Each tutor is a top-tier college alumni and possesses an in-depth understanding of the academic experience from the inside out. We hire by recommendation only and thoroughly vet each tutor to insure their proficiency in a variety of subject areas and general study skills preparation. Most importantly, our tutors are more than just teachers: they’re mentors tasked with providing students with the support they need to succeed.
Ellen Richards

Ellen Richards founded Ellen Richards Educational Services, Inc. in 2004. She attended Dartmouth College and ultimately graduated with a degree from Wellesley College. Ellen’s own journey to find the right college ignited her with a passion to help others navigate the often confusing process of seeking higher education and reaching their personal academic goals. She subsequently completed graduate coursework for Masters Degrees in both College Counseling and Child and Adolescent Literacy at Loyola Marymount University.
Ellen collaborated with the Wellesley College admissions office for twenty years. While still a student, she dedicated herself to recruiting students who truly had the potential to find their own niche at the college. After graduation, she served as the Wellesley College Los Angeles Admissions Liaison. Ellen’s experience interviewing countless students and reviewing a myriad of college applications has provided her with the expertise to support students on the winding road to college admission.
Not only has Ellen’s personal journey helped her build the foundation of Ellen Richards Educational Services, Inc., but she has also developed a deliberate and strategic approach to her field that yields excellent results. Moreover, her diligent research on evolving trends in college admissions allows her to remain up-to-date on the intricacies of admissions policies, scholarships, and student success rates at colleges and universities throughout the United States.
Ellen has successfully guided hundreds of families through the college admissions process; the number of satisfied clients of Ellen’s who have gained entry into their colleges of choice speaks to her tireless commitment to excellence and integrity. It’s no wonder that Ellen Richards Education Services, Inc., is recognized as a leader in personalized and results-driven tutoring across the greater Los Angeles area.
Among her many accolades, Ellen is recognized as a “college admissions expert” on Unigo.com, a site which relies on the expertise of the top college counselors on the country. In addition, Ellen serves as the Los Angeles College Bound Expert for Examiner.com, and regularly contributes to the NextStep Magazine and Center for Student Opportunity online communities. Most recently, the Feminist Majority Foundation elected Ellen as a member of their Board; in this position, Ellen will help oversee the implementation of Girls Learn International (GLI), an organization that seeks to give young women everywhere the chance to be leaders in the movement for universal girls’ education. (I love this, but I don’t want any potential male clients to feel alienated, if that makes sense.)
Ellen is a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), the Western Association of College Admissions Counselors (WACAC), the California Association of School Counselors (CASC), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the Overseas Association of College Admissions Counselors (OACAC) and the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA).
Yasmin Abedin
Yasmin grew up in Southern California and attended Crescenta Valley High School in La Crescenta, California. During high school, she enjoyed tutoring fellow students in Algebra and a volunteer at the Glendale Free Health Clinic, in which she still volunteers. After high school graduation in 2006, she attended Glendale Community College (GCC) with Chemistry as Read More
Yasmin grew up in Southern California and attended
Crescenta Valley High School in La Crescenta, California. During high school, she enjoyed tutoring fellow students in Algebra and a volunteer at the Glendale Free Health Clinic, in which she still volunteers. After high school graduation in 2006, she attended
Glendale Community College (GCC) with Chemistry as her major. She was heavily involved with the Scholars Program at GCC by being the Secretary and Vice President of the finance committee of the organization. She also organized many fundraisers and was in charge of awarding scholarships to outstanding students. At GCC, she was also a tutor at the Math Science Center, tutoring students in Algebra, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. In 2008, she transferred to the
University of California: Los Angeles (UCLA) as a Chemistry major. She was a member of the Honors Program at UCLA and graduated with Latin Honors (Cum Laude). At
UCLA she became a member of the Rotaract Club, in which she participated in many community volunteer activities. Currently, she’s attending the Masters of Public Health Program at the
University of Southern California (USC). In the Public Health Program her interests lie in data analysis and bio-statistics for the prevention of diseases and promotion of optimal health.
Cristen Aery
Originally hailing from Essex Fells, New Jersey, Cristen graduated from Stanford University in 2007 with a minor in creative writing and a bachelor’s degree in film and media studies, earning the departmental award for academic excellence. After graduation, Cristen moved to Los Angeles to work in the film industry, first for independent production company Pressman Read More
Originally hailing from Essex Fells, New Jersey, Cristen graduated from
Stanford University in 2007 with a minor in creative writing and a bachelor’s degree in film and media studies, earning the departmental award for academic excellence. After graduation, Cristen moved to Los Angeles to work in the film industry, first for independent production company
Pressman Film and most recently for
DreamWorks Studios. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in critical film and media studies at the
University of Southern California, where she works as a graduate assistant, writing exam questions and grading papers for undergraduate students. She is hoping to earn a PhD to teach film and media studies at the university level.
Eric Bergemann
Eric graduated magna cum laude from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in English and a minor in foreign affairs. He was a National Merit Scholar and his senior thesis was selected for publication in UVA‘s American Studies journal. He is well-traveled, having studied in London, taught English in China and produced a film Read More
Eric graduated magna cum laude from the
University of Virginia with a B.A. in English and a minor in foreign affairs. He was a National Merit Scholar and his senior thesis was selected for publication in
UVA‘s American Studies journal. He is well-traveled, having studied in London, taught English in China and produced a film in India. Before moving to Los Angeles to enroll in the M.F.A. film production program at
USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, he lived in New York City, where he worked as a writer and marketing manager. He is currently employed as a teaching assistant for both graduate and undergraduate classes in the film school. As a tutor, he specializes in English, history, government, Spanish, essay writing,
SAT prep, critical thinking and study skills.
Catherine Brobeck
Catherine Brobeck is a graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Literature. She previously worked as an executive in the film industry before leaving to pursue writing full time. Since high school, Catherine has been interested in promoting learning, from teaching English to refugees in her home state of Minnesota to volunteering with underprivileged elementary students in Read More
Catherine Brobeck is a graduate of
Yale University with a B.A. in Literature. She previously worked as an executive in the film industry before leaving to pursue writing full time. Since high school, Catherine has been interested in promoting learning, from teaching English to refugees in her home state of Minnesota to volunteering with underprivileged elementary students in Los Angeles, as well as spending each winter as an alumni interviewer for Yale. She believes that education should be exciting and dynamic and brings her love of language and the humanities to all of her students.
Sam Cohen
As a graduate student at Harvard University, I was in the masters program at the school of education. A Phi Beta Kappa electee with a BA in Literature and Psychology, I have taught at the University of Rochesterand tutored both privately and through the Harvard tutorial system. I was also an award-winning screenwriter and an Read More
As a graduate student at
Harvard University, I was in the masters program at the school of education. A Phi Beta Kappa electee with a BA in Literature and Psychology, I have taught at the
University of Rochesterand tutored both privately and through the Harvard tutorial system. I was also an award-winning screenwriter and an actor on stage, film and television. I have an excellent rapport with students of all ages and I can improve anyone’s writing and reading skills by making it fun and exciting to communicate!
Chelsey Dailey
Chelsey graduated early from New York University with a B.F.A. in theatre. She has always loved academics and feels fortunate that with her A.P. credits from high school, she was able to test out of an entire year of college. Considering herself a “cool” kid who still did well in school, she loves spreading passion Read More
Chelsey graduated early from
New York University with a B.F.A. in theatre. She has always loved academics and feels fortunate that with her A.P. credits from high school, she was able to test out of an entire year of college. Considering herself a “cool” kid who still did well in school, she loves spreading passion and confidence to her students, hoping that she’s making it “cool” to be smart. With one-on-one tutoring, she loves the challenge of discovering each student’s needs, and then creating a learning process that motivates and stimulates: “I work hard to create a mutual respect so that the student can feel comfortable to make mistakes, but then also feel a great sense of achievement when they know that they really understand the material. Every student is so different, and I love the process of adapting in order to best help them.” Chelsey tutors history, math, English, biology, psychology, Spanish, and
ISEE,
SAT & ACT prep.
Alexandra Dorian-Garcia
Alexandra graduated with honors from Dartmouth College in 2005, with degrees in Film Studies, French Language and Literature. Originally from the east coast, she spent time living in Paris and New York before relocating to Los Angeles. Alexandra worked as a mentor for at-risk teens in Hollywood, empowering them to express themselves through creative outlets Read More
Alexandra graduated with honors from
Dartmouth College in 2005, with degrees in Film Studies, French Language and Literature. Originally from the east coast, she spent time living in Paris and New York before relocating to Los Angeles. Alexandra worked as a mentor for at-risk teens in Hollywood, empowering them to express themselves through creative outlets and learn invaluable study and social skills. She enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for French, English and writing with students, as well as American History, biology, algebra and geometry.
Adam Dunlop-Farkas
Adam graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in literature. After graduating from Yale, he moved to Los Angeles to work in the film industry, where he found a job with a newly-formed production company. After two and a half years of reading scripts with the company, he left to write some of Read More
Adam graduated cum laude from
Yale University with a BA in literature. After graduating from
Yale, he moved to Los Angeles to work in the film industry, where he found a job with a newly-formed production company. After two and a half years of reading scripts with the company, he left to write some of his own. In college, he taught for and ran a creative writing classroom program at a nearby elementary school. In high school, he mentored elementary school students in reading and his peers in math. Originally from Miami Beach, he finds the weather in sunny Los Angeles to be on the cold side.
Jamie Fleishman
Jamie recently relocated to Los Angeles from her hometown of New York City, where she worked in communications after graduating from Brown University in 2005. Since she was young, Jamie possessed a strong passion for academics, particularly the Humanities. As an English major at Brown, she achieved a 4.0 GPA, graduated magna cum laude (the Read More
Jamie recently relocated to Los Angeles from her hometown of New York City, where she worked in communications after graduating from
Brown University in 2005. Since she was young, Jamie possessed a strong passion for academics, particularly the Humanities. As an English major at
Brown, she achieved a 4.0 GPA, graduated magna cum laude (the highest honors level at the university), was elected to the
Phi Beta Kappa honors society, and won numerous awards for her writing from both the English and History departments.
Hesley Harps
Originally from Alpharetta, GA, Hesley moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment and arts education. She holds degrees in Theatre Arts (Honors) as well as Environmental Studies: Ecology and Biodiversity from Sewanee: The University of the South, where she graduated summa cum laude and was honored to become a member of Phi Read More
Originally from Alpharetta, GA, Hesley moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment and arts education. She holds degrees in Theatre Arts (Honors) as well as Environmental Studies: Ecology and Biodiversity from
Sewanee: The University of the South, where she graduated summa cum laude and was honored to become a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She is also a teaching artist with Story Pirates, an arts education organization that teaches creative writing workshops in schools and performs interactive sketch shows at
The Geffen Playhouse inspired by stories that were written by kids.
Kimberly Jacobs
Kimberly received her B.S. in Psychology from UC Davis and has a passion for science, medicine and public health issues. She is currently a Master’s of Public Health student at USC and hopes to continue onto a Health Policy Analysis PhD program. She enjoys teaching others and and tutoring in math, science, English, government, and Read More
Kimberly received her B.S. in Psychology from
UC Davis and has a passion for science, medicine and public health issues. She is currently a Master’s of Public Health student at
USC and hopes to continue onto a Health Policy Analysis PhD program. She enjoys teaching others and and tutoring in math, science, English, government, and history.
Jena Jajo
Jena Jajo is a 27-year graduate from Southwestern Law School with a Juris Doctorate degree. She also has a bachelors of arts degree in Philosophy from San Diego State University. She has been a tutor for a number of years helping students in both math and English. Her teaching approach involves a complimentary balance of Read More
Jena Jajo is a 27-year graduate from
Southwestern Law School with a Juris Doctorate degree. She also has a bachelors of arts degree in Philosophy from
San Diego State University. She has been a tutor for a number of years helping students in both math and English. Her teaching approach involves a complimentary balance of care and logic. She truly strives to motivate her students to succeed while the meanwhile providing step-by-step analysis of how to master each subject.
Mark Kosin
Born and raised in Chicago’s suburbs, Mark Kosin graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a dual degree in History and International Film and New Media Studies in 2007. While at Loyola, he spent a semester abroad a the John Felice Rome Center in Rome, Italy. During that time he also traveled across Italy and much Read More
Born and raised in Chicago’s suburbs,
Mark Kosin graduated from
Loyola University Chicago with a dual degree in History and International Film and New Media Studies in 2007. While at Loyola, he spent a semester abroad a the John Felice Rome Center in Rome, Italy. During that time he also traveled across Italy and much of Europe. He has recently graduated from the
University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts with an M.F.A. in Film and Television Production, with a focus on writing.
Elizabeth Nguyen
Elizabeth was born and raised in San Jose with 3 sisters. Throughout high school, she tutored both her peers and younger students in Math, from 3rd grade to advanced levels. Elizabeth relocated to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California where she served as a member of the Epsilon chapter of Alpha Chi Read More
Elizabeth was born and raised in San Jose with 3 sisters. Throughout high school, she tutored both her peers and younger students in Math, from 3rd grade to advanced levels. Elizabeth relocated to Los Angeles to attend the
University of Southern California where she served as a member of the Epsilon chapter of Alpha Chi Omega and was elected president of the Asian American Business Association for two consecutive years. In addition to mentoring students, her work experience includes multiple internships at various companies including Public identity promotional Marketing Firm, Saturday Night Magazine, Merrill Lynch, and Southern California Edison.When working with students Elizabeth strives to help each student realize their strengths and work to the best of his or her abilities.
Sapna Rohra
Sapna graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Originally from Lubbock, Texas, Sapna relocated to Los Angeles aspiring to become a professional choreographer and dancer. Along with a strong passion for dance, she hopes to continue her love for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry through tutoring and helping her students Read More
Sapna graduated from
Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Originally from Lubbock, Texas, Sapna relocated to Los Angeles aspiring to become a professional choreographer and dancer. Along with a strong passion for dance, she hopes to continue her love for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry through tutoring and helping her students excel academically. She encourages her students to find their own passion in order to follow their dreams as well. Sapna is currently a free lance Bollywood/Hip Hop choreographer (represented by DDO Artists Agency) and dancer (represented by McDonald Seltznick Associates).
Marc S. Rosen
I have extensive experience teaching in the classroom. I have taught all grades and subjects in both public and private schools. I began my teaching career substituting for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, I then became a contract employee with LACOE and served in the Juvenile Court Schools and in the Division of Read More
I have extensive experience teaching in the classroom. I have taught all grades and subjects in both public and private schools. I began my teaching career substituting for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, I then became a contract employee with LACOE and served in the Juvenile Court Schools and in the Division of Special Education. Since then, I have taught in several private schools, including special education and religious schools. I possess a Multiple-Subject CA Credential, so I can teach any subject, but Math and Science are my favorites. In addition, I have three years of tutoring experience in private settings and in company settings. I have excellent interpersonal relationship skills and truly enjoy extracurricular activities such as parent-teacher conferences and supervising field trips. My computer skills are quite good (I am familiar with all Windows applications). I am proficient in speaking, writing, and reading Spanish. No matter where I have taught, my students always let me know how much they appreciate me. I am passionate about teaching and learning, yet I always show the utmost respect for my students. I understand that I am holding the future in my hands and treat it with hope and kindness.
Kate San Mateo
Kate is from Orange County, CA. In 2007, she graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from New York University. She is currently pursuing her MPH in the Child and Family Health track at USC. She works with children and their families in South Los Angeles in an effort to reduce the prevalence of obesity and Read More
Kate is from Orange County, CA. In 2007, she graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from
New York University. She is currently pursuing her MPH in the Child and Family Health track at
USC. She works with children and their families in South Los Angeles in an effort to reduce the prevalence of obesity and diabetes and improve their quality of life.
Trevor Schwartz
Trevor is a Los Angeles native who graduated from Princeton University in 2006 with a BA in Philosophy. He then went on to complete an MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage at Northwestern University in 2008. His background and Jewish upbringing give him a good foundation for teaching composition and the humanities as Read More
Trevor is a Los Angeles native who graduated from
Princeton University in 2006 with a BA in Philosophy. He then went on to complete an MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage at
Northwestern University in 2008. His background and Jewish upbringing give him a good foundation for teaching composition and the humanities as well as nagging students until they develop guilt complexes. When he’s not distracted by the internet, Trevor is trying his hand at screenwriting.
Jessica Shelby
Jessica attended the University of Southern California, receiving a BA in Theatre and a minor in Communication with an emphasis on the entertainment industry. She has tutored all over the Los Angeles area for the past five years. She has worked for companies that have specialized in English and math, working with students from kindergarten Read More
Jessica attended the
University of Southern California, receiving a BA in Theatre and a minor in Communication with an emphasis on the entertainment industry. She has tutored all over the Los Angeles area for the past five years. She has worked for companies that have specialized in English and math, working with students from kindergarten through high school. She has also privately tutored students in English, math, and history. In addition to tutoring, she has worked as a substitute teacher, working in the top private schools in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Bel Air, Culver City, etc. She believes that each tutoring session is different because the student is different, and needs to be taught in a way that brings out his or her best academic performance.
Jonathan Treadgold
Jon is an aspiring comedy writer, but darn serious about education. After excelling in the rigorous and competitive worlds of Yale (B.A. English ’06, winner: T.Whitney Blake Memorial Prize) and USC Film School (M.F.A Writing for Screen and TV ’09, winner: School of Cinematic Arts Scholarship), Jon has discovered a passion for teaching as well. Read More
Jon is an aspiring comedy writer, but darn serious about education. After excelling in the rigorous and competitive worlds of
Yale (B.A. English ’06, winner: T.Whitney Blake Memorial Prize) and
USC Film School (M.F.A Writing for Screen and TV ’09, winner: School of Cinematic Arts Scholarship), Jon has discovered a passion for teaching as well. Combining a cheerful personality, good humor, and wide-ranging knowledge of subjects as varied as Economics, Latin and
SAT/
ACT prep, Jon is able to engage his students and explain complex subjects in a memorable way.
Kathleen Van
Kathleen was born and raised in Southern California and is graduating from USC in May 2011 with a Business Degree, concentrating in International Business and Finance. She will begin her career as a Financial Analyst for the Walt Disney Company, Parks & Resort.
Kathleen was born and raised in Southern California and is graduating from
USC in May 2011 with a Business Degree, concentrating in International Business and Finance. She will begin her career as a Financial Analyst for the Walt Disney Company, Parks & Resort.
Elizabeth Wilcox
Elizabeth graduated from Yale University in 2005 with a BA in English. She spent the following two years teaching 11th grade English at a private school in Alexandria Virginia, where she also ran an SAT preparation course. She recently relocated in the Los Angeles area to pursue her writing.
Elizabeth graduated from
Yale University in 2005 with a BA in English. She spent the following two years teaching 11th grade English at a private school in Alexandria Virginia, where she also ran an SAT preparation course. She recently relocated in the Los Angeles area to pursue her writing.
Scott Wolman
Scott graduated with honors from Princeton University in 2007, with a BA in English and a minor in Theater, and was selected to give a light-hearted address during his graduation ceremony. While Scott’s academic focus was on English literature and composition, he also excelled in a broad range of subjects, including Spanish, math, and science. Read More
Scott graduated with honors from
Princeton University in 2007, with a BA in English and a minor in Theater, and was selected to give a light-hearted address during his graduation ceremony. While Scott’s academic focus was on English literature and composition, he also excelled in a broad range of subjects, including Spanish, math, and science. Scott aspires to help his students to master their coursework and feel confident in the classroom with his sense of humor and passion for learning. Scott is currently a screenwriter, represented by
William Morris Endeavor Entertainment.
Bethy Woubeshet
Bethy graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science. She received her Master’s in Public Health degree at USC in the Health Promotion & Health Education track on May 11, 2011. She is currently interning at Charles Drew University Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center, while looking for Read More
Bethy graduated from
Loyola Marymount University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science. She received her Master’s in Public Health degree at
USC in the Health Promotion & Health Education track on May 11, 2011. She is currently interning at
Charles Drew University Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center, while looking for a full-time career position that will enable her to use her MPH degree to the fullest. As an undergrad, she tutored middle school students in the field of science and math. Her future goals are to help those in need, to be a successful public health professional, and to travel the world and implement wellness programs.
Samuel Zetumer
Sam Z graduated from Princeton in ’09 with a degree in Mathematics. He says ” tutoring is a great way for students to get ahead of the game, fill in missed information, or just look at the material in a different, more creative light”. Loves to use black/white boards, chalk, and markers, he encourages students Read More
Sam Z graduated from
Princeton in ’09 with a degree in Mathematics. He says ” tutoring is a great way for students to get ahead of the game, fill in missed information, or just look at the material in a different, more creative light”. Loves to use black/white boards, chalk, and markers, he encourages students to arrange the information in creative and meaningful ways. The more rigorous the subject, the more interesting and creative the learning endeavor can be! He has over 100 hours of tutor training, and many more hours of experience teaching the basics: calculus, chemistry, physics, trigonometry, algebra, and arithmetic. Enjoys the more advanced material, and have tutored subjects like multi-‐variable calculus, linear algebra, analysis, and number theory. “Math is my specialty, but I do branch out.”