FOUNDER & HEAD OF ACADEMICS

A National Merit Scholar Finalist and an AP Scholar with Distinction, Ellen was asked to start tutoring her peers in high school French and discovered an unexpected passion for educational analysis and one-on-one support. She has since spent more than one-third of her life tutoring professionally, specializing in foreign languages, coaching young writers, and executive function support. Ellen graduated Magna Cum Laude from UCLA with a degree in English, a minor in Theater, and a certificate in Creative Writing.

Ellen has worked as a French Professor for Putney Student Travel’s Paris Academia Program at the American University of Paris and will return summer 2026 as the Junior Dean of Faculty. She personally case-manages and supports all families who work with Gold Standard.

In addition to her work tutoring, Ellen is an award-winning actor, writer, and producer of film and theater.

STEM TUTOR

Jonathan has taught and tutored math and science for the last 9 years, with experience teaching every level of complexity.  His first job out of high school was teaching second-graders math using LEGO, and since then he has written STEM curriculum for 7th graders, helped high school students learn about college, and tutored college courses at UC Davis. 

Through his UCLA PhD program, Jonathan recently obtained his doctorate in Bioengineering while serving as a teaching assistant for several graduate-level classes. 

Jonathan fixates on how to explain complex ideas in simple words and boil down hours-long lectures into simple key ideas.  He is committed to making school feel easy and natural for students.

MATH & SPANISH TUTOR

Originally from Chicago, Joe is a senior aerospace engineering student at Case Western Reserve University, with minors in Economics and Spanish. He spent a semester studying at the University of Carlos III in Madrid.

With a 4.0 GPA, Joe is deeply passionate about the real-world applications of mathematics and engineering. He is the president of both the grappling club and the vertical takeoff and landing design team. With two years of tutoring experience in calculus and engineering, he excels in helping students understand complex concepts through tangible and visual methods. Joe also has four years of experience as an assistant wrestling coach for middle school students.

Outside of academia, Joe enjoys music, cooking, and exercise. He is dedicated to sharing his enthusiasm for math and engineering with his students.

ADVANCED SUBJECT TUROR

Josh has tutored since his freshman year of high school, teaching everything from 7th grade history to university advanced university-level physics classes. In addition to graduating from UCLA with a degree in Chemical Engineering, he worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for 3 years as a thermal engineering researcher.

Josh is deeply passionate about STEM subjects, and loves to instill that same enthusiasm in his students on top of helping them ace their classes. His tutoring style goes beyond just the content, helping students understand the importance and impact of what they learn. With 9 years’ experience, Josh enjoys catering to individual student needs and ensuring they can excel in all subjects.

TUTOR & COLLEGE ESSAY COACH

Alexandra Janku is a dynamic tutor and educator, specializing in writing, Spanish, and college applications. She graduated from UCLA Magna Cum Laude with a degree in history and a minor in Spanish. She was granted highest honors from the history department and received a travel grant to carry out primary source research in Spanish in Mexico City. She also won first place in the May Miller creative writing contest, and studied creative writing at the Iowa Writers Workshop, the premier creative writing school in the country. 

Alexandra spent one year living and working in Spain as an au pair, where she lived with a host family, taught daily English lessons, and  learned to speak Spanish. She worked as an educator at the Hammer museum, offering personalized guided tours and hands-on activities to school and adult groups. Alexandra also works as a yoga instructor and ski instructor, and worked full-time as a personal assistant and organizer. Alexandra prides herself on her ability to make children feel seen and heard, and to guide clients towards where they need to go. 

STEM TUTOR

Originally from Weston, Connecticut, Ethan graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He chose to continue his education at CWRU and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, where he researches aluminum and iron alloys.

Throughout his college career, Ethan has tutored middle and high school students in a variety of STEM subjects, with a primary focus on math and physics. With four years of tutoring experience, he has found that the most effective learning happens when students think through problem-solving methods through conversation. Ethan is committed to helping students build confidence and understand the concepts behind the material.

Outside of his classes, Ethan lives an active lifestyle: He is president of the CWRU Disc Golf Club, enjoys working out at Planet Fitness, and loves playing tennis with friends.

HEAD OF TEST PREP

Carly is a patient and dedicated tutor who specializes professionally in SAT and ACT preparation. She studied theater at UCLA and, in addition to test prep, has taught music to children age 6-18 and tutored math and verbal subjects since high school.

Carly loves teaching, reading, making music, and adventuring in nature. Her enthusiasm for education and creativity makes her a dynamic and engaging tutor, committed to helping students reach their full potential.

K-12 TUTOR

Megan recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Miami University (OH), where she earned a BA in Strategic Communication, with minors in Digital Marketing and Film Studies. She is also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honors society and received honors in the Media, Journalism and Film department. Her love for storytelling, creativity and entertainment arts brought her to Los Angeles.

Megan enjoys working with people of all ages. At Miami, she was a Tour Guide for the Office of Admissions and served as an Undergraduate Assistant for an introductory journalism course. She was also the Senior Editor, a writer and a show host for Miami's student-run radio station. Megan also has an athletic backgorund, including 7 years of umpire experience for little league softball and assistant experience for her high school volleyball team. She enjoys learning and collaborating with others as they discover their passions. Her primary areas of focus are in writing, ELA and college application help. In her free time, Megan enjoys going to the beach, reading and watching movies!

STEM & COMPUTER SCIENCE TUTOR

Coming from Sacramento, California, Shaun graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Cognitive Science with a Specialization in Computing. During his studies, he excelled in a wide range of courses, including calculus, chemistry, economics, and history, while further specializing in computer science and psychology.

He currently works as a Technical Solutions Engineer at Epic Systems and has experience tutoring math, chemistry, computer science, and the LSAT. Shaun takes a personalized tutoring approach that emphasizes deep understanding, helping students not only master the material but also apply their knowledge confidently across concepts.

STEM, ECON, & WRITING TUTOR

Kinjal graduated from UCLA in 2023 with Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Economics along with a minor in Education Studies. Throughout her time at UCLA, she ran HOOLIGAN Theatre Company, UCLA's educational theatre company, and HART (Healing through ART), an organization focused on supporting student's ability to balance mental health and wellness with their academics. She also provided peer counseling through her several positions in UCLA Residential Life.

Kinjal is also a published researcher, with three current articles and two conference presentations. Two of her papers focus on the impact of mentorship on students' academic trajectory. She is currently continuing her academic journey through her pursuit of her Master's and Educational Specialist degrees in School Psychology at Loyola Marymount University. She has worked with students of all ages and is excited to share her love of learning with everyone she works with. In her free time, Kinjal loves to read and participate in community theatre.

K-8TH SPECIALIST

Rachel holds a Bacheor’s degree from UCLA and has two years of experience teaching pre-school. She is particularly interested in supporting and nurturing young students developing consistent learning and studying habits.

Rachel is also a working actress passionate about coaching young performers. Known for her intelligence and insightful approach to the process of acting, Rachel is adept at guiding young actors through auditions and scene work, drawing on her own professional experience.

K-12 TUTOR

From Calabasas, California, Rachel graduated Magna Cum Laude from Chapman University with a BFA in theatre performance. For the past three years, Rachel has worked as a voice teacher and nanny, forging connections with families and kids alike. She leans on her years of theatre training to provide children with a warm, nurturing environment to grow academically and socially. 

Rachel is currently in her second year of her masters program at Alliant International University, where she is pursuing her degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. From her extensive experience with therapy clients, children of all ages, and her own theatre background, Rachel believes it is paramount for children to have engaged and encouraging mentors in all aspects of their lives. In her little free time, Rachel enjoys reading, hiking, and watching reality cooking shows! 

MATHEMATICS TUTOR

Bio coming soon

ACADEMICS AND MUSIC

Zev graduated Magna Cum Laude from UCLA in 2023 with a BA in Geography, earning a 3.96 GPA and Highest Departmental Honors. He started out as an Environmental Science major and completed coursework in calculus, chemistry, and biology before shifting his focus to cultural geography and the humanities.

He has experience tutoring writing, social studies, math, chemistry, and engineering, and enjoys working with students of all ages. Zev also teaches music, with training and experience in performance, theory, and songwriting. He works across a range of instruments—including flute, saxophone, voice, piano, and guitar—and is well-versed in both jazz and classical styles.

Zev is trained in mindfulness and conflict mediation and brings a calm, thoughtful approach to his work with students.

TEST PREP & MATHEMATICS TUTOR

Petra was raised in Berkeley and graduated from UCLA in 2021 with an undergraduate degree in sociology. She loved UCLA and was very involved with UCLA Radio, UCLA alumni groups, the Cultural Affairs Commission, and the STAND peer counseling group. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University to become a Marriage and Family Therapist.

She was a camp counselor and a peer counselor in college, and she has always enjoyed working with kids and teenagers. She loves the learning process and is excited to help students connect with new material!