Certified teachers, local school know-how, and a director who reviews every student’s plan personally. These are the people your child will high-five on the way in.
Michaela is our Senior Director of Education, and she has been with Sylvan for over a decade. She brings a holistic approach, with a background as a therapist and life coach. Michaela has a Masters in Educational Psychology, Counseling and she is a Board Certified Life Coach. Michaela loves seeing students grow in not only academic skills, but in confidence. In her free time, Michaela is a Girl Scout troop leader and she loves making collage art.
David is an upper level math and science tutor at the Piedmont Center in Piedmont, Ca. David has been with the Piedmont team for many years. He has a special gift in working with students in an individual one on one setting. Chemistry, Pr-Calculus, and Calculus are some of David's areas of strength. David comes highly requested for those challenging math classes. A man with great work-life balance, David enjoys traveling across the country and world in his spare time.
Rae has a gift for working with kids. While Rae has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading and writing tutoring. She studied at San Francisco State University. When Rae isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her in used book shops, record stores, or the movies.
In our Mathematics program, Angelica makes her students feel more confident about themselves, and tailors her lessons to students’ learning styles. She understands how difficult math can be, and this drives her passion to never give up on a student. Angelica leads with compassion and patience, making sure every student’s needs are met and their confidence grows. Each day, Angelica works hard at San Jose State for her Math and Computer Science degrees. Outside of work and school, Angelica explores the world by trying new boba places and going to concerts. She also explores a “small world” through her trips to Disneyland!
As our Center Director, Liset has guided parents and motivated students at Sylvan for over a decade. Liset’s primary motivation is to see every student achieve their goals and potential. Using her extensive background in tutoring and natural problem solving nature, Liset creates personalized recommendations for each student. Her passion for education and warm heart is felt by everyone who meets her. Liset has a Bachelor's degree in Communication. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find Liset spending time with her family, including her new son!
Nic is a reading, writing, study skills and test prep instructor. Nic is extremely creative and dedicated. While Nic has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in our Academic Writing tutoring program. He studied at the University of California, Santa Cruz with a BA in American History and an MA in Education with Honors. When Nic isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him reading books or binge watching Netflix.
As Education Director, Vanessa oversees the educational integrity of our programs and meets with families to share student progress. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The thing Vanessa loves most about working at Sylvan is working closely with families and children to build confidence, independence, and a love of learning. When Vanessa isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys dancing, making things, being in nature, and going on local adventures with the people she loves.
As Education Director, Madison oversees the educational integrity of our programs and meets with families to share student progress. Madison earned her degree in Elementary Education. Her favorite subject to teach is reading. She loves working with students because of the relationships that are built and they are a constant source of imagination. Her favorite thing about working at Sylvan is watching students build confidence and believe in themselves throughout their Sylvan journey. Outside of work, Madison loves to hike, read, and lounge with her cats.
Adam earned a BS in Statistics from UC Davis. His favorite subject to teach at Sylvan is math. He loves to see students progress in their skills and he develops a strong rapport with students. Outside of work, Adam loves to go to concerts and watch baseball games. His favorite things about working at Sylvan are the friendly staff and students and the wonderful curriculum Sylvan provides.
Margaret attended Wesleyan, earning a BA in Women’s Studies and UC San Diego, earning a MA in Sociology. Margaret teaches beginning reading, academic reading, writing, and homework support. Something special about her teaching style is, she enjoys connecting with kids of all ages. She love their energy. It takes her back to when her kids were young. Something she likes about teaching is: "Figuring out how best to help a student understand a skill they’ve been struggling with. It’s so gratifying when they catch on and master the skill." In her spare time, Margaret loves to play with her Lab/Anatolian Shepherd mix puppy and read literature and history. She also likes genealogical research.
Melissa attended Santa Clara University. She teaches reading and beginning reading. Something special about her teaching style is that she has empathy and can understand the struggles of a student. She loves seeing students have "a-ha" moments. In her spare time, Melissa loves to enjoy the great outdoors.
Eisa attended Stanford University and earned a BA in African and African American Studies and Feminist, Gender and Sexuality Studies. They also attended SFSU and earned a Masters degree in Special Education. They have an Education Specialist teaching credential. Eisa teaches beginning reading, academic reading, writing, and homework support. Something special about their teaching is: "All of the kids love my SpongeBob shoes. At my table students feel welcomed and like their special interests shine, while also focusing on studying!" Something they like about teaching is: "I think kids are awesome. I love the process of helping young learners take on new challenges. Teaching is very rewarding, and I’ve definitely learned more from my own students than I’ve taught them! Teaching is reciprocal." In their free time, they like to: "Surf, write, teach improv theater classes, and do community organizing."
Come meet us in person
You’ll meet the team, tour the center, and leave with a clear picture of your child’s strengths and gaps — whether or not you enroll.
