Meet Our Directors
Valerie Lev, M.Ed.
Valerie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development, a teaching credential, and a Master of Arts in Education. She taught elementary school for 18 years before starting Learning Encounters in 1995. Valerie is also the recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award for exceptional instruction and leadership.
After over forty years of teaching and preparing students and families for private school applications and testing, Valerie is known as a leading expert on K-12 standardized testing, as well as private school admissions in Los Angeles. Her warm, supportive approach helps families and students to feel supported and prepared during important academic transitions.
Valerie is also the mother of two grown children and two grandchildren. She loves learning about different people, their cultures, and their history. She enjoyed researching and planning the trips she and her husband, Steve, have taken to 52 cities and towns in 17 countries.
Pamela Lev, M.Ed.
Pamela holds a teaching credential and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education. She taught high school English for seven years, including advanced placement, honors, as well as collaborative special education English. Her passion lies in developing engaging and relevant reading and writing curricula for young adult learners. Pamela is the mother of two young children, and this is her 15th year of curriculum development and teaching at Learning Encounters.