Meet the Downey team

Ms. Adriene is the owner of Sylvan Learning Center of Downey. She took this location over at the beginning of 2020, and has over 10 years of experience at Sylvan! Ms. Adriene has a background in education and law enforcement, so her tough love for our students helps produce amazing results! She trusts the Sylvan method so much that her own daughter went through Sylvan. Educating and motivating students to be the best version of themselves is a passion of hers! You can trust Adriene to always make the best recommendation for your child!

My name is Juanita Castaneda. I'm from Norwalk Ca and graduated from UCR. I have 3 cats who I love very much named Leela, Girl, and Sassy. I also love to travel when I have the time. Especially the Pacific Northwest, because I enjoy the fresh weather and forestry. My favorite animal is a tiger. My favorite color is red. My favorite food is pasta and lastly I love to teach.

My name is Ms. Kali, I’m a grade 5th teacher! I have a Bachelors Degree in Speech Therapy and a Masters Degree in Education. Here at Sylvan, I teach Math and Reading! During my spare time I like travel, try new food, and play with my cat Joon. I look forward to seeing each student achieve academic success.

My name is Ms. Cassandra. I am a full inclusion special education teacher. I have been teaching for 9 years. I have my bachelors in child development and family studies and my masters of science in special education. I enjoy working out, traveling, writing and eating ice cream. My favorite flavor is chocolate. I enjoy being an advocate for students and families in education.

My name is Ray Alpuche and I work in the Downey Unified School District as a Guided Reading Interventionist. I have also Worked for Sylvan for many years, and enjoy teaching reading and math. I am married with two beautiful children. I enjoy reading and collecting action figures.

Hello, I am teacher Ms. Mali, at Sylvan Learning Center in Downey. I have been in the teaching field for about 10 years. I have a Bachelor's Degree and a Multiple Subject Credential program completed at Cal State Los Angeles. I am currently working on a research project to complete my M.A. in Education and will be finished by this fall. I am very passionate about teaching children because I enjoy watching them grow and succeed in their learning. When I am not teaching I love hiking the outdoors.

Ms. Pam is a patient teacher whose knowledge is limitless! Sylvan Learning Center of Downey is blessed to share Ms. Pam's time with Sylvan in Culver City. Ms. Pam works inside our center and works well with our middle school and high school students. She is gifted at all levels of math and can dissect reading passages like a math problem making it easier for students to comprehend. Ms. Pam's passion and enthusiasm for teaching motivate and inspire her students!

Hello, there! I have worked at various Sylvan Learning Centers since 2015, I have been trusted to teach many things – reading, math, writing, STEM, SAT Prep, and Math Edge. I have spent several years as a teacher in local school districts, making a positive difference as a classroom teacher, a substitute teacher, an online instructor, and as an academic Interventionist. I hold a multiple subject teaching credential, a GATE certificate, and a Master of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Outside of teaching, I enjoy many things including writing lyrics/poetry, spending time with close friends/family and spending time making a difference with many charities and fundraisers.

Hi! I am Mr. Cristian! I am one of the math/science teachers. I enjoy watching movies and reading comic books in my free time. I am a huge nerd for Star Wars as well. Batman is my favorite superhero and Yoda is my favorite Jedi. I recently graduated from Cal State Long Beach. My main goal here is to help my students see and reach their full potential. I want my students to really believe that they can do anything they set their minds to!

Hey! It is Christian Baca! My favorite subject is history. I have a bachelors degree in history from Cal State Fullerton. Some of my hobbies are reading, hiking, and live music.

Hello, I am Hassan Ferasati Senior. I have been teaching for LAUSD for 31 years full time and currently part time. Teaching is as integral to me as gas is for an engine. My personal life is simple; I power walk my dog, cook and clean, watch TV, and If time permits I write poetry in Farsi.

My name is Maria Suerte Felipe. I came back to be a tutor at Sylvan after 2 years for the summer. I am currently a 3rd/4th grade ELA/Social Studies teacher at Our Lady of Fatima in Artesia. For my hobbies, I like to do the following activities: journaling, being part of Singles for Christ and a grief support group, spending time with friends and family, going to the gym, and furthering my craft in teaching by attending and participating in professional development, since I am a new teacher. I am currently working on my teaching credentials. I do not want to stop learning, because I know that life never stops teaching us lessons in life; therefore, I want to share my knowledge with others.

Hi, I am Cathy Bravo I have worked at Sylvan since 2020. I have been an educator for over 20 years specifically with Special Education students in such areas of La Verne, Long Beach, Bellflower, and East Los Angeles. On my free time, I enjoy live music, reading, watching sports, the outdoors, and getaways.

Hi! I'm Ms. Barbara. I've been an educator for over 30 years. My husband and I are originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved here with our cat five years ago. I have two daughters and one granddaughter who I love spending time with. When I'm not teaching I enjoy reading, traveling, watching movies and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers!

Mr. Joe is a gifted math teacher and exceptionally patient with middle school and high school students. We are blessed to share Mr. Joe's talents with Sylvan of Northridge. Mr. Joe teaches online for Sylvan of Downey. He has a vast range of knowledge and guides his students through the appropriate steps to find answers on their own. Mr. Joe's methods motivate students and encourage them to apply what they learn on their own!

Hello! My name is Emma. I have previously worked for Los Angeles Unified District, Downey Unified School District, and AT&T. I retired from AT&T and pursed my Associates Degree in Child Development. I have always enjoyed working with children, so I am currently part-time here at Sylvan and full-time grandma to my 3 grandchildren. It's been a pleasure working with the staff and children.