Susan Philips, Executive Director
Susan Philips started CollegePath LA in 2009 with her friend, Lori Zimmerman. Susan is an author and educator who worked for more than 30 years in organizations serving inner-city youth, immigrants and other underserved populations. Susan’s professional experience includes teaching, curriculum development, and teacher training.
Susan also worked for a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that seeks to instill in our nation’s youth a deeper understanding of citizenship. She has devoted much of her career to encouraging citizens to become active volunteers in their communities—something that enriches her own life.
Susan has an M.A. degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California, and a B.A. in History from the University of California at Riverside. She speaks Spanish and sign language for the hearing impaired. She lives with her husband, Art, in Silver Lake where she walks every day for exercise.
Jody Brooks is a Certified College Counselor with a passion for helping students who have limited access to resources. She has a multi-disciplinary background in mental health counseling, strategic marketing for small businesses, and major gifts fundraising.
At CollegePath LA, Jody has helped launch a newsletter, a mentoring program for first year college students, and a series of video interviews that explore professional careers. Jody developed and maintains the organization’s database. She facilitates workshops to help students with their college essays.
Jody holds a B.A. degree in Psychology from Simmons College in Boston, Mass., an M.B.A. in Marketing from Boston University, and a College Counseling Certificate from UCLA. Jody and her husband, Peter, live in the Hollywood Hills with their dog, Pablo.