the sunshine to Los Angeles. She has taught for 15 years in various capacities, from SAT tutoring (which she has added to her CLS roster!) to sports training to HIV/ AIDs prevention courses in Tanzania. Isabella believes that at its core, tutoring is cultivating the confidence and skills that equip individuals to journey towards their dreams. Isabella comes alive with the curiosity and play that children bring into a room. Her priority is to foster an environment where people feel comfortable being their true, authentic selves!
Fun Fact: Isabella is a hip-hop choreographer and dancer who loves to boogie!
Matthew | Educational Specialist
Matthew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Linguistics from the University of California, Davis, and has worked with students since he was a sophomore in high school. As a professional musician and a tutor, Matthew's goals are to provide a solid educational foundation in Math, Science, Writing, Executive Functioning, and the Arts. Matthew has worked with the teeny-tiniest pre-K students to adults in college and beyond and believes that every student deserves a teacher who can connect with them on an individual level. Matthew holds a Master’s degree from the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA, studying the bassoon, and is an adjunct City College professor.
Fun fact: Playing the bassoon requires Matthew to make his own reeds; he often feels like a woodworker or whittler!
Derrick | Educational Specialist
Derrick graduated from UCLA with a double major in English and Asian American Studies. He’s taught and tutored K-12 as well as college and adult students both locally and from all around the world. His favorite part about working with others is the relationship he gets to build with each person as they get closer to achieving their goals. Interested in language and our power of using words to communicate, share stories, and connect with one another — whether helping write college admission essays, study for the next exam, or stay organized amidst a busy schedule — Derrick does his best to create a welcoming space for everyone to learn and grow comfortably.
Fun fact: Derrick loves spending his free time traveling or exploring new places, scouring the Internet for recipes to cook or bake and share with friends, and learning new facts about whatever interests him!
Jillian | Educational Specialist
Jillian graduated from Syracuse University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. She has always loved working with kids during her school breaks and has worked as a Day Camp Director in LA for the past 3 years. Jillian is a current second year graduate student at USC finishing her Masters’ degree in Social Work. She has loved working with K-12 students in LAUSD and SMMUSD in her role as a School Counseling Intern throughout her time at USC. Jillian loves working with CLS students to help them reach their academic goals through educational support, as well as working toward finding their confidence within their academic journeys!
Fun fact: Jillian loves to do ceramics wheel throwing on her free time!
Ric | Educational Specialist
Ric grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and moved to California within the last few years. She has her Bachelors in Psychology, as well as her Masters in Education through Concordia University. Ric has multiple teaching certificates both in New York and California. Ric has over 6 years of educational experience and LOVES working with students! She looks forward to reading the newest research, training in best-practice techniques, and is constantly learning while working with students with various learning profiles. Ric believes in Gardner’s Intelligences, and that every single person has a special kind of ‘smarts’ that they are good at! Ric believes in harnessing each student's strengths to help support their challenges, to foster a sense of confidence, competence, and curiosity.
Fun Fact: Ric loves to rollerblade and create art in her free time.
RACHEL | Educational Specialist
Rachel is completing a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Saxophone Performance at UCLA. As a professional musician and educator, Rachel has taught in various capacities including one-on-one sessions, small classrooms, and lecture halls. Rachel has worked with students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults. Her teaching philosophy revolves around inspiring a life-long love of learning in her students, and she is passionate about helping them become more confident and well-rounded individuals.
Fun fact: Rachel is an extreme matcha enthusiast. Ask her where to find the best spot for matcha in LA!