Meet Our Team
Meet the Brainiacs
Mr. Rudy
Hello! I am Mr. Rudy, one of the instructors at the Brain Zone. I am a recent graduate from Cal Poly Pomona and now hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I feel that my studies in both developmental and cognitive psychology have helped to equip me for the particular challenges associated with tutoring young minds. However, my knowledge of tutoring is not merely academic: my experience dates back to my own school days, in which several of my elementary school teachers assigned me to struggling classmates in order to help them thrive. In high school, I worked as a teacher’s aide and continued to grow. By the time I reached college, I had taken it upon myself to form study groups and offer personal assistance to my classmates. In recent years, I have also worked as an on-site tutor with local high schools. Through it all, I have discovered the joy of teaching. I take genuine pleasure at facilitating understanding, and seeing a student’s eyes light up as he or she begins to understand something is a great reward. I now look forward to making a positive difference in your child’s life and helping more students succeed.
Ms. Cat
My name is Ms. Catherine, but you can call me Ms. Cat. I grew up on the East Coast, graduating from High School in 2006 and quickly pursuing an Associate’s Degree at community college. I then worked toward my Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities whilst traveling the country as a military wife. After seven years of moving from duty station to duty station, my husband and I were excited to finally settle down and call Southern California home. Outside of the Brain Zone, I wear many hats: mother, cook, amateur photographer, movie buff, and creative nonfiction writer, although I rarely wear any actual hats. I feel very grateful to work with people whose collective goal is to help children achieve their academic and personal goals. Through move after move and life’s many milestones, the one constant in my life has been a passion for learning. I am thrilled and honored to be a part of The Brain Zone, where I hope to foster that same enthusiasm for learning in my students. By helping children gain the confidence and skills that will help them to be successful in school, I hope to also show them that learning can be a fun, life-long venture.
Ms. Denise
My name is Denise, and I have had the privilege of working with children for more than 15 years. After working in the public school system helping our youth excel in many different subjects, I was excited to join the wonderful world of Brain Zone in January 2016. Working at Brain Zone has been a wonderful and impactful journey. I enjoy the interaction with our magnificent students. It is a passion of mine to guide our youth and see them learn and grow, not only academically, but socially as well. These children are our future, and I look forward to every day that I get to guide them, teach them, and provide for them the tools necessary for academic and vocational success.
Special Consultants
Gregory Richardson, Ph.D.
Gregory Richardson holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Studies from the Claremont Graduate University. His knowledge base also stands on the acquisition of a Master of Business Administration degree, and an Administrative Services Credential (specifically for the K-12 educational system). Dr. Richardson is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Azusa Pacific University. He facilitates foundation teacher-credential courses and teaches Assessments and other specialized courses for special educators. He also chairs the university’s Faculty Diversity Council and as a member also contributes other university committees.
He had over twenty years of experience in higher education. He served a decade in the K-12 educational system and his duties traversed as Special Education Teacher to Department Head of Special Education, and then to Assistant Principal.
Dr. Richardson’s research interest is dyslexia in higher education, which is followed closely by two topics: academic success and strengths-based education. He presented on dyslexia in several states, taught Special Education Legislation, and is an active member of several organizations that provide services for students with exceptionalities.
Dr. Greg Richardson is a devoted family man who resides in Southern California with his lovely wife, Dr. Elaine Richardson (Director of the Women’s Office of Development at Azusa Pacific University). They have seven adult children, twenty-one grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Elaine Richardson, Psy.D.
Elaine Richardson, Psy.D. earned her Doctorate in Clinical-Community Psychology, from the University of La Verne. She is the director of the Office of Women’s Development at Azusa Pacific University. She also serves as a Title IX Deputy Coordinator of Education and Prevention at APU. Additionally, she teaches in a graduate program at APU, College Counseling and Student Development (CCSD). Previously she provided therapy as a staff psychologist at APU’s University Counseling Center, as well as other southern California universities. She mentors students, both one on one and in leadership groups. She is also the advisor to APU’s Black Student Association. Her contribution to faculty development has included co-facilitating workshops addressing navigating difficult dynamics, microaggressions and student learning engagement.
Dr. Richardson’s research focus is the experience of abused women. Her most recent research is examining the intimate partner violence experiences of African American women who attend church. Dr. Richardson has presented her research at both national and local conferences. She conducts seminars and workshops on women’s issues, empowering women for success, faith and domestic violence, African-American college students and professional ethics. Elaine is passionate about women seeing their worth, as well as preparing them for exceptional leadership.
Dr. Richardson is a consultant at community agencies regarding vicarious trauma related to domestic violence and sexual assault.
Dr. Richardson has been a member of West Angeles church for over 30 years. She works with Discipleship Ministries and teaches in the School of Practical Christian Living. She is married to Dr. Greg Richardson. Together they have 7 adult children, 22 grandchildren and 4 great-grand children.
