We are intentional about matching our students with the right coach to guide them to success.

Meet our Executives

PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Leslie B. Gubitz, MAT

Leslie earned her BA in Studio Art and Psychology from Indiana University. At Webster University, she earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching Special Education and spent her first year of teaching in St. Louis Public Schools. While pursuing her Masters, she was one of the first tutors at Special Solutions in 2009. She then moved to New Orleans, LA where she worked in the New Orleans Public Schools as a teacher for grades 3rd - 12th, a reading specialist, a Special Education Coordinator, and a Director of Academic Interventions. She spent four years as a Leadership Coach for a national nonprofit supporting teachers and administrators to ensure accessibility for all learners. Since 2018, she has been an education consultant supporting individuals and their families navigating the school system as well charter school networks creating equitable learning and staffing plans. In summer 2024, her family returned to St. Louis to move Special Solutions from one generation to the next. Leslie is excited to be leading the company and continuing to support students and families in the St. Louis area find more success with less stress.

Email

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Shelley B. Smith, M.Ed

You may not know me, but many people will tell you that I am passionate about connecting with people and helping in every aspect of their lives. My passion for making a difference in people’s lives began over three decades ago with my career as a Special Education Teacher for Special School District. After I retired, I started an educational consulting business, Special Solutions, and it has grown by leaps and bounds! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to provide support and guidance to students who struggle with learning challenges and to the families who want to see them succeed. I am fortunate to have the support of a wonderful family and many friends throughout the St. Louis community.

Email

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Ron Gubitz

A former English teacher turned education innovator, Ron co-founded Hip Hop Congress and later helped transform underperforming schools through arts integration programs that earned White House recognition. He's worked with artists like Yo-Yo Ma at the Kennedy Center and co-founded Whetstone Education (acquired by SchoolMint). Currently serving as Executive Director of the Music Artists Coalition, Ron champions fair compensation for music creators. Whether in the classroom or the concert hall, he believes music and community can change lives.
He’s married to Leslie, dad to Nola and Ruby, and works on the financial side of Special Solutions.

Email

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY & OPERATIONS

Ellen Kenzora, MBA

Ellen started working at Special Solutions in 2012 as an academic coach helping students conquer learning challenges and improving their executive functioning skills. Now in an executive role, Ellen is excited to develop and execute the strategies and operations that will shape the future of the company.

Ellen was born and raised in Saint Louis. She earned her BA from Austin College in Mathematics and French and graduated WashU’s Full-Time MBA program in 2021 with a focus in entrepreneurship. She has worked in oil and gas, educational consulting, and industrials with a focus in data analysis, strategy, and consulting. She now owns an art gallery in downtown Clayton. She is passionate about giving back to her community and mentoring others. She serves on the Board of Directors of KidSmart, a nonprofit organization that provides free essential tools for learning to children in underserved communities and serves as Chair of the Skandalaris Center Eliot Society Committee at WashU.

Email

CENTER OPERATIONS & SCHEDULE COORDINATOR

Maddy Quinlan

Maddy holds a Bachelor's degree in U.S. History and Anthropology from Beloit College. Before joining Special Solutions, she worked as a curriculum writer for an education startup in St. Louis. She has extensive experience tutoring students across all grade levels, from 1st grade through undergraduate. Maddy’s expertise is in the humanities, with a particular focus on reading, writing, and early American history. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring antique shops.

Email

Meet Our Coaches

  • Elsa A.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: ELEMENTARY STUDENTS & READING & PHONICS

  • Ray B.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: MATH, SCIENCE & ENGLISH

  • Sarah B.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: SOCIAL SCIENCES, WRITING, ENGLISH & HISTORY

  • Julie B.

    ACT / SAT COACH

    SPECIALTY: ENGLISH & READING

  • Josie C.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: SCIENCE, SOCIAL SCIENCES, MATH

  • Carson C.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: MANDARIN, HISOTRY & ENGLISH

  • Priyanka D.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: MATH, SCIENCE & READING

  • Sam D.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: SOCIAL SCIENCES, ACCOUNTING & FINANCE

  • Emme G.

    ACADEMIC COACH:

    SPECIALTY: FRENCH, HISTORY & ENGLISH

  • Tom G.

    ACT / SAT & ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: MATH & SCIENCE, PHYSICS & CALCULUS

  • Jessica H.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, ENGLISH, BIOLOGY & HISTORY

  • Destiny K.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: MATH, SCIENCE, ENGLISH & SPANISH

  • Caitlin L.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: MATH, SCIENCE & ENGLISH

  • Leo L.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: COMPOSITION, COLLEGE ESSAYS, BIOLOGY & MATH

  • Louise O.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: MATH, CHEMISTRY, HISTORY, THEOLOGY, FRENCH

  • Evan P.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: CHEMISTRY, THEOLOGY, ENGLISH & HISTORY

  • Jenna R.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: HISTORY, SPANISH, MICROBIOLOGY, GENETICS, PHYSICS

  • Cyndy F.

    LANGUAGE THERAPY

    SPECIALTY: ELECTRIC INTERACTIONS, SOCIAL SKILLS & EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

  • Kaylee W.

    COLLEGE COACH

    SPECIALTY: COLLEGE ESSAYS & PREP, ENGLISH, HISTORY

  • Madeleine W.

    ACADEMIC COACH

    SPECIALTY: MATH, SCIENCE (PHYSICS) & ENGLISH