Los Angeles Directors
Tim Benson, M.Ed.
Tim is a master of elementary and secondary school curricula. He is a UCLA alum, received his M.Ed. from Pepperdine University, taught fourth and fifth grade, served as an assistant principal for the Los Angeles Unified School District, and specialized in designing individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with learning differences. Tim’s passion for education derives in part from his love for his children – three boys under the age of 11!
Tim can be reached at tim.benson@launcheducation.com
Matt Steiner, M.A.
Matt is an expert in standardized test preparation, specifically the SAT, ACT, and secondary school admissions exams. He earned his M.A. from the University of Chicago, privately tutored, and worked as an administrator for some of the most reputable test prep firms in Los Angeles. Apart from de-mystifying admissions tests, Matt has a rich background in psychology, which he draws from in his communication with families.
Matt can be reached at matt@launcheducation.com
New York Directors
Maor Baror
Maor is a specialist in IB and AP curricula, the French Baccalaureate, and dual-language education. She graduated from the Lycee International de Los Angeles and earned her B.A. in Economics and International Relations from Brown University. Maor brings a global educational perspective and a wealth of professional tutoring and test prep experience to her role as a Director at Launch Education Group.
Maor can be reached at maor@launcheducation.com
Educational Consultants
Carolyn McWilliams, M.A.
Carolyn has served as a trusted educational consultant for Launch Education Group families since its inception in 2007. She began her educational career at UCSB, where she received her M.A., became a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Administration, and taught a series of advanced courses in curriculum and instruction. Carolyn’s expertise stems in part from her experience as a parent of three highly gifted girls (one with learning challenges), who inspired her to design innovative programming for ‘twice-exceptional’ students. In fact, one of Carolyn’s crowning achievements was her founding of Bridges Academy, an independent college preparatory school for students with learning differences in Los Angeles.
Carolyn can be reached at carolyn@launcheducation.com
Molly Bogad
Molly joined Launch Education Group’s team as an educational consultant in 2009. She graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University with a B.A. in American Studies and Anthropology. Molly’s current work as an educational support specialist is informed by her diverse experiences in teaching and school administration. Although Molly has spent the majority of her career providing educational therapy to students, she was formerly the Director of Member Services for the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Director of Communications at A. J. Heschel Day School.
Molly can be reached at molly@launcheducation.com
In addition to our diverse team of Directors and consultants, Launch Education Group is guided by our founders, Tim Urban and Andrew Finn.
