About Buddy System Foundation

The Buddy System Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 that provides assessments, one-on-one and group tutoring in a variety of subjects as well as ESL, ELL and Special Education students. The tutoring sessions can occur after-school at the shelters, SRO’s, hotels, libraries, youth centers, in-home, or at a centrally located place. Pre and post academic assessments are offered to capture student performance necessary for developing learning objectives and instruction, as well as collecting necessary year-end data. We pride ourselves on making a personalized match for each student.

Overview of Buddy System
Press Coverage: Buddy System
Our Management Team

Overview of Buddy System

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Since 1989 we have been educating students, families and professionals with our tailored, on-site programs. With offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix and San Diego, we are one of the leading educational consulting firms in California.

The Buddy System specializes in custom tailored educational programs. From homework help, to corporate training to parenting skills, we assess each situation individually, then prescribe the right approach and create a results-focused, customized program. We take an active interest in each of our clients.

In 1996 we acquired The Academy of English, a San Francisco corporate training firm, to expand our personalized programs to the workplace. And in December 1997, due to the exponential growth of TBS, Inc. in the Bay Area, the Los Angeles and San Diego branches were launched.

For fifteen years we have helped thousands maximize their educational journeys. Our success is centered around one core value: We believe we can make a difference and dedicate ourselves to expanding that difference with our personalized programs.

Today, we continue to fulfill our mission of dedication to making a difference by reaching students, families and professionals throughout California and beyond.

Press Coverage: Buddy System

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Buddy System has been featured on cable TV (BAY TV), local radio (KQED, Family Talk; KOIT FM, Positive Parenting; KFRC, Goss & Garrett show) national radio (KPIX, Working Mom on the Run) and network television (NBC, Weekend Daybreak) because our programs and practical strategies for helping children are recognized for their effectiveness.

Buddy System has developed the "PARENT AS ADVOCATE" program (a non-profit seminar to schools and corporations) and "EIGHT WAYS TO BETTER GRADES", each of which has been published several times in the Bay Area. We are currently in the process of publishing two books, a handbook for parents and a study skills guide.

Our Management Team

Kim Hartley, Executive Director Kim Hartley has served as the Executive Director of Buddy System Educational Services since 1989. She specializes in working with families and creating programs that suit their particular needs. She also oversees the development of corporate training programs and company marketing. Kim strives to develop personal relationships with her contacts and to provide a friendly, efficient service focused on long-term results. Her passion for academic excellence has spawned a multi-faceted business designed to improve the quality of education our students receive. Kim has been touted in the community as, "The most well-connected woman in town." While Kim enjoys a compliment, she feels that her reputation is only as strong as her last achievement and strives to expand her reach through careful and thoughtful planning. Kim received her BA from UCLA in 1989 and continued her professional development at UC Berkeley in such areas as College Guidance Counseling and Tutoring for Students with Learning Differences.

Abbie Richie, Executive Director Abbie Richie has served on the management team of Buddy System Educational Services since 1997. She specializes in consulting with parents and teachers while offering solutions for the student's particular needs. She consults on a variety of educational topics such as college counseling, home schooling, and test preparation. Most of all, Abbie is passionate about providing parents with a cohesive experience and assuring all parties (teacher, tutor and student) are working together toward success. She has BA from Emerson College, Boston and is currently pursuing her MA ED.

Lisa Rubel, Office Administrator Lisa Rubel serves as Office Administrator for Buddy System, managing all the day-to-day challenges of running a busy and bustling office. Since 2003, she has handled all aspects of tutor services, client needs and supporting Kim and Abbie when possible. Lisa has a BA from University of Hartford in Communications, and is only a few credits shy of her MA in Special Education. She is a great addition to our team and we could not do it without her!