Aveen Fearon, M.A., Academic / Behavior Specialist

Aveen Fearon is a Southern California resident who has lived in Torrance since emigrating from Ireland with her family in 1989. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Aveen earned her Master’s degree in Psychological Research Studies, with a focus on Autism, from Antioch University, Los Angeles in 2017.

As an Academic Coach, Aveen has developed a unique therapeutic toolbelt, supported by her behavioral research and coaching background, and she has an extensive knowledge of the characteristics, qualities, needs, and challenges of those who have cognitive differences and experience learning difficulties. This makes her an effective coach as she has had years of experience supporting clients’ academic, emotional, and social development and leading students towards success.

As the Business Operations Manager, Aveen is goal-focused, organized, and creative, and she enjoys supporting others and finding solutions to solve problems. Aveen is dedicated, hardworking, and personable, and she is a cheerleader for her clients and her fellow ETS team members. She believes everyone should have the opportunity to grow and learn in a fulfilling and enjoyable environment, and every individual should have a chance to feel proud, successful, and accomplished in life.

Priya Kaur, B.A., Academic Specialist

Priya earned her BA from Cal Poly Pomona and her dual teaching credential in General education and Special education.

Priya has been an educational specialist for over 8 years and has experience working as a tutor, instructional coach, and special education teacher in a variety of communities across the LA, OC, and Central Valley counties. Priya has taught a wide range of subjects K-12, with her strengths being in Reading, Writing, and creating individualized supports to assure student success in all areas, instructionally and emotionally.

Priya’s strong special education background speaks to her expertise working with a variety of diagnoses such as Anxiety, Autism, Specific Learning Differences, and ADHD. Priya believes that establishing rapport and coaching using a variety of learning styles and multi-modality instruction provides pathways of academic and social emotional success for her students.

In her free time, Priya enjoys playing tennis, hiking to view waterfalls, concerts, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Gabe Hernandez, M.A.Ed, Academic Tutor/Coach

Gabe Hernandez earned his BA and holds a Master of Arts in Education from California State University Dominguez Hills. Gabe is fluent in Spanish and currently works as a director and high school teacher at a local private school.

Gabe has over 12 years of experience working in education, having worked as the director of an afterschool program, a tutor, and as a teacher at the high school. Gabe also incorporates his love of health and fitness into his coaching and teaching.

Gabe’s philosophy of education is that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is his desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential.

In his free time, Gabe enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and traveling.

Brooke Russell, M.Ed., PPS., UCLA PEERS ® certified provider, Academic Specialist

Brooke Russell was born and raised in the South Bay and has called Torrance her home her entire life. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies, Brooke earned her master’s degree in School Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential.

Brooke brings years of experience working with young children, as well as middle and high school students where she has provided social, emotional, and academic support. In addition to her work in education, Brooke has also served as a volleyball coach, where she developed a deep appreciation for the power of teamwork. She is passionate about creating an environment where teamwork fosters trust, support, growth, and success.

Brooke is deeply passionate about supporting students in their social, emotional, and academic development. Her experience in a school counseling setting has provided her with a great understanding of the varied needs of students. Brooke believes in the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with students. She is excited to be working at Educational Therapy Services as an Academic Coach where she can utilize her academic and counseling expertise.

In her free time, Brooke enjoys going for walks at the beach and spending time with her loved ones.

Patti LaLonde, MFA., Academic Specialist

Patti earned her B.A. in English Education and went on to earn an MFA in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Young Adult Literature. She worked for 24 years as an English teacher, serving a wide range of students and achieving success with kids of all abilities and needs while cultivating meaningful relationships with them. Patti also spent two years abroad working as an English Language coach with students.

Throughout her long and experienced career, Patti has supported students with a variety of learning and social-emotional challenges. With extensive training in various pedagogical approaches, distinct learning modalities, differentiated learning, and child psychology, she is an expert at getting students to discover their strengths.

Patti believes that every student has strengths, and she’s passionate about creating a supportive and encouraging space. She loves helping students build academic skills and become lifelong learners.

In her free time, Patti enjoys spending time with her family, walking her old dog Pearl, practicing yoga, and improving her Spanish.

Nick Budding, B.S. Academic Tutor

Nick earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of California, Irvine, where he enjoyed finding practical ways to apply math and science. He brings a strong problem-solving mindset to his teaching, helping students break down complex concepts and build confidence in their abilities. Nick has experience working with students across a wide range of ages and skill levels, from elementary through college.

Nick specializes in math instruction, but he has also taught physics and chemistry. His tutoring background includes private sessions, peer-to-peer support, work with private tutoring companies, and a large unified school district. Nick has also worked as a Math SAT and ACT test prep instructor for students in a one-to-one setting.

Nicholas believes that with a strong foundation, anyone can grow their confidence and ability in math. His teaching approach is centered around building trust, encouraging curiosity, and helping students believe in their own potential. He is committed to making learning accessible and engaging, and he tailors his instruction to support each student’s unique learning style and academic goals.

In his free time, Nicholas enjoys reading fantasy novels, solving puzzles, practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and playing online video games.

Sierra Evans, B.A. Academic Tutor

Sierra earned her B.A. in Creative Writing from Chapman University, where she explored an in-depth study of English Language Arts, literature, composition, and narrative fundamentals.

Through an affinity for reading and storytelling, Sierra worked to establish a writing voice that is both articulate and approachable, and this skill set is mirrored in her teaching style. Sierra’s areas of specialty are Reading Comprehension and Writing, as well as helping students access their learning on a deeper level.

With over ten years of experience in secondary education, Sierra specializes in English Language Arts learning and Theatre Education. She is currently an English Literature teacher and drama director at a local private school. She has also taught middle school enrichment courses in reading, writing, acting, and film studies. She uses this experience to help students with their executive functioning skills in order to better access the curriculum.

Sierra is dedicated to creating an environment where students feel understood, encouraged, and empowered. She is passionate about constructing dynamics with students where they feel safe and supported in being themselves.

In her free time, Sierra enjoys trying new restaurants with friends, spending time with her nieces and nephews, and playing the daily Wordle puzzle.