Our Team

FOUNDER

Ying studied Early Childhood Education and worked as a preschool teacher before coming to the United States in 1996. She graduated from the Steinhardt School of Education in New York University with a master’s degree in Bilingual Education in 2002.

With over three decades of teaching experience in both public and private educational institutions in China and the US, Ying has amassed a wealth of expertise in education. She co-founded LeapUp Learning Center with a mission to foster the development of well-rounded students through a comprehensive educational program. As the academic director at LeapUp Learning, Ying spearheaded the creation of an innovative Mandarin program, attracting families from diverse backgrounds and earning high praise and recognition.

In 2014, Ying expanded her expertise by offering private school admissions consulting services to families. Her philosophy centers around empowering students to grow and thrive, both academically and personally, throughout the admissions process. Leveraging her vast knowledge of education and strong relationships she has established with elite private schools nationwide, Ying and her team have successfully assisted numerous families in achieving their educational goals.

Ying's expertise in parenting and educational planning is underscored by the achievements of her own three children, who are either currently attending or have graduated from prestigious institutions: the Collegiate School, the Chapin School, the Lawrenceville School, Northwestern University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale School of Medicine.

DIRECTOR OF FAMILY SERVICES

As a dynamic individual, Jessica Ma combines her understanding of parents' needs, her personal experiences as a mother, and her professional expertise to provide exceptional services to families. Having raised two children of her own, she possesses firsthand experience in navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood. This personal journey has equipped her with invaluable insights and empathy, enabling her to cater to the unique requirements of each family she serves.

With a wealth of professional expertise, Jessica brings a diverse background to her role. She has a seasoned career encompassing corporate finance, operational management, and business strategy development. Jessica has navigated the terrain of both large international enterprises and small companies, assuming various influential positions. Jessica's journey began at PwC, where she kick-started her career and laid the foundation for her future success. She then went on to become the worldwide controller of Y&R, served as the CFO of BAV Group, and even assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer at a startup.

Jessica's own experiences as a parent have fueled her desire to extend her knowledge and support to other families, inspiring her to make a career switch from the corporate world to the realm of education and family services. Driven by her commitment to promote multicultural education, Jessica co-founded LeapUp Learning, an esteemed education center renowned for its high-quality bilingual enrichment programs for children of all ages. Her dedication to fostering holistic development in young minds is evident in the wellbeing of her own children. One has recently graduated from the prestigious Stuyvesant High School, while the other is currently attending a top private school in New York City. Jessica’s passion for supporting and empowering families on their unique journeys makes her a trusted and invaluable resource in her field.

CONSULTANT AND DIRECTOR OF STUDENT COACHING

Emily is a second-year medical student at the Yale School of Medicine. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and a minor in Chemistry and took two gap years in between college and medical school to work at a diabetes-focused market research company in San Francisco.

While at the University of Pennsylvania, Emily was a clinical research assistant at a traumatic brain injury lab, volunteered with hospice patients, was a photographer for the student news organization, and worked on design and layout for a healthcare publication. Emily also co-founded a club that hosts birthday celebrations for underprivileged and sick children and helped grow it into a national nonprofit focused on supporting vulnerable child populations.

Emily has been teaching, tutoring, and mentoring students since high school and is passionate about empowering young people. A graduate of the Chapin School in New York City, she is familiar with the private school admissions process and learning environment and has supported many students and families through their applications, from student and parent statements to interview preparation. Having also gone through both the college and medical school admissions processes, Emily has an intimate understanding of the challenges students face through all stages of their education and is committed to supporting each student’s unique needs and goals.