Upper School Learning Center

Ms. Julee Madkins currently serves as the Director of the Upper School Learning Center after holding similar roles in independent schools in Los Angeles and New York. As a trained learning specialist and former specialized classroom academic instructor, Ms. Madkins works with students, families, and teachers on how to best support the needs of a wide-range of learners using a strengths-based approach. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, reading, traveling, and beach days.

Mr. Ray Visaiz currenlty serves as the Assistant Director of the Upper School Learning Center. He is here to serve students in a variety of ways, including helping with time management, organization, test-taking/studying strategies, and academic support. In addition to helping students with their academics, he is here to support students and families through the educational testing process and serve as a resource for students with accommodations.

Ms. Jenna Gasparino the Learning Center's Writing Support Speacialist. She enjoys baseball, TikTok, and contemporary fiction, spending time on the water, traveling, and spending time with family.  She teaches juniors in Living America, English 11, and 10th grade Life Lab. Reach out to her for questions about claims, outlining, drafting, structuring your ideas,brainstorming, organization, editing and publishing or any other part of the writing process.

Ms. Gabriela Herrera is our Academic Resource Specialist and Standardized Testing Coordinator. She joins the team as trained educator and disability advocate, bringing over a decade of experience in inclusive education. Her focus is on supporting each student by providing the skills and resources they need to be successful both inside and outside the classroom. Feel free to reach out if you would like support with academic resources, study skills, learning strategies guidance or encouragement!