Destinee M.

Destinee Maldonado

5.0

(7)

University of California, Berkeley Logo

Studied at University of California, Berkeley

Upgrade Academy Logo

Worked at Upgrade Academy

Successful clients at

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About Destinee

Hi, I’m Destinee! I’m a UC Berkeley alumna with both a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Environmental Biology and a Master of Molecular Science and Software Engineering. My path to Berkeley wasn’t traditional. I started at East Los Angeles College as a first-generation student with limited guidance on navigating higher education, transferring, financial aid and career planning. That experience shaped my passion for helping students build pathways to opportunities they may not realize are within reach. Over the past 8+ years, I’ve worked with students ranging from elementary school through college as a tutor, Supplemental Instructor, College & Career Advisor, Admissions Mentor, and educator. I’ve supported first-generation, low-income, transfer, STEM-focused and nontraditional students in developing academic strategies, strengthening applications, exploring careers and building confidence in their ability to succeed. Professionally, I’ve advised students through college admissions, financial aid planning, career exploration, academic goal setting, and personal development. As a College & Career Advisor and Admissions Mentor, I’ve helped students navigate the UC system, Common App applications, scholarship opportunities and competitive academic pathways. What makes my coaching different is that I don’t believe there is one formula for success. Every student has a unique background, learning style, and set of goals. My role is to help you identify your strengths, develop a strategy that works for you and create a realistic plan to move forward with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for college, transferring universities, exploring STEM careers, applying to graduate school, improving study habits, or navigating a major life transition, I’m here to help you build a path that aligns with your goals. I look forward to working with you and helping you take the next step in your journey.

Why do I coach?

I coach because I know what it feels like to have potential but not have a clear roadmap. As a first-generation college student, I started my journey at East Los Angeles College without fully understanding how college admissions, transferring, financial aid, networking, or career planning worked. I often felt like everyone else had access to information and guidance that I didn’t. Along the way, I was fortunate to meet mentors, educators and advisors who helped me see opportunities I didn’t know existed and challenged me to believe I was capable of more. Those mentors changed the trajectory of my life. I eventually transferred to UC Berkeley, earned my bachelor’s degree, and later completed my master’s degree. The experience taught me that talent and hard work are important, but access to guidance can be life changing. Over the years, I’ve worked with students ranging from elementary school through college, including first-generation students, transfer students, STEM students, and individuals from nontraditional backgrounds. One of the most rewarding parts of coaching is watching someone go from feeling overwhelmed or uncertain to feeling confident and empowered with a plan. I don’t coach because I have all the answers. I coach because I’ve been in the position of not knowing what the next step should be, and I know how valuable it is to have someone in your corner who believes in you, helps you see your strengths and provides honest guidance. My goal is to help others access opportunities, build confidence and realize that their background does not determine the size of their future

Work Experience

LAUSD Logo

Substitute Teacher

LAUSD

November 2025 - Present

Maintained structured, inclusive learning environments by managing classrooms of diverse ability levels, collaborating with permanent teachers’ lesson plans, and supporting academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development.

Sylvan Learning Logo

LAUSD Intervention Teacher/ SAT Tutor

Sylvan Learning

October 2024 - November 2025

Delivered targeted math and English instruction to LAUSD students as part of a school-based academic intervention initiative. Created and managed individualized learning plans for students with varying academic profiles, including IEPs and learning differences. Provided SAT/ACT prep in math and English, emphasizing test-taking strategies, time management, and confidence building. Collaborated with school site staff, families, and Sylvan administrators to track student progress and adapt instruction to meet evolving academic and college-planning needs. College Counseling, Academic Advising and +5 skills

Brain Logo

Neuroscience Research Assistant

Brain

January 2024 - July 2024

Spearheaded data analysis and extraction for the NexIS-tauopathy AI model, aiming to significantly enhance its predictive accuracy for tau pathology spread in mouse models during my Master's program. Explored both cell-dependent and cell-independent mechanisms of tauopathy to inform model adjustments.

Mathnasium Logo

Seasonal Key Holder

Mathnasium

April 2022 - January 2023

Managed individualized learning plans for ~150 students, administering assessments to update goals and track academic progress. Delivered bimonthly progress reports to families and adjusted student plans to target areas of need in math and school performance. Directed day-to-day operations, including opening/closing procedures, team coordination, and task management. Created and maintained daily instructor schedules using Excel, ensuring optimal staffing and student support. Conducted client intake consultations, advised families on educational services, and successfully sold instructional programs. Administration, Sales Management and +4 skills

Upgrade Academy Logo

Ivy League University Mentor & Academic/Career Advisor

Upgrade Academy

January 2022 - February 2023

Ivy League University Mentor – Advised a cohort of international students on the U.S. admissions process, including school selection, essay development, and application strategy for top-tier universities. Career Counselor – Conducted one-on-one career planning using psychometric assessments to help students identify strengths and select aligned academic and career paths. ECL Project Coordinator – Facilitated the development and launch of formal student-led passion projects, designed to strengthen extracurricular profiles in regions with limited access to enrichment opportunities. Academic Prep & SAT/ACT Tutor – Provided academic instruction and standardized test prep tailored to students’ individual needs, boosting test performance and competitiveness in the U.S. college application process. Project Coordination, Instruction and +4 skills

East Bay Consortium of Educational Institutions Logo

College & Career Advisor

East Bay Consortium of Educational Institutions

September 2019 - May 2021

Advised over 100 low-income and first-generation high school seniors on post-secondary planning through one-on-one sessions and college readiness workshops. Collaborated with school counselors, teachers, and EBC program coordinators to support students at Madison Park Academy’s College and Career Information Center. Evaluated student transcripts and developed personalized academic action plans to support UC/CSU and community college eligibility. Guided students through the completion of FAFSA, CA Dream Act, and college applications. Maintained accurate and confidential student records using Google Sheets and LACAI data platforms.

Education

University of California, Berkeley Logo

University of California, Berkeley

Master of Molecular Science and Software Engineering, Science & Computer Science Engineering

2023 - 2024

Data Science, Machine Learning and +6 skills

University of California, Berkeley Logo

University of California, Berkeley

Bachelor of Science - BS, Molecular Environmental Biology

2019 - 2021

7 Reviews

Overall Rating

5.0


Destinee has helped Leland clients get into University of New England

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Destinee M.

Destinee M.

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