Meet Our Team

Fran Dyer

Franchise Owner

Fran Dyer, owner of Sylvan Learning Center, has loved working in the Centers for the past 25 years. It has been a fabulously rewarding career meeting with parents, classroom teachers, and or course, the students. While Fran’s career in Public Education encompasses teaching students at the Junior High level, Sylvan has provided her the opportunity to work with students from Kindergarten through High School. Sylvan has an excellent program and provided success for students at every level. Fran has both a Bachelors of Arts and a Masters Degree.

Jim Dyer

Franchise Owner

Jim Dyer, owner of 9 Sylvan Learning Centers, spent 30 years in California Public Education. He taught high school for 8 years and was a Junior High Principal for 24 years. Jim has also taught Junior College classes in Speech and worked with Chapman University in the teacher credentialing department for the Inland Empire. In 2001 Jim began working extensively with the Sylvan Learning Centers. The best part of Sylvan for Jim is the same as it was working in Public Education….working with students and parents! Jim earned both his Bachelor of Arts and his Masters Degrees from Whittier College, Whittier, California.

Carli Ganet

Executive Director - Franchise Owner

Carli Ganet is the Executive Director and Co-Owner of the 11 Sylvan Learning Centers owned by Jim and Fran Dyer. Carli received her Bachelors of Arts and Teaching Credential at the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado. Carli began her career with Sylvan as a student in the Rancho Cucamonga Sylvan Learning Center. She has been a Director of Education, Center Director and currently oversees the educational programs of Sylvan students as well as working with Directors and Parents. She loves working with Sylvan families!

Taryn Hartman

Director of Media Marketing

Taryn is a graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management and Human Resources.  As a former Center Director and Regional Director, Taryn comes to this position with a love for Sylvan Learning Centers.
Taryn is a mother to 4 handsome boys.  When not working you will find Taryn at the soccer fields or at the grocery store.

Lisa White

Director of Business Development

Lisa White has worked for Sylvan Learning for close to 10 years as Director of Business Development. Prior, Lisa spent 19 years in the non profit/social services arena managing programs and services for high risk, disabled, and culturally diverse populations. Lisa earned a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Antioch University and a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Pacific Southern University. Lisa has always been actively involved in her children’s school; serving as an E3 Foundation Board Member, PTA Board Member, and School Site Council Member at the Etiwanda School District. Lisa enjoys representing Sylvan throughout the community and actively engaging in networking events and business development groups. She feels that her career experience and passion for education helps to ensure that all students are afforded educational opportunities that foster growth and development. “ I am passionate about academic excellence and enjoy working in a vibrant student learning environment where students are supported and celebrated.”

Lourdes is a tutor at the Etiwanda and Fontana Sylvan Learning Centers. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UC Riverside. Lourdes has worked with AVID students and in after-school programs since 2019. She enjoys working with students on math and helping them develop problem-solving skills. During her free time, Lourdes enjoys reading, going on walks, and visiting art museums.

Xiomara Pina

Tutor

Director

Xiomara “Mara” Pina graduated from California State University, Bakersfield in 2022 with a degree in Criminal Justice. After graduation, she discovered her passion for education and began working with students as a paraeducator. In January 2025, Mara joined the Fontana Sylvan Learning Center as a tutor, where she quickly built strong connections with students and families. By April, she stepped into the role of Director, bringing her leadership skills and dedication to helping every student succeed.

Amanda Weber

Tutor

Amanda is a tutor at Sylvan of Fontana.  Amanda has enjoyed working with children since 2009 in multiple capacities including as a Preschool Instructional Assistant, Reading Tutor and Speech Language Pathology Assistant.  She received an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Riverside Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University.  Amanda has worked as a tutor for Sylvan in the Fontana area since May 2026.  She enjoys teaching Reading and especially enjoys helping students with Reading Comprehension skills.  Outside of Sylvan, Amanda enjoys all things Disney, reading, watching football, hockey and hanging out with her family (especially her two cats).

Valery has worked at Sylvan of Fontana since August 2025.  She is a 4th year undergraduate at the University of California Riverside, where she’s currently working to obtain a degree in mathematics education. Previous to Sylvan Learning Center of Fontana, Valery was a track and field coach at Fontana high school and coached discus and shot put for grades 9-12.  Valery has 1 year of tutoring experience working as an instructor for Sylvan Learning, serving the Fontana Unified School District.  She enjoys teaching a variety of subject areas, including mathematics more specifically algebra and geometry.  On her free time Valery enjoys crocheting, working on crafts, baking, and being active. 

Taylor

Tutor

Taylor has worked at Sylvan of Fontana since January 2026. She graduated from The University of La Verne, where she earned a degree in Education and a Master’s in Education. Before joining Sylvan Learning Center of Fontana, Taylor taught in the San Bernardino Unified District, and her experience as a teacher strengthened her communication, organization, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, which are transferable to a variety of professional settings.

Taylor has 2 years of tutoring experience working as an instructor for Sylvan Learning, serving the Fontana Unified School District and other surrounding school districts. She enjoys teaching a variety of subject areas, including Elementary ELA, Math, and Homework Help. In her free time, Taylor enjoys watching movies and spending time with family and friends.