Meet the Collective

Emily holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Elon University and an M.S. in Literacy and Reading from California State University, Fullerton. She also holds a Reading & Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential and has served as an Associate Educational Therapist with the Association of Educational Therapists. Her academic training is deeply rooted in the science of reading

With experience working in both school-based and private settings, Emily specializes in supporting elementary and middle-school students with language-based learning differences, math, and executive functioning needs. Her work goes beyond traditional tutoring, focusing instead on identifying and strengthening the underlying skills that support academic success—such as decoding, encoding, comprehension, organization, and self-regulation.

Emily’s approach is individualized, data-informed, and relationship-driven. She carefully balances explicit instruction with emotional safety and confidence-building.

As the founder of EmilyDiana Collective, Emily is committed to providing thoughtful, high-quality educational therapy through a collaborative, concierge-style model. She works closely with parents, teachers, and allied professionals to ensure support is aligned across environments and responsive to each child’s unique profile. Emily finds the greatest reward in watching students move from frustration and self-doubt to clarity, confidence, and independence.

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Sue is an experienced Reading Specialist with over 25 years of education-centered experience supporting early childhood and lower elementary learners. She currently works at a private school in Manhattan Beach and specializes in literacy intervention for students in kindergarten through fourth grade, with a particular focus on struggling early readers and students with dyslexia. Sue takes a holistic, child-centered approach to teaching, meeting each child where they are and building both foundational skills and confidence over time.

Sue holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and has extensive training in Montessori Early Childhood and Elementary education as well as Science of Reading–aligned instruction. Her credentials include an American Montessori Society Associate Credential in Early Childhood, a UCLA Early Childhood Certificate, and an AMS Elementary Reading Certificate. She is also trained in IMSE Orton-Gillingham Plus, IMSE Dyslexia Overview, and the Wilson Reading System.

Originally from South Africa, Sue is deeply passionate about reading and finds her greatest joy in watching hesitant readers grow into confident learners. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and reading. Sue has completed more than 50 marathons and is a proud mother of three adult children and grandmother to four.

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Ali Marie is an Educational Therapist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults through both academic and personal growth. She works primarily in private practice and specializes in executive functioning, writing support, math through geometry, college essays and applications, and self-development coaching. Ali also partners closely with parents, offering thoughtful guidance and coaching to support students beyond individual sessions.

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Ali works most often with students who experience anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, and twice-exceptional learning profiles. Her approach is highly individualized and person-centered, blending educational therapy with solution-focused and relational strategies to meet each student’s unique needs, learning style, and goals. She is especially skilled at helping students navigate transitions, build confidence, and develop practical tools for independence and long-term success.

Ali holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California, along with master’s-level coursework in educational therapy. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a certified coach, and an Associate Educational Therapist, and she maintains active membership with the Association of Educational Therapists.

Ali finds the greatest reward in witnessing meaningful growth—whether academic, emotional, or personal—and watching students gain clarity, confidence, and momentum in their lives. Originally born and raised in the South Bay, she brings a grounded, compassionate presence to her work. Outside of sessions, Ali enjoys Pilates, walking her dog, and cooking.

Danielle is an Educational Therapist with over a decade of experience supporting children with diverse learning needs across public and private schools, clinics, and private practice. She serves students throughout the Westside and South Bay and specializes in literacy intervention and written expression development for students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade. Danielle also provides executive functioning support for upper elementary students, with a focus on building confidence, emotional safety, and independent learning skills.

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Danielle takes a therapeutic, attachment-based approach and believes meaningful learning occurs when students feel emotionally safe and supported. She works with a wide range of learner profiles, including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and mental-health related diagnoses such as anxiety and depression, as well as students with more complex learning needs, including intellectual disability, complex autism presentations, apraxia, dyspraxia, and students who use AAC devices to communicate.

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Danielle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in trauma-informed practices from Concordia University. She holds a CLEAR Mild-to-Moderate Education Specialist Credential from the state of California and is an Associate-level Educational Therapist through the Association of Educational Therapists. Her training includes the Wilson Reading System, Seeing Stars (Lindamood-Bell), Visualizing & Verbalizing, Read Naturally, Handwriting Without Tears, and Touch Math.

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Inspired by her younger brother, who is autistic, Danielle is deeply passionate about helping students rebuild confidence after repeated academic struggles. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, long podcast walks, and experimenting in the kitchen. She is also a co-author of the children’s book All My Stripes, written to support children with autism.

Anissa Bush is an experienced educator with over 10 years of experience supporting elementary-aged learners in both public and private school settings. She currently teaches fourth grade at Manhattan Academy and works with students in grades 3–5, providing individualized academic support across reading, writing, and math. Anissa specializes in supporting students with ADHD, with a particular focus on building executive functioning skills and confidence alongside academic growth.

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Anissa takes a warm, relationship-driven approach to teaching, leading with an open heart and prioritizing a safe, trusting environment. Her instruction is flexible and responsive, designed to meet each child where they are and adapt to their unique learning style rather than relying on a single program or methodology. She is especially skilled at helping students feel successful, engaged, and capable as learners.

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Anissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master’s degree in Education from Pacific Oaks College. She finds the greatest reward in seeing students enjoy learning and proudly reflect on what they’ve accomplished.

Outside of her work with students, Anissa enjoys traveling with her family, spending time with her dog, Lolli, and attending live music events.

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We’re always seeking passionate, skilled professionals who align with our boutique, integrative approach to education and wellness. Please reach out if you’re interested in collaborating with us.