Educational consulting · Studio teaching
I’m Dr. Ruth Gamboa-Brooks. Drawing on more than twenty-five years in education, I support families navigating school decisions and young performers learning on location—with careful preparation, attentive teaching, and a collaborative approach.
Based in Los Angeles. Educational consulting across California; studio teaching locally and on location. Se habla español.
Film · Television · Theater · Commercial · New media
Studio teaching & welfare services
I work with young performers, their families, and production teams to keep coursework connected and the working day well considered. Thoughtful instruction and calm coordination support each student, wherever the production takes them.
California Studio Teacher Certificate No. 160311
IATSE Local 884 · California Clear Teaching Credential
Individual days and extended productions · Los Angeles, U.S. and international locations
My approach
Every child brings a distinct way of learning, and every setting asks for thoughtful attention. In my consulting work, I help families understand their options, prepare for important conversations, and build productive relationships with their school teams.
Services for families
Each service is tailored to your family. Many families find that two or three, thoughtfully combined, offer the most complete support.
Guidance through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 process, from the initial request through each annual review.
A thorough review of your child's educational record, informed by years of school leadership, followed by a classroom observation arranged with the school.
Preparation beforehand, a calm presence at the table, in person or online, and a clear written summary afterward.
Behavior is often a form of communication. I help families and schools understand what a child may need and identify supports that make a lasting difference.
The right setting matters as much as the right plan. I help families weigh their options thoughtfully and with confidence.
School concerns often reach the kitchen table. I coach parents and families to move forward together, at home and in partnership with the school.
For schools and districts
My work with educators draws on years as a principal, assistant principal and program coordinator.
How it works
We begin with a phone or video call. You share your concerns, and I offer an honest sense of how I can help and what the work may involve.
I review your child's records and prepare a clear plan that outlines priorities, relevant protections and recommended next steps.
I prepare you for each meeting, join you at the table and help ensure that every agreement is clearly documented.
The California Education Code sets clear timelines for the special education process. Knowing them helps families plan with confidence.
School breaks longer than five days do not count toward these deadlines. Families may also request their child's school records. The district must provide them within five business days of your request.
About
I began my career as an electrical engineer, a discipline that taught me to understand the whole system before focusing on any single part. Schools are systems, and so are families.
I went on to study educational systems in depth, earning a doctorate in educational leadership and preparing future administrators as adjunct faculty at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
In Los Angeles Unified, I served as a data coordinator, as an assistant principal for six years and as a principal for four. I have led the meetings, written the plans and seen firsthand what helps a child thrive.
Today I bring that experience to families, school teams, and young performers. As a California-certified studio teacher and welfare worker, I also support the continuity of a student’s education within the working day of a production.
Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.Chinese proverb
Where I work
Los Angeles Unified and neighboring districts throughout Los Angeles County, where I bring a deep familiarity with local schools and their practices.
Records review, coaching and most school meetings are well suited to video, which allows me to support families throughout California.
Questions
An advocate helps you get the right support for your child at school. I read the records, explain your rights, prepare you for meetings and attend them with you. My goal is an effective plan and a strong, lasting partnership with your school.
No. I am an educator rather than an attorney, and nothing on this site constitutes legal advice. Most concerns are resolved collaboratively. Should your situation call for legal counsel, I will let you know early.
Earlier is usually better. Families often reach out before a first assessment, ahead of an IEP or 504 meeting, after a discipline concern, or when changes in grades or behavior are not yet understood. Shaping a plan from the start is easier than revising one later.
The initial conversation is complimentary. Educational consulting is $175 per hour, including consultations, records review, meeting preparation, and school meeting support. We agree on the scope and anticipated time before work begins. Studio teaching and welfare services are quoted separately according to the production’s schedule and requirements.
Yes. Consultations, records review, coaching and most school meetings are well suited to video. I also meet with families in person throughout Los Angeles County.
Yes, conversationally, and I am happy to speak with families in Spanish. For formal school meetings, families may also request an interpreter from the district, which I often recommend.
Yes. Alongside family consulting, I provide studio teaching and welfare services for young performers, and advise school and district leaders on leadership, Title I programs, data use, and inclusive practices. Explore studio teaching services.
Schedule a complimentary consultation
Share a brief note about your family, school, or production, and I will respond within two business days. For studio teaching inquiries, please include your dates and location. Please keep student records for our conversation rather than sending them here.
Educational consulting · $175 per hour
Initial conversation complimentary. Scope and anticipated time agreed in advance. Studio teaching quoted separately.
ruth.gamboabrooks@gmail.com
Los Angeles, California