Staff

Ujala Baker

Owner & CFO

Ujala Baker brings over 20 years of experience in finance, strategic planning, and business transformation to her role as Owner and Finance Advisor at Scholars Academy. With a strong background in the healthcare and banking industries, she is known for turning data into strategy and driving meaningful financial results.

Ujala holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Development Studies and Economics, along with a Master’s in Economics. Her expertise in financial management and process improvement helps guide the Academy’s continued growth and excellence.

Outside of work, Ujala is a wife and proud mother of two who are both very active in sports. She’s also passionate about fitness herself, having practiced kickboxing for over five years and being a dedicated basketball enthusiast. Ujala believes athletics foster discipline, teamwork, and confidence- values that define the spirit of Scholars Academy.

Meet Mr. Baker

Mr. Baker is a 22-time champion in traditional Kempo karate and TKD competition. He's been practicing martial arts for over 35 years off and on and loves competition. Martial Arts has always been a part of his life and he continues to learn and grow each and every day in the art.

"I started martial arts because I wanted to be like some of my heroes (Bruce Lee, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jackie Chan, Wesley Snipes, and so many others). I stuck with it because I loved the sport. Not only did martial arts give me more confidence and make me stronger, but it became something I could do all year long. Every other sport had its seasons which was cool because they ended before I got bored. However, martial arts never got boring, as there was always a new challenge or another competition with incredible athletes I could learn from. As I grew as a martial artist, I learned what martial arts meant to me and why it was such an important part of my life. It gave me direction and a purpose. And that purpose was to transform the world around me.

Through martial arts and competition, I learned what it meant to honor my family and make them proud. Today my goal is to help all student members to discover their worth and recognize their job as young citizens. We all have but one job in life and that is to make our parents proud by being the best we can possibly be, each and every day. "

JESSICA LEAL

Holaaa, Hi there! Sometimes you might hear a loud voice with a Latin accent and wonder, “Who’s that?” Well… that’s me, Jessica Leal. I was born in Modesto, California, but my mom decided to take me to Mexico, to my beloved state of Oaxaca — a place where mezcal and tlayudas are never missing. I grew up surrounded by three amazing women who taught me the true meaning of perseverance.

Maybe I can be a little intense sometimes, but that’s because I truly believe that my students — your kids — should never limit what they think they’re capable of. Today, they might only manage two minutes of sit-ups, but in the future, they could win the Nobel Peace Prize or become the next leader. What matters most is that they never doubt their inner strength.

Every day, I’m aware of the great responsibility that comes with teaching a sport that demands discipline, respect, and determination. But I also know they’re still kids, and I never want them to lose that spark — their laughter, their hugs after class, or our chat on the mat moments when we drop the seriousness and just connect.

My motto always is “small choices build greatness every rep counts, every rep is a decision” Now I want you to know that you can always come to me and I will always receive you with a big smile on my face and with the most positive energy, sometimes you will see me and say that if I am an energy drink but that is my essence.

Because that’s what Scholars Academy is all about: building strong bodies, disciplined minds, and joyful heart but never missing your essence.

I hope to meet you soon!

LIVIA VELINOVA

Hi, my name is Livia Velinova and I am one of the karate instructors and the graphic designer. I am usually on the mat teaching our Scholar Kata or designing posters and banners for our dojo! I started training martial arts when I was 8 years old even before I had moved to this area and have loved it since, especially since Scholars Academy was the first thing that made Brentwood feel like home. Having mastered our Kata I now get to teach it to others, just like how my father taught martial arts back in Bulgaria. I am hoping to pass on this art and find people who love the Kata just as much as I do.

JAYDEN YEUNG

Hi i’m Jayden Yeung I am an instructor for scholars basketball! I’ve been playing basketball for 12 years and I’ve won many medals and trophies throughout. I really enjoy sharing my experience and struggles with the kids so it can strengthen them for the future. I plan on teaching the fundamentals first as a base so the kids can add on to what they are strong at. My goal for the kids is to have them have a structured background towards basketball and inspire them to love the game even more. Not only do I train and teach these scholars how to play basketball, I teach every single person on the court how to be a better person on and off the court.

Because that’s what Scholars Academy is all about: building strong bodies, disciplined minds, and joyful heart but never missing your essence.

I hope to meet you soon!

HARPREET KAUR

I’m Harpreet Kaur and most know me as Mrs. Harp. I’m a martial arts instructor for Karate and Kickboxing, I also manage sales and events.

I’ve been doing martial arts at Scholars Academy since I was 13. Martial arts quickly became one of my favorite hobbies and Scholars Academy became my second home, not just because of the sport but also because of the community. At Scholars Academy I’ve made some unforgettable memories with some of the most amazing people I now call my best friends.

I started attending competitions and winning medals at 14 years old. I’ve completed in sport karate, traditional form kata, and kickboxing. I also wrestled for my high school team my senior year. I began teaching and working at Scholars not too long after turning 15.

I’m currently in college majoring in political science to pursue law and became an immigration lawyer and or real estate attorney. I’ve always wanted to make an impact in my community, no matter now big or small and helping family’s who are in situations my family once was in is my biggest dream. I hope being at Scholars Academy I’m able to make the same impact on others kids like it impacted me.

MARIAM

My name is Mariam, and I work at the front desk and manage sales at Scholars Academy. I started working here at the beginning of the summer, and it’s been such a great experience being part of such a positive and welcoming community. I love greeting families, helping students, and keeping things organized to make sure everything runs smoothly.

I’m currently a college student majoring in nursing with hopes of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner in the future. I’ve always loved working with kids, and being at Scholars has inspired me even more. This job has taught me the importance of patience, communication, and teamwork qualities I’ll carry with me throughout my career.

Ahmed C. Burden

With a 12-year background in the United States Marine Corps, Ahmed C. Burden brings discipline, leadership, and dedication to every aspect of his work—especially his passion for developing young athletes. Certified in VertiMax Skills Enhancement Training for over three years, Ahmed specializes in building explosive strength, agility, and performance through focused athletic training.

A former Junior Varsity Basketball Coach at Heritage High School, he has extensive experience in coaching and mentoring youth, emphasizing strong fundamentals and character development both on and off the court. As a dedicated Fundamental Basketball Skills Trainer, Ahmed is committed to helping athletes unlock their full potential, instilling in them the values of hard work, consistency, and teamwork.

Driven by a genuine love for working with kids and helping them grow, Ahmed continues to impact lives through structured, high-energy training that inspires confidence and results.

Coach Leosha Baker

Coach Leosha has been training in martial arts for over 12 years and competing for 10. She’s also been playing basketball for 10 years and competing for 7, bringing that same drive, teamwork, and athletic energy into every class she teaches. As a student-athlete, she loves working with kids and helping them become the best version of themselves both on and off the mat.

At Scholars Academy, Coach Leosha brings excitement, encouragement, and positivity to every session, creating a family-like environment where everyone feels welcome and motivated to grow.