About Us
Mental Sharpeners was founded by Founder and Chief Executive Officer Phillip A. Todd MA. Ed, M. Ed. S.P.E., is an experienced professional with over 23 years in the education industry. Possessing a Master of Arts in Education with Emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction, a Master of Special Education, a Bachelor of Science in Business Adminstration, and a minor in Teacher Leadership, Phillip's expertise and passion for providing quality education and support drive the vision and mission of Mental Sharpeners LLC. The management team consists of dedicated individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of education.


Paul J. Barron, the Associate Chief Executive Officer of Mental Sharpeners LLC. brings a wealth of experience with over two decades in the realms of Mental Health and education. His expertise spans from special education across elementary, middle, and high school settings to the administration of programs dedicated to serving adults with disabilities. Paul's unwavering dedication to his profession is driven by his boundless compassion, deep empathy, and an innate sense of altruism, all of which fuel his commitment to helping individuals realize their utmost potential. In his leisure hours, Paul enjoys the simple pleasures of life, including barbecuing, football spectating, fishing, and cherishing precious moments with his family.
Jina Yoo, the Chief Administrative Officer of Mental Sharpeners LLC, has a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and specializes in Early Childhood education. With more than four years of experience, her focus is on helping students of different age groups achieve mastery in their personalized academic content and continually develop as educators. Her main objective is to ensure that students excel in their personalized academic content while also fostering growth in their teachers. Ms. Yoo consistently demonstrates efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity, showcasing good character and making valuable contributions to her community and society. She collaborates closely with classroom teachers to establish an inclusive learning environment, giving priority to the least restrictive setting for all students. Her unwavering dedication to supporting and educating each student stems from her strong passion and vision, recognizing the accomplishments and triumphs of her students as the most fulfilling and rewarding aspects of life.

Lauren Bridget is the General Manager of Mental Sharpeners LLC, where she excels as a highly accomplished professional with a robust educational background and extensive experience in early childhood development and psychology. With a specialization in working with all age groups from K-12, Ms. Bridget holds a degree in Early Childhood Development, providing her with a solid foundation in the field. With over a decade of experience in child development, Lauren Bridget has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in nurturing and supporting young minds. Her expertise spans various developmental domains, enabling her to provide comprehensive care and educational programs tailored to meet the needs of children at different stages of growth.
Our Story
Mental Sharpeners is dedicated to providing extraordinary paraprofessionals and tutors for extraordinary students. We believe in the spirit of inclusion, differentiated instruction, care, and persistence, which can maximize and achieve academic excellence for all students. We cater to a wide range of educational settings, including public, charter, private, hospital, and home schools and/or districts in Los Angeles County.
Our services include the provision of highly trained paraprofessionals who support educational institutions throughout the school year. These paraprofessionals work closely with teachers and administrators to ensure an inclusive and supportive learning environment. In addition, we offer private tutoring services to individuals seeking academic assistance in various subjects.