Meet Our Team

PALAK BHATIA

Executive Director

Palak Bhatia has been with Sylvan since September 2022. As an Executive Director, Palak oversees end to end business operations at three Sylvan locations – Victoria, Westshore, and Nanaimo. Palak values education and believes it to be the most powerful tool for creating a better future. She has a passion to work with young kids and help them achieve academic success. This is why, after graduating from Simon Fraser University with a master’s degree in business, Palak decided to pursue her passion, and use her knowledge and expertise in leading Sylvan. In her leisure, Palak enjoys painting, stargazing, and learning new recipes.

Mikaela Wilson

Center Director

Mikaela Wilson joined as Nanaimo’s Center Director in December 2024. She’s the one who keeps track of the day-to-day operations of the Center, making sure you and your children are always happy and well taken care of. Mikaela has an extensive background in business management, customer service, childcare, biology, and – most importantly – education. She has always loved teaching, but in more “out of the box” ways: typical classrooms are not for her, but teaching kids in laboratories, aquariums, and play centers is right up her alley! When she’s not at Sylvan, Mikaela enjoys exploring the Nanaimo beaches and forests with her husband and two children.

Harpal Malhotra

Teacher

Harpal Malhotra has been enriching students’ experiences at Sylvan for over a decade now. With a goal driven approach, Harpal strives to build self esteem and confidence in kids by driving academic success. She takes personal pride in each individual’s performance and wants her students to be enthusiastic learners. Harpal has a Bachelor of Education degree and a Masters in English Literature. Outside of Sylvan, she devotes her time volunteering at Altrusa Club and Haven Society. She loves travelling the world and spending her leisure time outdoors.