jodie katofsky

With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Jodie Katofsky is a respected leader in special education, providing services to K–12 students throughout the San Fernando Valley. She spent three decades at Westmark School, where she supported students with learning differences and developed programs to help them thrive academically and socially.

As an IEP Coordinator, Jodie coordinated and scheduled more than 100 annual IEP meetings for students in grades 2–12. She served as a liaison between families, school districts, and evaluators to ensure clear communication and timely completion of neuropsychological assessments. She built strong district partnerships to streamline the IEP process, guided parents through each step with clarity and compassion, collaborated with teachers to develop and revise goals, and worked closely with administration to ensure proper documentation and follow-up. She also participated in parent conferences and conducted meetings in the absence of administrators.

In her role as an Instructional Coach, Jodie mentored new teachers across multiple subject areas, offering guidance in lesson planning, curriculum development, assessment practices, data analysis, and classroom management. She designed a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) observation tool to strengthen instructional practices and regularly observed classrooms, providing actionable feedback aligned with UDL principles. Jodie led weekly faculty meetings focused on curriculum pacing, instructional strategies, and student progress; organized and facilitated professional development sessions on UDL; led a UDL book club; and supported teachers with classroom management strategies tailored to diverse learners.

Jodie holds a CLEAR credential in Special Education, reflecting extensive expertise in supporting students with mild to moderate disabilities. She specializes in executive functioning, study skills, math intervention, and IEP development and implementation. A dedicated advocate for students with special needs, she partners with families to help them navigate the IEP process with confidence.

Jodie works with elementary, middle, and high school students, focusing on strengthening organization, building academic confidence, and developing effective study habits that promote long-term success.

With over 30 years of experience in education, Ms. Cohen is a dedicated Educational Therapist and literacy specialist committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs. As a private school Reading Specialist, Ms. Cohen has extensive training and experience in more than eight Orton–Gillingham–based reading programs, providing structured, multisensory instruction tailored to students with learning differences.

Ms. Cohen specializes in executive functioning skills and the development of customized, mastery-based curricula aligned to individual student needs. She designs targeted instructional plans that strengthen organization, time management, study strategies, and independent learning skills, empowering students to become confident, self-directed learners.

Throughout her career, Ms. Cohen has worked collaboratively with classroom teachers and school counselors to develop individualized education plans that support each student’s academic growth, confidence, and long-term success. Her expertise includes diagnostic assessment, targeted intervention, and strategic planning to ensure students receive personalized, effective support.

In addition, Ms. Cohen has served as ELL Director for both elementary and middle school programs. In this role, she developed comprehensive language, writing, and vocabulary curricula designed to strengthen English proficiency and academic achievement. Working side by side with teachers, she integrates language development strategies into core instruction.

Deeply committed to helping English Language Learners feel successful and confident in their learning, Ms. Cohen fosters inclusive environments where multilingual students build strong language skills, develop academic independence, and recognize their full potential.

Ms. Aguilar is a dedicated Reading Specialist who is passionate about helping young learners build strong literacy foundations. She believes that every child can become a confident reader with the right support, encouragement, and instruction tailored to their individual needs.

With over 22 years of experience working with elementary students, Ms. Aguilar specializes in early literacy development, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. She uses research-based strategies and engaging, hands-on activities to make learning both effective and enjoyable. Her approach focuses on meeting students where they are and helping them grow step by step.

Ms. Aguilar values strong partnerships with families and classroom teachers. She works collaboratively to ensure students receive consistent support and celebrate every milestone along the way. Her goal is not only to improve reading skills, but also to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning.

When she’s not working with students, Ms. Aguilar enjoys continuing her professional learning and finding new ways to make literacy meaningful and accessible for all learners.

Samantha is an experienced math and science tutor with nearly eight years of helping students navigate challenging concepts and build lasting academic skills. She works with learners from middle school through college, with a strong focus on mathematics and chemistry, supporting a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and learning styles.

With a solid academic foundation, Samantha holds three associate degrees in biology, chemistry, and natural sciences. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, with a concentration in microbiology and fermentation, from the University of California, Davis, where she graduated with honors and completed an honors thesis in the fields of chemistry and advanced mathematics. In addition to her academic training, she brings four years of hands-on laboratory experience in chemistry, including contributing to publications. This background allows her to connect theoretical concepts to real-world scientific applications.

Samantha takes a highly individualized approach to tutoring. She creates customized study plans and adapts her teaching methods to match each student’s learning style, whether they need help strengthening fundamentals or mastering advanced topics. Her sessions focus not only on improving grades, but also on developing problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and independent study habits.

Over the course of her work, Samantha has supported students at many different starting points, helping them grow in both ability and confidence. She is committed to creating a supportive, encouraging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, tackling challenges, and reaching their academic goals.