RFK Community Schools

Dr. Whitten grew up in Tulare, Ca, and attended the College of the Sequoias Junior College. She earned a bachelor’s, master’s, and teaching credential from UC Irvine and an administrative Credential from CSU Long Beach. She also has a Doctorate in Educational Psychology and CBO certification from the University of Southern California. 

If you ever get stuck thinking about the future and say to yourself, “I know what to do, but in a much more real sense, I have no idea what to do,” GEARUP 4 LA is here for you! Your future begins today!

Alejandra Bedoy is a first-generation college graduate. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cal State Northridge and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in counseling at Loyola Marymount University. 

“I want to inspire and motivate students and make it known that education has no boundaries! I want students to know that their voice and knowledge matter and need to be shared with the world to help inspire others. Their goals and dreams are infinite and higher education is possible!”

Rayvin McCoy attended Los Angeles Unified schools, served as president of her class at Los Angeles High School, and attended Cal State L.A. She holds a criminal justice degree from the University of Phoenix.

“I’m inspired by Michelle Obama, who said ‘Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Nobody gets through college on their own.’ This is how I would like to serve the families of GEAR UP.”

Jasmine was born and raised in South Central LA and graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Linguistics and minor in Education.

“I’m really looking forward to connecting with students and finding which educational path best fits them. As well as equipping them with the tools necessary to feel personally and academically ready to take on what ever journey, they go on to next.”

Paola was born and raised in East Los Angeles and attended high school at Alliance Stern MASS  and from there went to UC San Diego and then on to get her B.A. from UC Irvine in Sociology with an emphasis on Diversity and Inequality.

“I am so happy to be starting at GEARUP 4 LA and to be working with first gen students. I am very passionate about higher education access and about expanding as many resources as possible to marginalized communities.”

 

Fernanda Paredes is a former RFK Community Schools student and class of 2021 Harris Newmark graduate.

“As a former GEAR UP student, I wanted to provide assistance and encouragement for parents and students to take advantage of all opportunities we can provide. I seek to be a reliable support system for all staff, students and parents and being a PESA definitely feels like the correct step towards that goal.”