Learning Made Awesome
About Us
Shana Balladares and Kim O’Shea are two longtime educators who share a passion for helping children learn, grow, and succeed. After more than 25 years of teaching TK through 5th grade, they decided to bring their experience and love of teaching together to create a tutoring business with a shared vision: to make learning a positive, encouraging, and meaningful experience for every child.
Our goal is to create a welcoming space where students feel comfortable, supported, and confident in their abilities. We believe every child learns differently, and we are passionate about meeting students where they are, building strong academic foundations, and helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to become successful, independent learners. Most importantly, we want children to feel good about learning, celebrate their progress, and recognize just how much they are capable of achieving.
Meet Our Team
Owner/Tutor
Kim is a proud Long Beach native and a graduate of Long Beach Unified, having attended Naples Elementary, Rogers Middle School, and Wilson High School. She earned her Liberal Studies degree from Cal State Long Beach and her Master’s in Education from Pepperdine University.
With over 25 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools, Kim has worked with students from preschool through 5th grade. She holds a Multiple Subject K–6 Credential and has extensive experience in special education as both a Deaf and Hard of Hearing teacher and an RSP teacher.
Kim loves helping children build confidence, grow as learners, and discover that learning can be both meaningful and fun!
Kim O’Shea
Shana Balladares
Education has always been my passion! With over 25 years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of working with children in a variety of settings and across multiple grade levels. My background includes teaching first, third, and fourth grades, working as a K–12 substitute teacher, coordinating school-wide educational programs, mentoring new teachers, and providing individualized tutoring. I hold two master’s degrees in Education and Educational Administration, along with my California teaching and CLAD credentials.
I believe every child learns differently and deserves an encouraging, supportive environment where they can build confidence and succeed. I love getting to know each student’s individual strengths and challenges and finding creative ways to make learning meaningful and enjoyable. Watching students grow academically and gain confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do!
When I’m not teaching, I love traveling, skiing, golfing, boating, attending concerts and sporting events, and most of all, spending time with my family.
Owner/Tutor
Got Questions? Let’s Chat!
Ready for something awesome? Send us a quick note and we’ll cook up the perfect learning plan together.