IEA’s staff is made up of dedicated individuals who are passionate about gifted youth and interested in devoting their time and energy to the personal development of every child who walks through our doors. IEA trains all staff members on the needs of highly able children and the best practices in the field of gifted education.
Ms. Jones has been an educator, researcher, and administrator of educational programs for over 35 years. She holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of Southern California and has completed doctoral work in the field of educational policy and learning theory. Ms. Jones served as the Associate Director of Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) and the Director of the Western Region for 10 years prior to founding the Institute for Educational Advancement (IEA) in 1998, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the unique educational needs of gifted children and their families. While at CTY, Ms. Jones served as Co-Principal Investigator with Dr. Sally Ride and Dr. JoBea Way for a NASA and National Science Foundation-sponsored educational initiative called KidSat. She received recognition from the National Diffusion Network for the creation and implementation of exemplary programs for underserved gifted students and specialized in the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of students. She also created and implemented the Sarah D. Barder Fellowship teacher recognition program and expanded the scope of services at CTY. As President of IEA Ms. Jones was contracted to assist in the creation and implementation of the Davidson Young Scholars program. With IEA, she went on to lead in the creation and implementation of the award-winning Yunasa summer camp for the gifted and the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship program. Since its inception, IEA has impacted the lives of over 10,000 young people through direct programs and services. Ms. Jones currently serves on the Advisory Board for GRO Gifted, the Advisory Board for Young and Healthy, and the Board of Directors for Math Academy.
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Direct Line: 626-403-8900 ext. 202
Mallory Aldrich graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in Secondary Social Studies Education. She then pursued a MEd. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Gifted Education at Arizona State University. Prior to joining IEA she worked an Advanced Placement High School Social Studies teacher for nearly nine years in Arizona. She is thrilled to be working with CDB Scholarship Program and continuing her work with Gifted Students. Outside of work Mallory loves cheering on her beloved University of Arizona Wildcats, traveling and running.
Contact Mallory for Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship Information
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Direct Line: (626) 403-8900 ext. 207
Cheryl brings over 20 years of administrative experience in non-profit and higher-education and is thrilled to be a part of the IEA team. While a native of Massachusetts, she has lived in Southern California since 2005 and enjoys hiking, yoga, and riding her bicycle around Pasadena.
Contact Cheryl for General Inquiries
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Direct Line: (626) 403-8900 ext. 213
Nicole Endacott has been an outdoor educator at a school science camp in the Santa Cruz redwoods, a volunteer mentor at a homework help center in an underprivileged community, an instructor for college students struggling in higher-level science and math courses, a test prep tutor, a classroom teacher for middle school science students, and, of course, an instructor for several IEA Academy courses. She has a B.S. in Biology from Azusa Pacific University, where she participated in field research focused on ecosystem recovery after fires. Nicole has loved forging connections with remarkable and unique IEA students who are just as passionate as she is about learning more about how the world works. When she’s not at work or planning her next class, Nicole spends her time exploring new places with friends, spending time with family, and watching nature documentaries or baking shows. She is excited for her growing role in continuing IEA’s mission in her home community of Pasadena and beyond!
Contact Nicole for IEA Academy, EXPLORE, LABS, and Spyglass Information
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Direct Line: (626) 403-8900 ext. 215
Carmen Guan combines her writing and graphic design skills with her experience working alongside administrators, fundraisers, program staff, and community members to tell stories and relay complex ideas. She has a B.A. in NGOs and Social Change and a B.A. in Social Sciences with an Emphasis in Psychology from the University of Southern California. Carmen is passionate about social justice and increasing equity for gifted students of all backgrounds. Carmen is from Oakland, CA, and enjoys traveling, playing viola, doing yoga, watching musicals, trying different craft projects, and spending time with her cat Ichigo outside of work.
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Direct Line: (626) 403-8900 ext. 214
Samantha Hall holds a B.S. in Business Management from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, and a Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Communicative Disorders from Utah State University. She began her career in the fashion industry as a product developer, managing costing, logistics, and production timelines for brands such as Fabletics. After several years, Samantha felt called to a more meaningful, rewarding mission: working with children. The early days of the pandemic provided the catalyst for this career change, allowing her to complete her postbaccalaureate certificate, and begin pursuing her new career path. Samantha joined the team at IEA in 2021, and quickly fell in love with the organization's mission, and the children it served. Samantha is passionate about working with special needs and gifted children, and is grateful to be a part of the talented, compassionate team at IEA. In her free time, Samantha loves reading, gardening, spending time with her dog Winston, and traveling to new places with her husband.
Contact Samantha for IEA Academy and other program information
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Direct Line: (626) 403-8900 ext. 204
Zadra Rose Ibañez joined the IEA team in 2005 after several years of office and finance administration in banking and pension administration. She earned her B.A. in Anthropology from Colorado State University and holds a Certificate in Global Sustainability from UCLA. She remembers how frustrating it was to be an inquisitive child and appreciates that IEA provides the solution for that frustration, giving joy and a feeling of belonging and satisfaction to otherwise thwarted children. In addition to managing the operational side of IEA, Ms. Ibañez helps support individuals in their health and wellness goals, collects fountain pens, and sings in a band.
Contact Zadra for IEA Operational and Development/Finance Matters
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Direct Line: (626) 403-8900 ext. 212
Anvi Kevany has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Southern California, and an M.S degree in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from California State University at Northridge. Anvi has worked with several non-profit and government agencies, and, for the past 17 years, worked as a child and parent advocate, providing support, leadership and advocacy training to parent and community leaders. Anvi’s three children have all been identified as gifted learners, and she feels honored to be a part of a dedicated and talented team of professionals working to accomplish the ideals and mission of IEA.
Contact Anvi for Operations or other General IEA Matters
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Direct Line: (626) 403-8900 ext. 205
Jane Laudeman has over 20 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles and Pasadena including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Huntington Library, Natural History Museum of LA County, Pasadena Museum of History and Pasadena Community Foundation. Growing up in the Pasadena area, Jane was an accomplished harpist and part of a family that encouraged a love of learning, the arts and her community. She graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in English and then received an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California. Jane is passionate about the importance of nurturing the whole child and helping each child reach their full potential. She is delighted to join the IEA team and work to help IEA continue to accomplish its mission and reach more children in need of its unique services. She enjoys researching genealogy, writing about local history and architecture, reading, spending time with her husband and son and walking – particularly through the beautiful neighborhoods and gardens of her hometown.
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Direct Line: (626) 403-8900 ext. 206
Caitlin holds a B.A. in Linguistics from Pomona College and an M.Ed. in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Southern California. Prior to joining IEA, she worked as a higher education administrator for 20 years. She first learned about IEA’s work through its partnership with the Pasadena Unified School District, where her children are students. Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys gardening, baking, and restoring her 1914 airplane bungalow.
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Direct Line: (626) 403-8900 ext. 216
Laurie has been involved in education, child development, and non-profit work for over a decade. After graduating from Claremont McKenna College with a B.A. in Psychology and Economics, Laurie went on to attend UCLA’s Teacher Education Program where she earned her Master’s in Education. Focused initially on classroom teaching, Laurie worked for seven years in the Los Angeles Unified School District where she taught many gifted students and ultimately became the GATE Coordinator at her school site. It was during this time that Laurie learned how unique each gifted student is, which is why she is excited to be part of an organization that provides children with highly personalized intellectual, social, and emotional support. In her free time, Laurie enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, going on long walks with her two rescue pups, playing softball, and cheering on the Dodgers.
Contact Laurie for Academy program information
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Direct Line: (626) 403-8900 ext. 211
Melissa Montaño joined the IEA team in 2022. She earned her B.M. in Vocal Performance from Chapman University and has been a music teacher since 2017. Melissa is passionate about working with students of all ages and levels while catering to their individual needs. She is also a professional singer that has travelled to different countries to perform while also working at a local church as the soprano section leader. In her free time, Melissa loves travelling abroad, snowboarding, swimming/snorkeling, horseback riding, watching movies, crocheting, and spending time with her cat, Luigi.
Contact Melissa for administrative inquiries
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Direct Line: (626) 403-8900 ext. 201
Courtney received her bachelor’s degree in music education with a concentration in French horn from Indiana University and her master’s degree in jazz studies with a concentration in vocal jazz from CSU, Long Beach. She has worked in education for 20 years and spent the last 12 at an independent school in North Hollywood where social emotional development, a “whole child approach,” and an equitable learning experience were prioritized. During her time there she taught PS-8th Grade music, transitioned into communications & development, served on multiple accreditation committees, received Restorative Justice training, and served on the school’s Equity Steering Committee. A native of Vermont, Courtney moved out to California in 2005 and is an active musician, composer, and arranger with her folk trio, giving concerts, leading community & youth workshops, and providing clinics for vocal ensembles.
Contact Courtney for Academy program information
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Direct Line: (626) 403.8900 ext. 208
Bonnie Raskin is the Program Director of the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship at IEA, where she has worked for the past fifteen years, following a career in television as an executive and producer in addition to assisting the admissions staff at Campbell Hall and Marlborough schools in Los Angeles. Ms. Raskin attended Yale University and Washington University in St. Louis, graduating with a B.A. in English literature and journalism and did her Masters level graduate work at Boston University’s School of Speech and Public Communication and the Harvard Business School. Her husband works in television and film production, and their daughter is a doctoral student in clinical psychology with a focus on chemical dependency and addictive behavior. Ms. Raskin is devoted to animal rescue, rehabilitation and adoption through her involvement with Los Angeles animal rescue organization Wags and Walks. She enjoys the vitality, enthusiasm, smarts, savvy, generosity, support, and camaraderie of her colleagues at IEA and the CDB Scholar community.
Contact Bonnie for Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship Information
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Direct Line: (626) 403.8900 ext. 203
Victoria is happy to be a member of the IEA team, she has twenty years of experience working with various non-profit organizations. She is a fourth generation Angeleno. She enjoys spending time hiking the local Foothill trails, gardening, and yoga. When she is not enjoying the outdoors, she usually can be found with her nose in a book.
Contact Victoria for IEA Operational/Finance Matters
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Direct Line: (626) 403-8900 ext. 210
Issabela is excited to move back to California to continue her pursuits working in the nonprofit sector. Her experience working for nonprofit organizations and as an ESL teacher inspired her to continue advocacy towards child development and understanding the holistic well-being of youth. She graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Florida Atlantic University and is looking forward to furthering her community outreach in the LA and Pasadena area. She is thankful to be an addition to a dedicated team and having the opportunity to serve the families in need of the services that IEA provides. During her free time, she enjoys hiking and camping, spending time with her dog Kopi and her cat Holly, and being with her loved ones.
Contact Issabela for Academy and other program inquiries
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Direct Line: (626) 403.8900 ext. 209
