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 is an educator and admissions consultant with over 20 years of experience helping students thrive academically and navigate the competitive landscape of Los Angeles private school admissions. She holds a California teaching credential and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education, and spent seven years teaching high school English, including Advanced Placement, Honors, and collaborative special education courses, before transitioning into private consulting and curriculum design.
Pamela’s expertise lies in reading and writing development, as well as experience in developing standardized exams for middle and high school.
She has extensive experience working with students from a wide range of learning backgrounds, including those with learning differences and neurodiverse profiles. Pamela is committed to an inclusive, strength-based approach—one that meets students where they are and builds from their unique talents and perspectives.
In addition to academic support, Pamela is known for guiding families through the narrative side of private school admissions. She excels at helping students and parents articulate their stories in a way that is honest and compelling, ensuring each application reflects the individuality, growth, and journey of the student.