Our Program

Live online lectures are seventy-five minutes each. During every lecture, instructors teach according to the lecture plans developed. Discussion forums encourage students to share their thoughts and post questions. Instructors will reply promptly and to the best of their abilities. Assignments ask students what they have learned each day and how they can apply the knowledge to their daily lives. Instructors will provide professional feedback to help students understand and apply the materials accurately.

Temptations, Traits, Social Media, Mental Well-Being, Emotional Intelligence, And Relationship Management. Thirteen Live Online Lectures.

Current research and relevant case examples are used in a compelling and engaging way to maintain students’ interest and help them learn and apply class material effectively. We concentrate on the reality of temptations. Nicotine, cannabis, medications, drugs, alcohol, pornography, sex, and gambling will be reviewed.

A good personality will enable a person to have a happy and successful life. We will go over critical undesirable and desirable traits. There will also be an in-depth presentation on the suitable, responsible, and ethical use of social media. 

Mental well-being is important but often neglected. We will share what one must do to maintain a healthy mental state. Emotional intelligence will also be covered. Lastly, students will learn about the importance of healthy interpersonal relationships and how to create and maintain them. 

Dr. Lindsey Bergman

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, Traits, Social Media, Mental Well-Being, Emotional Intelligence, and Relationship Management 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.

Elaine Peterson

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, Traits, Social Media, Mental Well-Being, Emotional Intelligence, and Relationship Management 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.

Crimes, Businesses, Taxes, Courts & Laws, And Governments. Fourteen Live Online Lectures.

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.

 

Parth Kalaria

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 Crimes, Businesses, Taxes, Courts & Laws, 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.

Kaelah Mastenbrook

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 Crimes, Businesses, Taxes, Courts & Laws, 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.

Incorrect Versus Correct Paths. Seven Live Online Lectures.

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 the most important. Intelligence, resources, and other parts are secondary.

The primary objective of this course is to help students choose and maintain the correct paths in three aspects of their lives (physical appearance, money, and success) and explain how these paths lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life and achieving one’s own self-defined purpose. Incorrect and correct paths are covered equally. We will identify and review the outcomes of these paths. 

Kevin Kim

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 lectures 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.

Len Tiso

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.

Money Management, Financial Scams, And Investment. Seven Live Online Lectures.

This course prepares students with essential financial knowledge to manage their money well, protect themselves from scams, and approach investing with the proper perspective. They will begin their journey by understanding the importance of financial literacy and mastering basic financial terminology. Students 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, they will explore various banking and financial services, and the impact of interest rates on their savings, as well as gain practical insights into different types of bank accounts. Students will learn the intricacies of credit and debt, how credit works, the importance of maintaining a good credit score, and effective strategies for managing debt. We want to help them navigate the financial landscape responsibly.

Financial scams and frauds are becoming increasingly prevalent. In this course, we will closely examine how these bad actors target various methods of storing and transferring money. Students will evaluate common storage options like checking and savings accounts, credit cards, cryptocurrency wallets, primary residences, and retirement accounts. We will also discuss different money transfer and withdrawal methods for each storage. For checking/saving accounts, there are peer-to-peer apps like Zelle and Venmo, checks, debit purchases, ATM and cash withdrawals, ACH transfers, and wire transfers. Students will learn to stay vigilant whenever someone else is involved in their financial transactions. We will also go over consumer rights to further empower them in protecting their financial well-being.

In the latter part of the course, students will be provided an in-depth exploration of investing and retirement planning. They will begin by exploring the fundamentals of investing, including the standard benchmark of a 10% annual return. Students will delve into the relationship between risk and reward, learning that achieving higher returns often requires accepting greater risk. Additionally, they will gain a comprehensive understanding of retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, and the strategies for optimizing them. By the end of the course, students will be able to make informed financial decisions, empowering them to confidently navigate the complexities of investing and retirement planning.

Connor Ritchey

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 Investment 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.

 

Darrick Loftus

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 Investment 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.

Dream Career Or Business. Nine Live Online Lectures.

In this course, students will explore and plan their dream careers or businesses. It focuses entirely on the individual’s aspirations and goals. We aim to inspire and equip them with the knowledge necessary to turn their dreams into reality, whether that involves pursuing an established career path or becoming an entrepreneur.

Instructors begin by helping students identify their strengths, passions, and aspirations. They will be guided in exploring potential career paths or business ideas. Through lectures and personal assessments, students will develop a clear vision of their goals and the steps needed to achieve them.

As the course progresses, they will dive into career planning and entrepreneurship essentials. Students will learn about self-discovery, goal setting, overcoming challenges, and building resilience. We also cover practical aspects such as networking, professional development, and balancing dreams with practical considerations.

By the end of the course, they will have created a detailed and specific plan for their dream career or business, made informed decisions, and gained a deeper understanding of what is truly important to them. We emphasize the importance of long-term commitment, daily effort, and strategic planning in achieving one’s goals. Time is the most important resource; students are encouraged to work on their dreams immediately.

Zack Wu

Master of Business Administration at Columbia University, The Columbia Business School in 2015.

Zack Wu is the lead instructor of our Dream Career or Business Course. Zack is a seasoned business leader with a robust background in strategy, finance, and business development. He is passionate about mentoring young people and making the world a better place.

Recently, Zack founded GroWise Advisor, an independent consultancy that advises early-stage companies on growth strategies and paths to commercialization, with a focus on climate technologies and international market expansion. Prior to this, Zack was Principal at Charles River Associates (CRA) in New York, where he advised senior executives in the energy, utilities, industrial, and chemical sectors on key strategic issues such as business growth, corporate portfolio management, and mergers and acquisitions. Before moving to New York for business school in 2013, he spent fifteen years in Singapore, studying on a full scholarship from the Singapore government, and began his career in financial services with Citi, EY Advisory, and the World Bank.

Zack served on the board of ARK, a social enterprise that offers innovative community-based solutions to address food security and poverty in developing countries, starting in the Philippines. In addition, he is also actively involved in serving his communities through various platforms and mentoring young people in their career choices. His academic background, combined with his professional experience across financial services and consulting, have equipped him with a unique perspective on the evolving business landscape. Zack is eager to share his knowledge and experiences, inspiring young minds to think critically about the intersection of business, finance, technology, and global markets.

Joe Bennett

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.