About - OPEN EDvantage

Who We Are

UNIQUE TUTORING APPROACH

At OPEN EDvantage, our mission is to empower students to achieve their academic and personal goals. We provide personalized tutoring services for middle school, high school, and college students, utilizing an innovative approach that balances homework, sports, extracurricular activities, and stress management. We recognize that every student is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the needs of each individual. We believe in the power of education to transform lives, and we are dedicated to helping students find success and reducing stress for families.

We understand the pressure that students and families face, and we are committed to helping you navigate this challenging landscape. That’s why we work closely with each student to assess their individual needs, and create a customized plan for success. Our tutors specialize in a wide range of areas, including specific subject support, executive functioning, self-advocacy, organization, planning, college counseling, college essays, ADD/ADHD, IEPs, 504s, and navigating the school system.

At OPEN EDvantage, we are committed to providing comprehensive support for students of all ages, including incoming high schoolers. That’s why we offer a range of unique services to help them navigate the transition to 9th grade and beyond. During the summer, we host in-person High School Preparation Workshops. These workshops are specifically designed to help incoming high school students get a head start on the upcoming academic year and are led by experienced educators.

At OPEN EDvantage, we believe that every student has the potential to succeed, and we’re dedicated to providing the resources and support they need to reach their goals. If you’re an incoming high school student looking to get ahead, or if you know someone who is, our High School Preparation Workshops are an excellent opportunity to start the academic year with confidence and a competitive edge.

Tutoring OPEN EDvantage

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O.P.E.N. IS AN ACRONYM FOR THE STEPS WE TAKE IN EVERY SESSION: ORGANIZE, PRIORITIZE, EDUCATE, NAVIGATE

STEP #1
ORGANIZE
A keystone of student success is strong organization skills. Tutors analyze school portals with students, identify missing assignments, and create plans for upcoming deadlines.
STEP #2
PRIORITIZE
After identifying missing assignments and deadlines, together they determine the overall picture to decide which assignments are most important in boosting student grades.

STEP #2
STEP #3
EDUCATE
Tutors help students master challenging concepts that build confidence going into tests and finals. Students learn study skills, executive functioning skills, and self advocacy skills.
STEP #4
NAVIGATE
We guide students with the ins and outs of the school system. Answer questions about IEPs, 504s, college recruiting, course selection, and college admissions.

STEP #4

“OPEN EDvantage Tutors’ perspective as a teacher gave me insights into how to succeed in high school. Organization and study techniques are so important. I benefited during my freshman and sophomore years from her class.”

StudentHigh School Sophomore

“My daughter had a very successful and positive freshman year because she felt prepared for high school. She learned that organization is the key to success in high school. Note-taking techniques were helpful and OPEN EDvantage Tutors shared several websites that students can use to find information quickly when writing essays or studying for tests.”

ParentEast Bay

“I feel like the session is really going to help me feel prepared for high school this year!”

Student8th Grade

Meet the Team

At OPEN EDvantage, we are proud to have Michelle and Amanda on our team, two highly qualified educators who possess a wealth of academic knowledge and a proven track record of success in tutoring. Both bring to the table, a breadth of experience and expertise that allows us to provide comprehensive support to our students, who are looking to achieve their academic and personal goals. We work closely with parents, to advocate for their children and guide them through the complexities of the educational system. We pride ourselves in providing a holistic approach to education and ensuring our students are set up for success

Michelle Alessandria

Experienced Educator, Tutor, and College Advisor in California

With more than 30 years of teaching and advising experience, Michelle Alessandria provides students and families with personalized academic support and college planning. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and teaching credentials in Multiple Subjects K–12, English, History, and Special Education. Her background includes classroom teaching, teacher training at St. Mary’s College, independent educational consulting, and advanced college counseling coursework at UCLA.

Michelle supports students across all learning needs, offering academic tutoring, writing guidance, and structured college advising for UC, CSU, and private universities. She regularly visits college campuses to stay informed about programs, majors, and changes in admission practices.

Her approach is student centered. She helps students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and move through every step of the college application process with clarity. As a parent of two UCLA graduates who were Division 1 athletes, she understands the demands students face when balancing academics, athletics, and long-term goals. Michelle is a member of IECA, HECA, and WACAC, staying current with professional standards and trends so families receive accurate, timely support.

Families rely on Michelle for steady guidance, individualized advising, and a clear path through high school and the college admissions journey.

Amanda Alessandria

Tutor and College Advisor

Amanda Alessandria is a dedicated tutor and college advisor who helps students reach their academic and personal goals. A UCLA graduate with a BA in Political Science and Academic Honors, she brings firsthand experience balancing academics and athletics as a former Division 1 rower. This background gives her a practical understanding of how students can manage demanding schedules while staying focused on steady progress.

Amanda has years of experience supporting high school and college students through personalized academic tutoring and structured college advising. She uses strong technological skills to design engaging sessions that match each student’s learning style and keep them organized through assignments, tests, and applications.

As a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), Amanda stays current with admissions trends and best practices. She visits college campuses and attends professional conferences, gathering insight on programs, majors, and campus environments. This ongoing work allows her to give students informed, straightforward guidance as they plan their academic paths and prepare for college.

Families appreciate Amanda’s steady support, clear communication, and commitment to helping students move forward with confidence and purpose.

Veronica Pandelopoulos

Tutor, Mentor, and Essay Specialist

Veronica is a highly organized tutor and mentor who brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to every session. With an academic background that blends the liberal arts and practical sciences, she values a well-rounded perspective and understands how to connect learning across subjects. Her experience in the classroom shaped her ability to meet students where they are, support diverse learning needs, and build trusting relationships that help students grow.

Veronica’s teaching philosophy is rooted in inclusivity, adaptability, and steady encouragement. She knows how to break down complex concepts, adjust instruction to fit each student’s pace, and cultivate confidence through clear, supportive guidance. She has a strong talent for helping students develop their voice, especially in writing and essays.

Veronica is committed to helping students gain academic skills, strengthen their writing, and reach their goals with clarity. She brings structure, follow-through, and a positive presence to her work, making her a reliable partner for students and families throughout their academic journey.

We do not succeed unless our students succeed!

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