Meet Our Team

Sid

Sylvan Tutor

Sid brings a robust STEM background, with a Bachelor’s in Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics, and hands-on experience developing innovative medical and tech solutions. His expertise spans science, math, and reading, demonstrated by his technical writing for a STEM-focused magazine and projects like a machine-learning program for heart and lung sound identification. Passionate about teaching, Sid specializes in STEM areas such as Coding and Robotics, with proficiency in Python, R, and other coding languages. He is eager to provide unique support to students in math, science, and technology, aligning perfectly with Sylvan’s mission to inspire and educate. In his free time, Sid enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring art.

Debbie

Sylvan Tutor

After recently retiring from a rewarding 34-year career in education as a Reading Specialist, she is excited to continue supporting students and sharing her passion for learning at Sylvan of Granite Bay. She has worked with children in both elementary and middle school and also had the privilege of teaching English reading and writing at American River College, both online and in person during the evenings. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Psychology, as well as a Master’s Degree in Language and Literacy. She is also honored to have been named Sacramento’s Best Teacher twice, a reflection of her dedication and impact in the classroom.

Outside of the classroom, she is a proud mom of two grown children (ages 26 and 30) and two energetic dogs who keep her on her toes. In her free time, she enjoys staying active with pickleball, paddleboarding, and traveling to new places.

She is truly looking forward to meeting you and your children and is honored to be part of the dedicated team at Sylvan Granite Bay.

Madison

Sylvan Tutor

Madison is passionate about helping students discover their strengths and build confidence in their abilities. She holds a Master of Education in Secondary Education Humanities and brings both strong academic training and genuine care to every session at Sylvan.

Madison works with K–12 students in reading, writing, and math, creating personalized lessons that meet each child exactly where they are. She believes learning should feel encouraging and empowering, and she loves celebrating those “aha” moments when a concept finally clicks.

With specialized training in language development and experience mentoring young learners, Madison creates a supportive, structured environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and growing academically.

She truly believes every child can succeed with the right support, and she enjoys partnering with families to help students reach their full potential both in school and beyond.

Jess

Sylvan Tutor

Jessica loves to see the lightbulb moment in students. At Sylvan, she has the
opportunity to give her focus to each student. She believes that every person learns
differently, and she adapts to each person’s personal learning style. With a passion for
education and mathematics, Jessica is eager to help her students grow in their
academics and joy for learning.
As she completes her Mathematics & Education degree, Jessica hopes to share the beauty of
mathematics with others. Understanding that the subject can seem so foreign, Jessica
loves to show how math applies to so much of the world. For instance, she enjoys art
and baking; within both of those hobbies, there are numerous amounts of math
concepts being applied.

Sylvan Tutor

Jack is a passionate educator who enjoys working with students of all grade levels. He has spent time with the United Auburn Indian Community, supporting students at the Loomis Tribal School, as well as locally in Granite Bay at Ridgeview Elementary. These experiences strengthened his commitment to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where every student feels valued and supported.

Jack earned his degree in Media and Communications from Salem State University and has completed his Master’s in Education along with his multi-discipline teaching credentials. His broad certification allows him to support students across subject areas and tailor instruction to meet individual learning needs.

He believes that building confidence is just as important as building academic skills, and he works hard to ensure students feel encouraged, challenged, and proud of their progress. Outside of teaching, Jack enjoys going on walks, working out, and spending time with his family.

Sev

Center Assistant

Sev Ayik is a dedicated and compassionate tutor with several years of experience supporting students in math, reading, and science. She is passionate about individualized instruction and helping students build strong academic foundations while growing their confidence. In addition to her tutoring experience, Sev has served as MEDLIFE Club President, demonstrating leadership, organization, and the ability to guide and motivate others.

Her background in community service, including volunteering at Mercy Hospital and working in customer-focused roles, has strengthened her communication skills, patience, and ability to connect with students and families. Sev creates a positive, engaging learning environment and is committed to helping every student reach their full potential—making her a valuable member of the Sylvan team.

Sara

Director

Sara brings strong analytical expertise and a passion for supporting educational success to Sylvan Learning. With over 10 years of experience in program management, policy analysis, and client relationships, she has focused on strengthening educational systems, improving organizational effectiveness, and building meaningful partnerships.

Sara holds advanced degrees in Higher Education Administration and Functional Clinical Nutrition. Her background in managing complex programs and fostering strong client relationships allows her to support students and families with professionalism, organization, and care.

She is committed to creating structured, supportive environments where students can build confidence and reach their full potential.