Live online lectures are seventy-five minutes each time. We use actual businesses, real-life cases, and true illustrations to help students connect with the knowledge. Their assignments require them to think, self-evaluate, and understand genuinely. Instructors will promptly answer all questions via our discussion threads.
To be a successful, happy, and productive member of society, one needs a foundation of healthy habits, attitudes, and behaviors. This course focuses on overall well-being and provides information and a framework for youngsters to understand the best attitudes and behaviors that will support their growth and development as they move into adulthood. Current research and relevant case examples are utilized in a compelling and engaging way to maintain students’ interest and help them best learn and utilize class material.
We concentrate on the potential danger of certain activities that adolescents are often curious about that initially bring pleasure and/or excitement but often result in harm in the end. These include drugs, tobacco, alcohol, sexual activity, and gambling. Material related to these topics will be presented in a non-judgmental manner with the aim of educating students on the real-life consequences of these activities. There will also be an in-depth presentation of the responsible and ethical use of social media as this area is often problematic for adolescents. Research and case material will be presented along with strategies and methods to avoid problem activities will be reviewed.
Students will learn about the importance of healthy interpersonal relationships and how to develop characteristics that help build and maintain them. Among these are personal attributes that serve us well in relationships and professional lives. These include (but are not limited to) characteristics such as self-awareness, honesty, stress management, and building healthy and robust emotional resilience skills. The course will also cover the importance of maintaining adequate personal health, hygiene, and appearance; without these, happiness and well-being are likely to suffer.
Master of Arts in Social Work at New York University in 2017 with an active Master Social Worker license in Texas since 01/24/2024.
Elaine Peterson is the co-instructor of our Temptations, Habits, Relationship Management, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Appearance, and Social Media Course. Elaine has been a working professional for the past seventeen years. She spent close to ten years working for an international Fortune 500 company to grow teams across the Los Angeles and New York markets. In 2017, Elaine joined the mental health field. She is an expert in integrating CBT techniques and trauma-informed care to enhance client well-being from children to adults with diverse backgrounds. In her personal time, Elaine enjoys dancing and taking courses that add value to her as a therapist.
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology at University of California-Los Angeles in 1995 with an active Clinical Psychologist license in California since 03/04/1998.
Dr. Lindsey Bergman is the lead instructor of our Temptations, Habits, Relationship Management, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Appearance, and Social Media Course. Dr. Bergman is an internationally recognized leader in child and adolescent mental health. She was on the faculty at University of California-Los Angeles in the Department of Psychiatry for over twenty-five years, where she worked on seminal research projects developing evidence-based treatments for youth with mental health challenges and successfully treated hundreds of children and adolescents using these interventions (cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention, mindfulness, etc). Dr. Bergman also served as a mentor and supervisor for dozens of trainees who have become leaders in the field.
One of her essential accomplishments to date is serving as the Founding Director of the University of California-Los Angeles Pediatric OCD Intensive Outpatient Program. She was also the recipient of many federal research grants and developed and tested the Selective Mutism Questionnaire (SMQ) which is the most widely used assessment measure for SM symptoms. Dr. Bergman authored or co-authored over 100 works related to SM, OCD, and child anxiety and has presented at numerous national conferences. She serves as a consultant to many national mental health institutions, schools, and non-profit organizations.
Currently, Dr. Bergman provides mental health treatment to adolescents and young adults in Los Angeles and is a director of Intensive Outpatient Programming at the WaveMind Clinic, where she supervises trainees in treating OCD, SM, and anxiety in youth. Dr. Bergman is a Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy and a member of the American Psychological Association, Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Anxiety Disorders Association of America, and the International Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation. She enjoys spending time with her family & pets, reading, doing crafts, and traveling.
The first half of the course helps students understand crimes and the criminal justice system. They will be educated on the most common state and federal crimes, how to better protect themselves and others, investigation and prosecution procedures, punishments for crimes, and the effects of convictions post-incarceration. Committing crimes is fighting state and/or federal laws and governments. Most likely, one will lose.
Students will understand how easy it can be to get caught in a bad situation. We will discuss the typical perpetrators and victims of each type of crime, how the crimes are planned and carried out, and how the victims are negatively affected. Students will learn about resources on the state and federal levels for those affected and how to use them for themselves or others in their lives.
We cover the role of evidence in criminal investigations, police involvement during the process, how punishment is determined, and common strategies that the prosecution and defense use. Next, we will review criminal individual rights and how to exercise them. Our goal is for students to have a thorough understanding of every step of the process, from arrest to conviction to life after incarceration. Lastly, they will learn how society treats individuals released from prison, including how employers, neighbors, family, and friends view their situation.
The second half of the course guides students to comprehend important parts of their surroundings. They will learn about what defines a business, how businesses operate, and how to characterize businesses. Business structures such as sole proprietorships, limited liability partnerships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and S and C corporations will also be covered.
Taxes are crucial to businesses. Students will explore the purpose and function of taxes on what individuals and companies buy, earn, and own. This shall include both personal income taxes and business income taxes and cover the city, state, and federal levels of taxation. As part of their tax education, students will learn how to find tax professionals to assist them in their tax form preparation and minimize their tax obligations by ethically understanding and following tax laws.
In addition to businesses and taxes, we will explore various American court systems, including traffic, bankruptcy, family, and civil. Students will gain insights into the purpose of laws and court systems, along with the appropriate procedures for navigating these court systems. Next, we will review civil individual rights and how to exercise them. Lastly, we will also delve into city, state, and federal elections and governments. Students will be educated on which public institutions belong at each level of government and how to find their city, state, and federal representatives. They will also learn about elections at each level of government and how they can participate in such elections.
Juris Doctor at University of Minnesota Law School in 2022 with an active license in Minnesota since 05/10/2024.
Kaelah Mastenbrook is the co-instructor of our Courts & Laws, Punishments, Businesses, And Governments Course. Before heading off to law school, Kaelah took on an internship at Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services to see if a career in law was something she wanted before pursuing it. During that internship, she realized how profound her love for education and learning actually was. It made her believe law school was something she could tackle and easily achieve because she had a passion for learning the law. During her program, Kaelah focused intensively on her studies and got another internship as a Saeks Fellow. Then she was hired after graduation as a program manager, handling the civil and administrative law sector at the firm.
Juris Doctor at Columbia Law School in 2021 with an active license in Texas since 01/13/2022.
Parth Kalaria is the lead instructor of our Courts & Laws, Punishments, Businesses, And Governments Course. Through his varied professional work experiences in large law firms, investment firms, and startups, Parth has gained a breadth of knowledge in various aspects of both the business and legal worlds. Through this course, he aims to not only teach the fundamentals of business operations and the legal system but also impart practical skills that students can confidently apply in their future careers and personal lives.
The primary objective is to help our students with the critical thinking skills and useful knowledge needed to distinguish among the myriads of choices they encounter daily. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence their physical well-being, financial stability, and decision to avoid harm to themselves and others. They will gain insight into the interconnectedness of health and wealth, recognizing how decisions in one domain can impact outcomes in the other. Whether students seek ways to improve their physical appearance, earn more money, or gain societal success with honor and wealth, our course will enlighten the incorrect and correct paths to smarter decisions.
Furthermore, our goal is to empower them with the tools and strategies necessary to make informed choices that align with their long-term aspirations, life vision, and core values. Whether it involves setting realistic financial goals, adopting sustainable lifestyle habits, or cultivating resilience in the face of adversity, students will learn to navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence and purpose. By fostering a growth mindset and emphasizing the importance of continuous self-reflection, we aim to instill in them a lifelong commitment to personal development and well-being.
Incorrect paths typically harm oneself and/or others. When on it, it is best to stop immediately. We will lose money, health, and time. Avoid them. They will worsen our conditions. Certain things cannot be or best not to be changed. We need to accept them. Being on the correct paths is most important. Intelligence, resources, and other parts are secondary.
Master of Business Administration at University of California-Los Angeles Anderson School of Management in 2002.
Len Tiso is the co-instructor of our Incorrect Versus Correct Paths Course. Len brings a wealth of experience as an executive coach, consultant, and trainer dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential. With over two decades of expertise in leadership development, strategic planning, and maximizing productivity and engagement, he has guided numerous entrepreneurs, executives, and nonprofit leaders toward unprecedented success. His passion lies in helping clients and students identify their unique strengths, set ambitious yet achievable goals, and navigate challenges with resilience and creativity.
Len’s background includes extensive consulting and operational roles across the financial services, commercial real estate, nonprofit, and education sectors, where he developed expertise in leadership, project management, and fostering collaborative environments. He is certified by leading coaching and research institutes, including the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Gallup. Len’s commitment to continuous learning and professional growth ensures his teaching and coaching methodologies remain cutting-edge, effective, and practical.
Outside of his professional endeavors, he embraces an active lifestyle with his family in the vibrant Los Angeles area. Together, they enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring new travel adventures. Len is dedicated to fostering excellence and personal growth and looks forward to inspiring and equipping students with essential skills for navigating their future paths effectively.
Executive Master of Business Administration at University of California-Los Angeles Anderson School of Management in 2022.
Kevin Kim is the lead instructor of our Incorrect Versus Correct Paths Course. He brings a unique blend of health and wealth management expertise. Kevin is well-equipped to guide students toward a balanced and fulfilling life. Understanding that it takes hard work to succeed in anything, he wants to provide students with excellent training, direction, and education to move forward on brighter paths in life. Kevin is a retired Naval Officer with over twenty years of professional supply chain and logistics operations background and a small business owner supporting our government, hospitals, and schools. His passion for empowering others to make informed decisions and his ability to break down complex concepts into digestible lessons ensure that students receive comprehensive guidance tailored to their needs. He is committed to continuous learning and personal development to stay current with the latest research and best practices in health and wealth management to enrich the educational experience for students.
This course is designed for teenagers to equip them with essential financial knowledge and skills. Students will begin their journey by understanding the importance of financial literacy and mastering basic financial terminology. Through engaging activities and discussions, they will learn how to create and maintain a personal budget, differentiate between needs and wants, and recognize the significance of saving money. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for more advanced topics in personal finance.
As the course progresses, students will explore various banking and financial services, the use of online banking tools, and the impact of interest rates on their savings, as well as gain practical insights into different types of bank accounts. They will delve into the intricacies of credit and debt, how credit works, the importance of maintaining a good credit score, and effective strategies for managing debt. By examining real-life scenarios and participating in interactive role-plays, students will develop a robust understanding of how to navigate the financial landscape responsibly.
In the latter part of the course, students will be introduced to investing and retirement planning. They will learn about different investment options, assess the risks and rewards associated with investing, and understand the basics of retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs. Additionally, the course will cover consumer rights and how to protect oneself from financial scams and fraud. Through case studies and practical activities, students will gain valuable insights into making informed financial decisions, ultimately empowering them to build a secure financial future.
Master of Business Administration at Georgia Institute of Technology-Scheller College of Business in 2024.
Darrick Loftus is the co-instructor of our Money Management, Financial Scams, and Investments Course. Darrick is deeply committed to empowering young individuals with the knowledge and tools needed for financial independence and success. With a professional background in technology consulting and financial management, he brings a profound understanding of the financial system and a passion for investing.
Darrick has an extensive track record, having led strategic initiatives at Thought Logic Consulting and designed impactful financial models at Accenture Federal Services. He believes that financial literacy is a critical stepping stone towards independence and has dedicated himself to making these skills accessible and engaging for the youth. As an enthusiastic advocate for financial education, Darrick focuses on practical, real-world applications of financial concepts—from the basics of banking, writing checks, to the essentials of wise investing.
He aims to instill confidence and curiosity in students, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the financial world. Parents can trust that Darrick not only brings a wealth of professional expertise to this course but is also genuinely dedicated to fostering a supportive environment that encourages students to learn and thrive. His commitment to this course goes beyond teaching; it’s about setting a foundation for each student’s lifelong financial competence and success.
Master of Business Administration at University of California-Los Angeles Anderson School of Management in 2022.
Connor Ritchey is the lead instructor of our Money Management, Financial Scams, and Investments Course. With over ten years of professional experience, he is a seasoned Strategy Consultant specializing in providing clients with data-driven insights and solutions. Connor also holds Series 7 and 66 licenses (FINRA). While working at UBS Financial Services, he co-created and facilitated a financial literacy program for high schools across the Greater Los Angeles area — this program is still in effect today. His professional journey is complemented by a passion for traveling the world, exploring new restaurants, playing with his 5-pound Yorkie (Finn!), and scuba diving.
This course is tailored for teenagers to select their dream careers or their own businesses. We focus 100% solely on them. It is designed not just to inspire, but to equip young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to turn their dreams into reality, whether that involves climbing the corporate ladder, pursuing a passion, or becoming a successful entrepreneur. We begin by helping students identify their aspirations and strengths, guiding them in exploring potential career paths or business ideas. Through interactive activities and personal assessments, they will develop a clear vision of their goals and the steps needed to achieve them.
As the course progresses, students will dive into the essentials of career planning and entrepreneurship. For those who are focused on career development, there will be modules on resume writing, interview techniques, networking strategies to help them stand out in their chosen fields, and strategic planning. For those who prefer a business of their own, they will learn about market research, customer needs, pricing, branding, and the basics of starting a business, including legal considerations and financial management.
The latter part of the course focuses on building a sustainable, long-lasting, and prosperous career or business. Students will study long-term preparations, advanced marketing & sales practices, competitions, and customer engagements. They will also learn about personal branding and how to use social media effectively to promote professional profiles or businesses. Through case studies, lectures, and project-based learning, students will gain practical insights and the confidence needed to take the next steps toward their dreams. They will also curate their very own career or business plan by the end of the course to serve as a guide.
Master of Business Administration at Duke University, The Fuqua School of Business in 2017.
Joe Bennett is the co-instructor of our Dream Career or Business Course. Following his graduation from Princeton University in 2011 with his Bachelor of Arts in American Politics, Joe served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Captain while serving in Camp Pendleton, California at Third Battalion, Fifth Marines. He brings a wealth of practical business and leadership experience from his career spanning investment banking, private equity, investment management, and the United States Marine Corps. He began his finance career in investment banking at Barclays, assisting clients on multi-billion-dollar transactions across power, renewables, and infrastructure in the firm’s power and infrastructure M&A coverage group. As an investor at private equity firm Ventus, Joe underwrote and acquired real estate and air cargo infrastructure projects across Europe and the United States, including closing the acquisition of an air cargo operations business in Prague, Czech Republic. In his latest role at family office M-Cor Capital, he analyzed, executed, and closed deal opportunities across private equity, private credit, and high-yield public bonds and supervised the firm’s investment activity in blue-chip private equity firms and hedge funds. Throughout his investment management career, Joe has valued and acquired businesses and assets across a wide spectrum of industries, including industrials, healthcare, infrastructure, oil & gas, renewable energy, consumer products, and general partner stakes in asset management companies.
