Valor Academy High School

Adetutu “Tutu” Ajileye, who started with L.A. Unified as a special education classroom assistant in 1999 and became a classroom teacher in 2001, holds a bachelor’s in history and a master’s in special education and administrative credentials from National University.

“I joined the GEAR UP program because I strongly believe that everyone is educable regardless of their background. Moreover, every child has a story to tell, and I want to be a part of that story.”

Jacqueline graduated from UCLA where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.

I am excited to embark on this new opportunity and hope to be of assistance to all and add to a great team of individuals!

Marta Palomo – who has been with Los Angeles Unified since 2001 and became a school counselor in 2006 – was born in Los Angeles to parents from El Salvador. She attended and graduated from East Los Angeles College, Cal State Los Angeles and Cal State Northridge.

“Growing up as a child of immigrants, school was always a challenge. My own struggles with navigating the public education system and being able to work with students, who have parallel stories as me, were what motivated me to become a school counselor and to work with organizations such as GEAR UP 4 LA.”