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Alexandra brings her passion for education and proven track record of fostering student success to our team as a Lead CA Partnership Success Manager based in Los Angeles.

Her journey in education started in high school when she began tutoring elementary school students after hours, laying the foundation for her commitment to empowering learners. A proud first-generation college graduate with a B.A. in Literature from Brown University, Alexandra’s academic background underscores her dedication to lifelong learning and academic excellence. Additionally, she recently served as a graduate assistant to the Ayurveda department at SCUHS, further deepening her understanding of holistic education and wellness practices. Prior to her work in education, Alexandra also explored her creative side as a film editor, showcasing her versatility and adaptability.

Outside of work, Alexandra enjoys a variety of hobbies, including hiking, painting, and spending quality time with friends, family, and her beloved pets – Juno, Kali, and Kojin, her two pugs and cat. Her vibrant personality and diverse experiences enrich our team, making her a valuable asset in driving success and fostering meaningful partnerships.

Rebecca Suan joins Study Smart Tutors after working as a community manager. Rebecca graduated from Channel Island University, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Health Science. During her academic journey, she developed a passion for exploring ways to promote well-being. This passion has motivated her to pursue a career that allows her to work closely with people and make a positive impact on their lives. When she is not engaged in professional pursuits, you’ll find her exploring nature through hiking, practicing yoga, or spending time with loved ones.

Valerie previously served over 7 years in non-profit education work. She worked as a Program Coordinator under the GEAR UP Compton grant within Compton Unified School District. Valerie is a first-generation college student and received her B.A in Sociology at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is also a recent MPA graduate from CSU Long Beach.

Valerie has always shared a deep passion for education and particularly serving under-resourced communities. She loves to collaborate with those who share a similar passion for educational resources and uplifting communities. In her free time, Valerie enjoys staying active and planning trips with friends.

With a background in K-12 education, Jonathan holds a Master of Arts in Education from UC Davis and has taught high school English for several years. His expertise extends to teacher coaching, curriculum development, and professional growth initiatives.

Beyond the classroom, Jonathan has also made an impact at the university level, forging and executing partnerships within higher education at Berkeley. His experience across both K-12 and higher education has reinforced his passion for empowering educational experiences, built on strong, meaningful relationships and partnerships. He’s thrilled to be working with organizations to ensure equitable access to education and the opportunities it brings.

Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys playing music instruments, discovering new restaurants, and spending time outdoors

Gena Lakin brings over a decade of experience in education leadership and program management to her role as Associate Director of Partnership Success at Study Smart Tutors.

With a strong track record of implementing high-impact academic programs and managing cross-functional teams, Gena is dedicated to building strategic partnerships that expand educational access and drive student success.

Driven by the belief that every student is unique and deserves the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and stimulating learning environment, Gena’s approach is deeply aligned with Study Smart Tutors’ mission to promote educational equity, access, and success. Gena ensures programs are responsive to local needs and aligned with compliance standards, academic goals, and equity frameworks. Her work is grounded in a deep understanding of both instructional design and operational execution.

Gena is passionate about strengthening community relationships and delivering measurable outcomes through thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a shared commitment to student growth.

Outside of work, Gena enjoys teaching Pilates, catching live music, and hiking with her dog, Cork.

Laura Orozco is the Director of Partnership Success at Study Smart Tutors, where she leads national efforts to strengthen partnerships and ensure partners receive the highest level of support. In her role, she oversees the Partnership Success team across regions, focusing on simplifying processes, scaling programs, and ensuring long-term success for both partners and students.

Laura brings a strong background in education and nonprofit work. Before joining Study Smart Tutors, she coordinated schoolwide events, case-managed students, and focused on the needs of underrepresented learners while working at a nonprofit dedicated to increasing graduation rates for at-risk youth. She also previously provided behavioral services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, with a focus on child and adolescent behavior intervention.

A graduate of California Lutheran University’s Math Science Upward Bound program, Laura first learned about Study Smart Tutors while working for the program as a college student. She is deeply passionate about Study Smart Tutors’ mission and committed to making a positive impact in her community.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Tuck. Her hobbies include hiking, running, reading and signing with her kids!

Pete Petroff brings over 18 years of experience in education and organizational leadership, having served in diverse educational settings across Indianapolis, Chicago, Manhattan Beach, and Los Angeles. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of roles including teacher, department chair, new teacher mentor, educational consultant, and assistant principal. Pete’s background includes extensive experience in charter schools, therapeutic day schools, and special education, with five years specifically focused on supporting students with specialized learning needs.
Pete holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Health Education from Indiana University (2007) and a Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership from Roosevelt University (2013). He maintains a California teaching credential and has previously held teaching licenses in both Indiana and Illinois. Most recently, he earned a certification in Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Pete currently resides and works from Los Angeles, CA. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their two sons, exploring the many adventures and experiences that Southern California has to offer.

Brenda joins Study Smart Tutors as the Academic Services Associate. Prior to working with Study Smart Tutors, she served as the Manager of Programs at a nonprofit where she spearheaded several national programs with the mission to connect, inspire and empower Latinx students and professionals through leadership, education, and community building.
Born in East Los Angeles and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Brenda understands first-hand the impact educators can have on a student’s academic journey. She attended East Los Angeles College, transferred, and graduated from the University of California Los Angeles. Brenda loves spending time with her family and friends, attending concerts, and watching live soccer matches.

Gregory’s journey in education began in college. After a horrible freshmen year where he flunked many classes, a quick research on what it took to make it in the industry was all he needed to get his act up and start focusing. On his second year in college, he made the honor roll, and from that point on, became a tutor, teacher assistant, ambassador, Life Drawing Club President, and mentor until he dropped out of college. After he dropped out, Gregory made a motivational group called HMWK and visited various schools to perform and remind the audience the importance of homework. In 2015, Gregory returned to finish his degree. In 2022, Gregory joined Study Smart Tutors and has never felt better being able to help out our youth that truly needs the assistance to succeed in this complicated world. He has an urge to help out others, in hopes that it can help make that change in direction like he did when he was young. Gregory noticed he loves making analogies and connecting with people, and he always tries to make learning fun with the people he’s helping out. There’s nothing one remembers more than an experience, and education should be just that. An experience one will never forget.

Aaron Joseph graduated from California State University Long Beach with a degree in History in 2020. During his time at CSULB and prior he worked as a private tutor, he became enthralled with tailoring each session to his students’ needs and making education accessible. In 2021 Aaron began working alongside Study Smart Tutors as one of their tutors / facilitators. Aaron is enthusiastic about his new role as an Academic Services Associate. He has seen first hand the positive impact Study Smart Tutors programs and tutoring can have on student’s lives and strives to support that continued relationship. In his free time Aaron enjoys skiing, cooking, video games and reading historical texts.

Krissia joins Study Smart Tutors with a passion for student success and well-being. After high school, Krissia earned an AA from Long Beach City College, transferred, and graduated as a first-generation college student from the University of California, Los Angeles with Honors and a degree in Psychology in 2022. At UCLA, Krissia participated as a Camp Counselor for one summer and as Head Counselor for the following summer in a program that sought to give students from underserved communities the opportunity to go to camp. Shortly after graduating, she joined Study Smart Tutors as a tutor and facilitator.

Moving onto her next chapter, Krissia is excited to continue working with Study Smart Tutors as the Lead Academic Services Manager in order to continue having a positive impact on students’ academic journeys. In her free time, Krissia enjoys reading and writing, exploring coffee shops and bookstores, and hiking with her sister.

Sandra joined Study Smart Tutors as a tutor and facilitator in 2022 and became part of the Education team as Academic Services Manager in 2024. Prior to joining Study Smart Tutors, Sandra had already worked in the Education field for seven years. During her time at University of California Irvine, Sandra worked as a Teaching Assistant at the Children’s Center on campus and upon graduating, moved to Spain where she would teach English for five years. While working as a part-time tutor with Study Smart Tutors, Sandra was also a Behavior Therapist, serving clients within the Autism Spectrum. Sandra has had a passion for education since grade school and is looking forward to continuing serving the community.

Jason joins Study Smart Tutors with a passion for education. They graduated from San Jose State University with a B.A. in English in 2018. Additionally, they received a M.A. in English Literature from California State University, Northridge in 2020. Prior to joining Study Smart Tutors as an Academic Services Manager, Jason worked in a variety of roles at public schools and universities, including as a tutor and facilitator for Study Smart Tutors. Most recently, Jason worked as a 4th grade teacher in Los Angeles. They are eager to witness the growth and success of the students who are supported by our team.

Melissa Perez is a first generation college graduate. Melissa attended Chaffey Community College and transferred to California State University San Bernardino, where she received her BA degree in English with a concentration in Linguistics in June 2012. Along with her BA, Melissa also completed the English Teacher Preparation Track, which is one of the few State approved English subject matter programs in California that replaces the CSET exam.

Driven by a passion for education, Melissa has dedicated her career to serving students in need. She began her journey as a substitute teacher at various Title I schools in the Los Angeles area. Melissa also worked for the city of Los Angeles’ Department of Recreation and Parks, through a program called Summer Night Lights, which is a key component of the GRYD Comprehensive Strategy (the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development). Melissa worked as an art instructor for this program where she would host free art workshops for community members of all ages. Recognizing her artistic talents, LA Kids, a Recreation and Parks program, recruited her to inspire young minds through art. She taught a variety of classes, including drawing, painting, crochet, sewing, and cooking. Melissa joined Study Smart Tutors in December 2023 as a tutor and has served as Academic Services Manager since August 2024.

Angela joins Study Smart Tutors as an Academic Services Manager. Angela grew up in Southern California and graduated from Chapman University with a BA in Communication Studies and a minor in LGBTQ Studies. Her previous experience includes Teaching Assistant and private tutor. During her time as a Tutor/Facilitator with Study Smart Tutors, she succeeded by building meaningful connections and utilizing creative methods to inspire students.

She is passionate about LGBTQ+ issues and stand up comedy. In her free time, she enjoys skating, cycling, and being in the sun!