Meet Our Team

Dr. Bianca Coker

Owner, Center Director, Certified Math Teacher

Director

Welcome, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and West LA! Bianca and Jerry are so excited to serve your wonderful families. With 20 years dedicated to public education, Bianca has a deep understanding of how children learn and grow, gained through her experience as both a math teacher and an administrator. Outside of the center, Bianca is a big baseball enthusiast and finds joy in the creativity of knitting and quilting. You might even catch her enjoying a relaxing walk along our beautiful local beaches.

Bianca’s commitment to your children’s success is supported by her impressive academic background: a BA in Mathematics from Hendrix College, an MS in Mathematics from Clemson University, and an Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from Texas A&M University.

Jerry Coker

Owner, Sylvan Certified Math Tutor

Jerry will be a familiar face at the center, connecting with families and supporting our team whenever he can. He also has a Master’s in Mathematics, but his talents extend beyond numbers – he was the family’s designated expert for English grammar and History! You might spot Jerry joining Bianca on her beach walks, often with a Chai Tea Latte in hand.

Jerry’s academic background includes a BA in Mathematics from Hendrix College and an MS in Mathematics from Clemson University.

Courtney Chapman

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Director

Courtney’s always been driven by a passion for helping others, whether it’s through big gestures or small acts of kindness. Throughout her life, she’s actively fostered a love of learning in those around her, from tutoring peers to organizing study groups in college. She genuinely loves celebrating children’s accomplishments, both inside and outside the classroom. There’s nothing better than seeing their faces light up when they succeed at something new or talk about their passions.

Working with kids has been a lifelong commitment for Courtney. She’s volunteered countless hours leading small groups at her church’s summer camp and spearheaded successful school supply donation campaigns for underfunded schools in her community.

Courtney holds a BA in Journalism with a double option in News and Public Relations from California State University, Chico. When she’s not busy making a difference, you can often find her lost in a good book, enjoying music and arts festivals, or exploring new places.

Seta Alexander

Lead Teacher, Sylvan Certified Teacher, Early Literacy Specialist

With over two decades of experience in private education, Miss Seta has a true gift for connecting with students of all ages and abilities. Currently a kindergarten teacher in an inclusion setting, she is passionate about creating a supportive learning environment for both special needs and typically developing children. The spark in a student’s eyes when they grasp a new idea or achieve something they’ve worked hard for is what Miss Seta finds most rewarding. In her free time, she enjoys staying active and social with walks, hikes, and beach volleyball with friends, as well as spending precious moments with her family and enjoying movies.

Miss Seta’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Family Consumer Science from CSUN and a Master of Science in Nutrition Science from the University of New Haven, highlighting her well-rounded perspective and dedication to understanding individual needs.

Leeann Reed

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Leeann brings a vibrant energy to our team, with a genuine love for working with and teaching children, especially when it comes to the arts! As a talented artist and writer herself, she has a unique ability to inspire creativity in young minds. You’ll often find her with a warm cup of coffee, ready to share her passion. Leeann also loves to travel and cherishes her frequent visits with family.

Leeann’s expertise is enriched by her Master of Arts in American Indian Studies from UCLA and her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Pratt Institute of Technology. She was also recognized for her academic achievements on the Dean’s Honor List at UCLA.

Natasha Hall

Credentialed, Certified Sylvan Teacher

Meet Natasha, a first-generation college graduate and accomplished TV writer who is deeply committed to the transformative power of education. She finds immense fulfillment in guiding students as they discover new possibilities and achieve their goals. A proud New Yorker, Natasha previously taught English and Social Studies in the South Bronx, where she contributed to Teach for America and Champion Learning Center. In her free time, Natasha enjoys going for walks, dancing with energy, and having spirited discussions about the world of film and television with her husband – their differing tastes (he’s Batman, she’s Pride and Prejudice with a fantasy twist!) make for engaging conversations.

Natasha’s expertise is grounded in her Masters in the Teaching of English from Teachers College at Columbia University and her BA in English Textual Studies & in Television, Radio, and Film from Syracuse University. Her exceptional writing abilities were further recognized through a full scholarship to the Intensive Writing Program at Vancouver Film School, her induction into the Golden Key National Honor Society, her published poetry, and various significant writing awards, including the 2020-2021 PARAMOUNT WRITERS MENTORING PROGRAM fellowship and the 2020 AMC ONE-HOUR PILOT WINNER at the Austin Film Festival.

Madeline Krane

Sylvan Certified Teacher

There’s nothing quite as rewarding as witnessing a child’s eyes light up as they grasp a new concept and, even more importantly, develop confidence in their own ability to think creatively! With a degree in Literature, my greatest passion lies in guiding young, aspiring writers as they discover the magic of reading and writing. When I’m not exploring the fascinating world of postmodern novels or enjoying some great 90’s folk tunes, you’ll find me dedicated to nurturing the next generation of storytellers.

I hold a Literature BA from UCSC and was recognized on the Dean’s Honor List in 2021.

(And just a little tip from experience: let’s encourage those little ones to keep their shoes on – happy learners, happy floors!)

Babette Dickerson

CA Credentialed, Sylvan Certified Teacher

My journey in education began early, even in elementary school, where I discovered the joy of helping others learn. This passion grew as I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Maryland – College Park, and later a Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University (2016). My teaching credentials in Foundational-Level Mathematics and Introductory Science allow me to teach diverse learners of all ages, including English Learners.

For more than 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with students across various settings. This includes extensive experience as a Certificated Lead Mathematics Teacher in underserved Los Angeles middle schools for seven years, directly after graduating from Pepperdine. I’ve also provided dedicated tutoring in K-8 Mathematics, SAT Test Preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), Reading Fluency, and crucial Executive Skills. This means I help students with everything from organizing their materials and managing deadlines to prioritizing assignments and balancing their busy schedules.

What truly inspires me is the transformation I witness in my students. Seeing them overcome challenges and realize their potential – often exclaiming “I get it now!” or “I feel like I can learn any math now!” – is incredibly rewarding. I firmly believe that math, when taught with the right approach for each individual, becomes accessible and even enjoyable. This newfound confidence in mathematics often empowers them to tackle any academic challenge with newfound belief.

Kara Laubach

CA Credentialed, Sylvan Certified Teacher

As a special education teacher, Kara Laubach believes in creating learning spaces where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Holding a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Humanities with a Spanish minor from Trinity University, Kara draws on her extensive experience to offer personalized strategies, infuse creativity into her teaching, and patiently guide students toward their goals.

Beyond her professional life, Kara finds joy and inspiration in her roles as a mom to two wonderful children, a devoted reader, and a passionate art enthusiast. Her energetic mini Australian Shepherd adds to the vibrant atmosphere at home. These personal pursuits reflect Kara’s overarching philosophy: approaching every day with warmth, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for growth, both in and out of the classroom.

Cynthia Robinson

Early Literacy Specialist, Sylvan Certified Teacher

Cynthia is a devoted supporter of early literacy development, focused on nurturing a lifelong passion for reading and writing in young learners. Drawing on more than twenty years of experience in both elementary and special education, she possesses a profound understanding of how children acquire these foundational skills. Her expertise is grounded in analyzing developmental milestones and implementing tailored instructional approaches.

Cynthia earned her B.A. in Speech Communication from California State University Northridge and a Master’s in Elementary Education from National University. She has gained valuable experience across diverse educational settings, including traditional classrooms and specialized learning centers.

She is committed to establishing a nurturing and interactive learning atmosphere that actively motivates students to engage with language and build solid, lasting literacy abilities.

Ella Nozar

Intern - Front Desk

As a freshman at Palisades Charter High, I’m deeply committed to STEM and incredibly inspired by young learners. I thrive on witnessing kids embrace new ideas with broad imaginations and genuine passion. For me, the real joy is seeing them learn and develop, whether they’re in the classroom or out exploring the world. In my free time, you’ll often catch me hitting the books or lost in a captivating story.