Fusion Academy & Learning Center Los Angeles Announces Board of Advisors

Online, October 20, 2009 (Newswire.com) - LOS ANGELES- October 20, 2009 - Fusion Academy and Learning Center Los Angeles, an alternative college-prep school that will provide customized one-to-one academic and life skills programs for students in grades 6 - 12 beginning in March 2010, welcomes its inaugural Independent Advisory Board.

The Fusion Academy & Learning Center Los Angeles Advisory Board is a group of connected, community-centric professionals who are passionate about education. This volunteer board offers independent advice and consultation regarding all aspects of the development and progress of the school.

The 2009-2010 Fusion Academy & Learning Center Los Angeles Independent Advisory Board includes:

Heidi L. Yellen, MA, BCET - A board certified educational therapist and qualified psychoeducational diagnostician, Mrs. Yellen is a leading expert in learning disorders. In addition to coauthoring Understanding the Learning Disabled Athlete, she has been invited to participate in research forums and give lectures around the world. She is currently practicing in Southern California and is co-owner of Yellen & Associates, where she is head of Educational Services.

Ilaina Blum, M.A., MFT - For over eighteen years, Ms. Blum has worked at the UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital (RNPH) with the inpatient and day treatment units, as well as in the various hospital classrooms, providing direct instruction for the patients, administering academic assessments, consulting with parents, and training doctors on education and special education issues, laws, and procedures. Ms. Blum also has a private practice in Santa Monica, Calif.

Jeff C. Poole - Mr. Poole, senior vice president at American Education Group, is a results-oriented leader with a twenty-year track record of management success in sales, marketing and operations. His extensive experience and ten years serving on senior management teams includes leading service companies with multi-location operations. Jeff has a BS in Food Systems Economics and Management and an MS in Agriculture Economics, both from Michigan State University.

Dr. Lee-Anne Gray - A clinical psychologist specializing in assessment, gifted, and Autism spectrum disorders, Dr. Gray brings almost two decades of experience in the fields of child, adolescent and adult mental health. A former UCLA Professor in both departments of Psychology and Women's Studies, Dr. Gray lectured on the psychology of gender, human sexuality and human development. She integrates diverse theoretical orientations, modalities of treatment, and assessment in order to facilitate diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Gray currently practices in West San Fernando Valley, Calif.

Michelle Rose Gilman - President and founder of Fusion Academy & Learning Center, Ms. Gilman started Fusion in 1989 with six students who were transitioning out of psychiatric hospitals. She holds a BS in Special Education from the University of South Florida-Tampa, as well as a certification in Special Education (Emotional Handicaps K-12 concentration). Michelle is the author of ten books geared toward students and their parents.

Paula Feldman - Educational Consultant Paula Feldman started a private practice in Orange County, Calif. over 40 years ago after teaching at the University of Southern California Learning Clinic. She works with families and children in providing educational assessments, academic options and school placements. She also assists families in crisis that require assessment and stabilization whose children may be experiencing emotional turmoil and who require therapeutic placement for recovery from drugs, alcohol, or family trauma. Ms. Feldman holds a bachelor's and a master's degree in education (minor in psychology) and is a long-time member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association.

Todd Avis - An experienced educator and administrator with nearly 25 years of experience in the field of education, Mr. Avis serves as vice president of education at American Education Group. After earning a BA in History/English in Secondary Education from Hillsdale College and an MS in Education Administration from the State University College at Buffalo, he held various positions, including headmaster, at college preparatory schools.

For information about Fusion Academy & Learning Center Los Angeles and its unique one-to-one personal education, visit http://www.fusionlosangeles.com.

About Fusion Academy and Learning Center:
Fusion Academy and Learning Center offers students an alternative to the traditional classroom setting through one-to-one teaching and customized academic programs. Fusion Academy is a WASC-accredited private school for grades six through 12. Through individual mentoring, teaching, and custom-tailored programs, each student's unique talents are both recognized and encouraged in a positive environment. Fusion Learning Center offers one-to-one tutoring, mentoring, independent studies and test preparation, as well as a rich music and art program. For more information, visit http://www.fusionacademyworks.com.
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