ABOUT
WHO ARE WE?
The ATLAS Center for Educational Success was formed with every mind in mind. We know that a one-sized-fits-all approach to learning doesn't work, and we know that there should never be a "common" method to teaching. With ATLAS, you are not a label and you are not alone.
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We specialize in creating individualized programs so that every person reaches their educational goals. We also have the knowledge, passion, and skills to help you become an advocate for your child in an often burdensome educational system.
No one should carry the weight of their educational needs alone. At ATLAS, we will help you rise.
STAFF
EDUCATORS
JEANINE MC DONNELL, Educational Director & Educator
Jeanine's dedication to education began at a young age when it was discovered that she was academically gifted. Receiving her first college degree at the age of 11 from Johns Hopkins University, Jeanine understood that education was the key to anyone's future. With this in mind, she set out to create a world where every mind had a path to success, not just those who were like her.
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Over 15 years ago, Jeanine stepped into her first classroom as a professor at the American University of the Caribbean where she taught Anatomy & Physiology to medical students. Upon her return, she taught science and math courses at the City University of New York, until she transitioned to Columbia University. At Columbia University, Jeanine found her true passion in the education world: tutoring.
Serving as the Columbia University Tutor of Choice, Jeanine discovered that she could provide much more personalized instruction once the confines of the educational system were removed. This allowed her to utilize innovate methods when creating individualized learning plans for her students. Within this position she also grew a deep understanding regarding the disparity of educational opportunities available to neuro-diverse students. With this in mind, she started her own personal in-home tutoring company, serving students from all educational backgrounds and abilities. One of her first students was a young man with autism. Her highest honor to date was being invited to his University graduation 4 years later. Since her first student, she has successfully helped students reach their goals. Whether it is to attend an Ivy League college, be admitted to a prestigious high school, raise SAT scores, learn to conquer math anxiety, or get the ASVAB score needed to serve the country best, Jeanine has been a partner in each of her student's success.
After moving to Washington in 2015, Jeanine was given the opportunity to join Albert Scholastic/Harvard Academy as an SAT math instructor. She gladly accepted that opportunity as she was aware of the strong ethical principles that guided the curriculum of the company.
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When the long-time owner of Albert Scholastic/Harvard Academy asked Jeanine if she would consider taking over the educational center when he retired this past winter, Jeanine jumped without hesitation. Her dream of opening an educational center for all is now fulfilled and she is ready to help you or your child reach your educational dreams as well. The strong principles, ethics, and values that have guided Albert Scholastic/Harvard Academy for over 30 years now guide The ATLAS Center.
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At ATLAS, Jeanine conducts one-on-one tutoring of all subjects & levels, small group SAT/ACT math classes, ASVAB/GED classes, and GRE/GMAT/MCAT test preparation.
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Jeanine holds AAs in Math & Comparative Literature from Johns Hopkins University, an AA in Spanish from La Universidad de Sevilla, BA/BS degrees in biology, philosophy, and history from Binghamton University, and an MS in biopsychology from the University of Nebraska.
JAMIE MC DONNELL, Educational Co-Director, Advocacy Trainer, and Educator
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Currently a professor and program developer at Pierce College, Jamie began her career in the criminal justice system as a law enforcement officer. After a decade of policing, she transitioned to civilian investigations where she was assigned to the NYC Dept. of Education as the supervisor of the Special Education, Title IX, and Testing Fraud unit. Within this position Jamie became deeply familiar with IDEA, IEPs/504s, and the various ways that school districts can circumvent the laws in place to protect the most educationally vulnerable. When she was recruited to WA State OSPI, she investigated cases of professional misconduct by WA educators, specializing in investigations regarding the violation of Special Education mandates.
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Utilizing her knowledge of the Special Education system and passion for justice, Jamie left OSPI to dedicate her career to the educationally-at-risk and closing the Achievement Gap. As the former President of the Ducere Group, Jamie has provided educational advocacy for parents facing the toughest of situations in the educational system. This experience is now brought to the ATLAS Center, where she is prepared to serve you & your family.
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As an educator, Jamie is one of the highest rated professors at Pierce College and on ratemyprofessors.com for Western Washington. As a professor she teaches Reading, Writing, and Criminal Justice courses. At ATLAS, Jamie conducts one-on-one and small class Reading, Writing, and SAT courses.
Jamie holds a BA from Purdue University, an MA from Georgetown University, and an MA/PhD. from The John Jay College of Criminal Justice.