FOUNDER & CEO

Itzel Valdez founded Point Hills in 2024, driven by one thing: a deep, heartfelt gratitude for the transformative power of education. She graduated from Wesleyan University with a double major in Education Studies and Economics, becoming the first in her family to attend college. As a recipient of the prestigious Questbridge Scholarship and valedictorian of her high school class, Itzel excelled academically and brought her passion for education to new heights. At Wesleyan, she competed in cross country and track and field, participated in the Social Entrepreneurship program, and developed her teaching skills through her coursework. After college, Itzel also worked as an education consultant for students attending top Bay Area schools like Menlo, Saint Ignatius, Crystal Springs, and Sacred Heart. There, she supported families through the private school application process and developed a profound love for teaching in one-on-one settings, recognizing the limitless impact of personalized tutoring. 

Understanding firsthand the dedication required to succeed in academics, Itzel appreciates both the challenges and rewards of the academic journey. She founded Point Hills Education to offer students a personalized, empowering learning experience tailored to their unique goals. Her approach focuses on meeting students where they are, recognizing that education is not one-size-fits-all, and reframing learning as a fulfilling and purpose-driven process. By maximizing the benefits of one-on-one tutoring and academic coaching, Itzel seeks to instill confidence, curiosity, and a genuine passion for learning, inspiring students to achieve excellence both in the classroom and beyond.