MEET THE FOUNDER:
Shira Woodlee
Shira Woodlee founded EdFront in 2013 with the goal of personalizing support through coaching one-to-one. Shira's dedication to supporting students and their families in receiving the most equitable education possible has brought coaching and tutoring support to many students. Every day, Shira works directly with students to ensure success in their academic life by promoting their strengths and advocating for their areas of challenge.
Shira began her journey in education as a Resource Specialist in various high school settings and as a private academic coach, leading her to serve in many roles inside and outside of the school setting. As she continued to coach her students, she honed her coaching techniques and now directly works in triage with her whole team to ensure support for as many students as possible.
Shira is honored to work with incredible coaches and tutors who are all on the mission to support unique and misunderstood students to meet their highest personal potential.
“Shira brings something special to the table. There is a trust between her and my daughter. That trust opens the conversation for her to be able to help my daughter without judgment. Shira brings a fresh outlook and fresh ideas of how my daughter can help herself.”
MEET OUR TEAM!
OUR ONLINE COLLEGE COACH:
Kaylee Faria
Kaylee Faria is the college Coach Lead at EdFront. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton in Spring 2020 with a double major in Sociology and Criminal Justice. She is currently in graduate school at University of Las Vegas, Nevada getting her masters and Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She is a first-generation college student, so she knows how overwhelming the college applications process can be for her high school friends – and this is why she loves doing what she does here at EdFront!
OUR EF COACHES:
Rachel Walker
Rachel holds a Bachelor’s degree in English, and a Master’s of Education in Early Childhood and Special Education from Hunter College. As a teacher in New York City and Chicago, Rachel helped students across grade levels find confidence and success both in and beyond the classroom. Rachel brings years of experience in creating support systems that are uniquely tailored to the needs of each student, and include a range of strategies, from organization and self-regulation to problem-solving techniques. She believes that students thrive when they can begin to self-identify their strengths and celebrate their growth.
Nicole is a school-based mental health clinician in Chicago Public Schools and has spent the last decade working with young people in therapeutic and academic settings. She takes a collaborative, strength-based approach to her work and believes strongly that with the right tools all students can reach their goals. She also has a passion for school-based advocacy and draws upon her experience in assessment and therapy to support families in getting the services their student needs to succeed.
Joanna Wong
Joanna Wong (she/her/hers) believes in providing high quality education to all students through collaboration between families and educators. She has been in the education world for almost a decade, ranging from being a 1:1 paraprofessional in a special education classroom to a middle school special education teacher. She prioritizes advocacy above all else with her students and families, ensuring that they are receiving the best services and strategic tools that they deserve. Joanna believes in giving students the most equitable education possible, despite any potential systemic obstacles that could hinder their growth. Outside of education, you can find Joanna with her nose in a book, finding the next best restaurant in Philadelphia with her husband, or (napping) on the couch with her two cats and dog.
Melanie Latson
Melanie’s journey began at the University of West Georgia, where she earned her B.A in Psychology and then later earned her Masters in Higher Education at Northeastern University. Currently, she is on the meaningful journey of earning her Doctoral degree in Education Policy and Leadership from American University. For over a decade, she has had the most powerful opportunity to work with students across the spectrum in and beyond the classroom. While she thrived for many years as a First Grade Teacher, it was the experiences of working with at-risk youth, autistic learners, and college students in a variety of settings that has given me a rich set of skills to truly meet students where they are. As an Educator that believes that each student should have agency of their own voice, she is committed to ensure that every learner she serves is challenged to execute the vital tool of self-advocacy. Empowering learners to take ownership of their own learning while gaining confidence in their skills is important to her. Providing an equitable learning experience first begins with meeting each learner where they are and learning together along the journey. When she is not serving learners, you can find her at her sewing machine creating her latest make, finding zen through a quick yoga practice, or running after her toddler.
Brianna Yvonne Ambriz
As a dedicated, creative, and enthusiastic first generation college graduate, Brianna hopes to bring my passion and previous experience of helping others into the field of Psychology and Education. Brianna was born and raised in Stockton, CA and graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelors in Cognitive Science and Psychology. Her journey began as a residential counselor, where she applied therapeutic techniques such as crisis intervention, personalized counseling, and client-centered recovery planning to support individuals with mental illnesses in achieving greater independence. Selected from a pool of 45,000 applicants nationwide, she joined a prestigious national teacher corps dedicated to under-resourced public schools. For the past few years, she has been making a difference as an 8th-grade Education Specialist, focusing on inclusive education. Her commitment to learning led her to earn a Master's in Special Education while serving with Teach For America, where she holds a teaching credential in the state of California. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Palo Alto University, driven by her aspiration to blend psychological insights and educational expertise to empower individuals facing challenges. With a dynamic blend of experience and education, she is dedicated to helping others utilize their executive functioning skills and thrive in both academic and personal pursuits.
Janelle Beard
With her eight years of teaching as a middle school tutorial interventionist, Janelle has successfully assisted students to gain the knowledge and confidence to build and bloom into independent learners. Janelle believes that students no matter the level can find a growth mindset. It's her positive rapport, genuine compassion, and rigor that creates a unique connection with all of her students. Janelle has recognized and utilized social and emotional learning and believes that this is at the forefront of our children's educational journey.
OUR EF AIDE:
Jordan Donohue
Jordan (She/Her/Hers) was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. She received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the Spring of 2021. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts degree in criminal justice at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and is set to graduate in the Spring of 2023. She plans on pursuing her Ph.D. in criminal justice in the Fall of 2023. Jordan has always had a passion for helping others, specifically in the educational realm, because she knows exactly what it is like to desire extra support and guidance along the way. She has experience in working with children from various backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels. When she is not attending to her academics, Jordan loves spending time with her dog, Presley. She is excited to work with all age groups across a variety of subjects!
OUR IMPACT LEAD:
Marlene Barrios
Marlene was born and raised in San Mateo, CA. She is a fourth year student at UC-Riverside majoring in psychology and minoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies. She plans on becoming a clinical psychologist who works with children and adolescents. Marlene has tutored elementary school students in reading and math at an after school program. She has also tutored adults who wanted to take the American Citizenship exam. Marlene has had many tutors and mentors throughout her academic career and believes they are a big reason why she is where she is today. The impact her tutors and mentors have had on her inspire her to be a tutor to others.
OUR HEAD OF OPERATIONS:
Ashley Lee
Ashley is a graduate from UC-Riverside with a major in Business Administration. She started at EdFront as a Communications Coordinator, and later transitioned to Head of Operations after taking part in developing projects and processes here at EdFront. She strongly believes in encouraging students to reach their full potential and the power of education amongst young individuals. She hopes to promote transparency by streamlining effective communication between EdFront, educators, and parents!