We help students with learning differences thrive—from junior high through high school, into college, and beyond.
Our therapeutic, whole-child approach develops the executive functioning skills that are foundational for academic success: strong routines, effective work habits, time management, prioritization, task initiation, and goal-directed persistence. As these skills strengthen, students gain confidence and agency, while rediscovering their joy of learning.
Students working with us make measurable academic gains. Week after week, we see improvements in GPA, essay scores, and tests, exams, and major projects.
We don’t add extra work; we partner directly with our students’ current assignments. We help prevent missed assignments, reduce last-minute stress, and improve performance on major projects and assessments.
During college admissions season, we guide students with learning differences through every step of the process, ensuring they submit stand-out applications that open doors to top-tier schools. Our essay coaching and strategic planning help students gain admission to colleges where they will thrive.
About Us
Kelly Marine
Kelly Marine is a UC Berkeley Honors English graduate and a certified Educational Therapist. She served, along with Martha, as Co-Director of the Learning Center at an independent school in Southern California. She was also an Academic Dean, leading student support interventions and IEP meetings. She has taught English grades 7–12 in both independent and public schools, including most recently at the Paideia School in Atlanta. Kelly brings years of experience in learning support, executive functioning, and writing instruction to her work with students and families.
Martha Belo
Martha Belo holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Santa Clara and a law degree from the UC College of Law in San Francisco. She served, along with Kelly, as Co-Director of the Learning Center at an independent school and has taught AP Psychology and English for grades 8–12. Martha brings deep expertise in academic support, psychology, and student development. She pairs her expertise with a thoughtful, student-centered approach that helps families feel confident their child is supported every step of the way
Marine & Belo Services
In weekly one-on-one sessions, we combine therapeutic techniques and individualized educational strategies to help students overcome learning challenges. By building a therapeutic relationship with each student, we are able to address social, emotional, and cognitive issues that may be holding a student back. In a safe environment, students build up confidence and self-esteem that enable them to thrive academically.
Educational Therapy
Within a therapeutic context, we lay the foundation for academic success by building executive functioning skills week after week. Through trial and error, we help each of our students discover customized, individualized approaches to time management, scheduling, task initiation, and follow-through. Students practice self-advocacy by co-designing habits, routines, and strategies that work for them.
Academic Coaching
We provide wraparound support by ensuring students consistently connect with the rest of their team. We help students schedule office hours, email teachers, and prepare ahead of time to meet with subject-specific tutors. In addition, we regularly connect with parents, psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists to ensure that each of our students receives cohesive, strategic support.
Care Coordination
College Admissions Coaching
We start early with college admissions. Beginning freshman year, we help students explore and discover what they love—from clubs to volunteering to internships to summer pre-college programs. In senior year, we support students in crafting silver-bullet personal statements and supplemental essays. We also help students manage all parts of the college application process, including connecting with their counselor, requesting letters of recommendation, and applying to each school with plenty of time to spare.
Our students have earned admissions to top-tier universities including:
“I wouldn’t have gotten into Cornell without Kelly. She helped me break through writer’s block, find my voice, and manage ADHD-related procrastination. Across our three years together, her expertise and support made all the difference. Thanks to her, I’m off to Cornell!”
Testimonials
“Martha has been an incredible executive functions coach for our son. She’s helped him build real skills, confidence, and self-awareness. Her commitment, guidance, and ability to empower are truly a gift.”
“We started working with Marine & Belo in our daughter’s freshman year of high school. Over the years, they helped her build confidence and achieve academic success, while staying focused and organized. Their guidance was instrumental in her gaining admission to UGA, and we’re so grateful for their care.”
“Marine & Belo have been truly transformative for our son with autism and ADHD. With their guidance, he improved his GPA, built confidence, and stayed organized, ultimately helping him get into his dream school.”
