Co-Founder & CEO

Diana is a mother of four and has been deeply engaged in the educational life of top U.S. private schools for over 15 years. As a parent, she has experienced every facet of the American education system and, with intuition and insight, understands what admissions officers truly value—what enables a student to stand out in a highly competitive environment.

Over the years, Diana has built genuine relationships with admissions offices and school leaders at elite private schools and universities. She stays closely informed of policy changes and admissions trends, generously sharing this knowledge with families to help them plan the most suitable educational paths for their children.

Beyond her role as a parent, Diana is also passionate about educational philanthropy. From supporting school facilities to advancing community education initiatives, she firmly believes education can change lives. With both sincerity and expertise, she has earned the trust and respect of many, becoming a reliable guide for families navigating their educational journey.

Co-Founder & COO

With a background in Business Administration and Communication Studies from Northeastern University, Serena brings a rare combination of operational expertise and heartfelt purpose to Summa. A passionate advocate for education as a tool of empowerment, she co-founded Summa Cum Laude School to help young people find their voice through meaningful creation—not just memorization.

Serena is especially driven by her mission to uplift women and girls through education. As Co-Founder of the HERS Foundation, she creates platforms for self-expression, access, and leadership development. At Summa, she ensures that every student, regardless of background, receives not just guidance—but belief.

Director of Education

Paula brings over five decades of distinguished experience in elite U.S. independent schools, including more than 30 years as an elementary school administrator, which has established her as a respected leader in educational administration and admissions strategy. As former Lower School Director at the prestigious Polytechnic School in Pasadena, she developed deep expertise in elementary education, innovative curriculum design, and faculty development.

Today, Paula serves as a trusted advisor to families navigating the increasingly competitive landscape of private school admissions. Her knowledge of what top-tier schools seek, combined with her strategic and forward-thinking approach, enables her to guide Summa Cum Laude students with tailored academic planning and holistic preparation.

With exceptional leadership, decades of hands-on experience, and an extensive professional network, Paula is more than an educational expert—she’s a vital bridge between student potential and the high expectations of elite institutions. Her work ensures that every student she mentors is empowered to present their strongest, most authentic self in the admissions process—and to thrive beyond it.

Strategic Advisor

Ivana brings over a decade of international experience in inclusive education, curriculum design, and student support. She has led student support initiatives across schools in the U.S. and Europe, partnering with faculty to design programs focused on meaningful student growth.

In an advisory capacity, Ivana supports Summa’s Core Learning Programs by helping translate authentic, real-world learning experiences into clear, teacher-ready curriculum, ensuring the programs are intentional, rigorous, and meaningfully personalized.

Director of Student Advising

Dr. Wellman has an 18-year distinguished academic career, holding two doctoral degrees and four master’s degrees, and has served as Education Director at a leading U.S. private school—demonstrating both educational leadership and strategic vision. Combining his extensive academic background with more than a decade of frontline teaching practice, he has established himself as a respected authority in the field of education.

He is committed to a holistic philosophy of education, focusing on students’ cognitive, emotional, social, and psychological development. Drawing on his expertise in educational psychology, he uses evidence-based methods and scientific assessment to identify individual needs, set clear goals, and design personalized growth pathways for each student.

As both a mentor and an educational psychologist, Dr. Wellman guides students to achieve balance between academic excellence and personal well-being. His professional support not only strengthens their academic performance but also fosters critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning—making him a trusted guide in every student’s journey.

Director of Language & Creative Expression

Hernán is an Argentine-American educator, actor, and writer who brings energy, creativity, and joy to every class. With over 30 years of experience teaching across preschool, K–12, and college—including Columbia University and Universidad Internacional de La Rioja in Spain—he has inspired students of all ages to learn with curiosity and confidence.

At Summa, Hernán’s role goes far beyond language instruction. While he specializes in Spanish for young learners, he also brings his background in theater, writing, and media to guide students in storytelling, public speaking, and video production. By blending puppetry, live music, and performance into his teaching, he helps children and teens not only master skills but also discover their creative voice.

His international career across the United States, Latin America, and Europe reflects his belief that education should be playful, intercultural, and transformative—preparing students to see themselves as global citizens and confident creators.