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Great Teachers Inspire

Our tutors and staff in Fontana consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Fontana know how to engage and motivate each child in a personal way—building confidence and smiles, as well as skills and better scores. We selectively choose tutors who know local curriculum and can link Sylvan lessons to what’s being taught in school.

Get to know our tutors and staff in Fontana!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.”

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Bertha Luquin

Director of Education

Director

Bertha attended State University, Fullerton, and earned her BA in Human Communication with an emphasis on Interpersonal Relationships.
Bertha has been with Sylvan Learning Centers since 2010 and is currently the Director of Education for the Rancho Cucamonga area Sylvan Learning Centers.
Prior to Sylvan, Bertha was involved in after-school programs such as Chess Masters, America Reads, and Counts.  Bertha loves watching her students grow in math and reading.

Lourdes

Tutor

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.

Emily

Tutor

Emily is a teacher/tutor at Etiwanda and Fontana Sylvan Learning Centers. Emily has a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in child development from California State University of San Bernardino. Emily enjoys working with students in math and reading. When not at Sylvan Emily enjoys writing, hiking and spending time with her family playing board games.

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Yuliana

Tutor

Yuliana has been working with children since 2019 in a variety of roles. She started as an AVID tutor with Redlands Unified School District, then worked as a preschool teacher at a daycare while in college. After graduating, Yuliana began substitute teaching with the Colton Joint Unified School District, and most recently, she started subbing with the Fontana Unified School District. Yuliana especially enjoy teaching English, particularly reading and writing. In Yuliana’s free time, she enjoys traveling.

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Xiomara Pina

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.

Fun fact: while her full name is Xiomara, she usually goes by “Mara” since, as she jokes, “it saves everyone the panic of trying to pronounce it!”
Outside of Sylvan, Mara enjoys spending time outdoors, caring for pets, and relaxing with a good book. She is excited to continue making a positive impact in her community through education and student growth.

Start your child on the path to academic success today

Give us a call at (909) 581-4229 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.

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Call us today: (888) 338-2283