Meet Kimberly Morrow Brock | Author, Educator & Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Morrow Brock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly Morrow, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
During the pandemic, I noticed a lot of parents posting online about their struggles with distance learning. At that time, I was still employed as a principal, but the demands of my job led to several stress-induced episodes. By the end of the school year, I decided to resign and turn my tutoring “side hustle” into a full-time job. I began promoting myself as a tutor who could help parents navigate distance learning.

One of the first parents I met with shared her desire to have a permanent teacher for her children, as she had no intention of returning them to school after the pandemic. Soon, three additional parents expressed the same interest. Realizing there was a significant demand for this kind of support, I quickly researched what I needed to do to establish a formal educational service.

And so, Doris L. Morrow Academy was born, named after my mother. For the first three years, the academy offered homeschool assistance and tutoring services. This decision was fueled not only by the immediate needs I saw during the pandemic but also by my own experiences and passion for education. Starting this business allowed me to create a flexible and supportive learning environment for students while also prioritizing my health and well-being.

As my students have grown, so have our services. We now offer College and Career Readiness Support services, helping students prepare for the next stages of their educational and professional journeys. This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our students and ensuring they have the tools and guidance they need to succeed.

The process of transitioning from a traditional school principal to a business owner wasn’t easy, especially given my health issues at the time. However, the overwhelming demand for dedicated educational support during such a critical period reinforced my decision. It also allowed me to help students develop essential executive functioning skills and support parents in managing their children’s education more effectively. This journey has been challenging yet incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on young learners’ lives.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Doris L. Morrow Academy, we are dedicated to equipping students with the tools, resources, and guidance needed to navigate the path towards higher education and career success. What sets us apart is our personalized consulting and coaching services that support families in making informed decisions about education and career goals. We offer specialized programs that prepare students and young adults to compete for scholarships, providing them with essential skills and strategies to win.

I am incredibly proud of the individualized attention we provide to each student, ensuring they receive the support and encouragement they need to thrive. Seeing our students grow and succeed, particularly in securing scholarships and gaining admission to their desired colleges, is incredibly rewarding.

The journey to where we are today has not been easy. When I first started Doris L. Morrow Academy, it was during the global pandemic, a time of great uncertainty and challenge. The transition from being a school principal to running my own business was a significant pivot. It required a lot of resilience and adaptability, especially considering the personal health challenges I faced, including anxiety and major depression.

Overcoming these challenges involved a lot of learning and perseverance. I had to educate myself on business management, marketing, and financial planning, all while ensuring I provided top-notch educational services. One of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of self-care and listening to your body. Maintaining a balance between work and health is crucial for long-term success.

What I want the world to know about Doris L. Morrow Academy is that we are more than just an educational service provider. We are a community dedicated to empowering students and their families. Our commitment to personalized support and our focus on essential life skills set us apart. We are passionate about helping students realize their full potential and achieve their dreams.

Our story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to education. I am excited about the future and the continued growth of our services, particularly as we expand our College and Career Readiness Support. This journey has been challenging yet incredibly fulfilling, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many wonderful things that a week would not be long enough. However, here are some definite must-sees and do’s for my bestie and me. Day 1 we’ll have dinner at my favorite steak house, Ruth’s Chris for the amazing steak and a bottle of our favorite wine. Day 2, we would rent bikes and ride along the scenic bike path to Santa Monica Beach later stopping for a quick bite along the way. Later in the afternoon, we would head over to Venice Beach to explore the boardwalk, watch street performers, and check out the unique shops. Later that evening dinner at The Misfit Restaurant + Bar in Santa Monica. Day 3 will be another beach day at Palos Verdes Beach. We will spend the day lounging in the sun, swimming, and exploring the tide pools. Later in the evening, we’ll enjoy a casual dinner at The Original Farmers Market with a variety of food stalls to choose from. Day 4 will be a culture day in LA! In the morning, visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and stroll through the La Brea Tar Pits; in the afternoon, explore the Getty Center for its incredible art collections and breathtaking city views; and in the evening, enjoy dinner at Bottega Louie, an upscale restaurant and patisserie in downtown LA. Day 5 is spa day at Glen Ivy, start the morning by driving to Glen Ivy Hot Springs for a full day of relaxation and rejuvenation, enjoying their natural mineral baths, spa treatments, and tranquil gardens; continue to enjoy the various pools and spa services in the afternoon; and in the evening, return to LA for a quiet dinner at Café Gratitude, known for its healthy and delicious vegan dishes. Day 6, Start the morning with breakfast at Met Her at a Bar Restaurant, then spend the afternoon shopping at The Grove or Rodeo Drive for some retail therapy, and in the evening, dress up and head to Pips on La Brea for drinks, live jazz, dinner and dancing, enjoying their lively atmosphere and great company.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to one of my best friends, Olivia Almagro. One afternoon, while I was answering parents’ educational questions, I noticed how eager they were for the information I was providing. Excitedly, I called Olivia to share this experience with her. She suggested that I write a book to share my “pearls of wisdom” with a wider audience. Inspired by her encouragement, a few months later, I wrote “8 Pearls of Wisdom, A Parenting Guide, Empowering Children is the Way to Go!”

Two years later, I resigned from my job and founded Doris L. Morrow Academy, with Olivia continually encouraging me and offering her own “pearls of wisdom.” Her support and belief in my vision were instrumental in my journey. Therefore, my shoutout is to Olivia Almagro, whose encouragement and insight have been invaluable in my story.

Website: https://www.dlmacademy.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlmacademy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-a-brock-5a324919/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimAMorrow

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/doris-l-morrow-academy-los-angeles-2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dorislmorrowacademy

Other: https://www.kimamorrow.com