Meet Our Team

Natalie

Director of Education

As the Director of Education, Natalie enjoys sharing her love for learning while connecting with students and families. She understands that each student has unique needs, and works to craft individualized lesson plans that keep kids inspired and excited to learn. She is a recent Cal Poly graduate with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Child Development. In her free time, you can find Natalie hiking, crafting, and exploring the beautiful outdoors of San Luis Obispo.

Terry

Academic Administrator

As Academic Administrator, Terry enjoys talking with families and discovering how Sylvan can best meet each student’s needs, by crafting tailored, individualized learning plans – then, celebrating student growth! He is also a certificated sixth grade teacher, going into his fifth year teaching locally. He received his multiple subject teaching credential from CalstateTEACH, and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from California State University, Chico. In his free time, Terry enjoys spending time with his dog, playing guitar, and discovering new food around SLO County.

Aidan

SAT Prep Teacher

Aidan is a student-athlete at Cal Poly who is enthusiastic about providing SAT & ACT Prep Sessions. Text or Call us at (805) 782-1012, or stop by to learn more about our SAT Prep Sessions and Practice Tests. We offer in-person and virtual lessons, group sessions as well as 1-to-1 sessions by request.

A former volunteer tutor, Aidan loves working with kids and challenging them to push themselves past their limits academically. Outside Sylvan, you’ll find Aidan running around town or in the woodshop working on a new project.

Arav

Lead Teacher

Arav’s talent shines when we works with students studying advanced math and science, and in both small group and 1:1 SAT Prep courses. Arav is currently studying at Cal Poly, completing his undergraduate degree in Engineering. Previously, Arav worked as a teacher in after-school elementary school courses leading him to tutor at Sylvan while specializing in advanced mathematics. When Arav isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him pursuing his hobbies like art, photography and hiking, as well as enjoying movies and TV shows.

Emma

Teacher

Emma is a 4th year Civil Engineering student at Cal Poly. She enjoys working on projects that combine problem-solving with creativity, and she’s passionate about sharing what she learns with others in collaborative settings. With strong skills in mathematics, Emma is dedicated to building problem-solving abilities, confidence, and a genuine enjoyment of learning in every student she works with. Outside of school, she loves playing piano and spending time outdoors, whether that’s at the beach or out on a hike.

Max

SAT Prep Teacher

Max is a student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, studying Electrical Engineering. Formerly a tutor at Allan Hancock College, he has experience teaching Algebra, Calculus, and general Mathematics, as well as sciences like Physics and Chemistry. Max enjoys teaching in a classroom and also with small groups or individuals, which is ideal for Sylvan’s SAT Prep Course and SAT Prep Sessions on Saturdays. When not at Sylvan, Max likes to work with electronics, as well as going outdoors for hiking and camping.

Lauren

Teacher

Lauren is a recent Cal Poly graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and is currently working toward her teaching credential. She has experience teaching students of all ages in English, Art, Science, and Outdoor Education. Her opportunities to teach and learn have shaped her philosophy that education can be found everywhere. Having worked in a wide variety of learning environments, Lauren supports student growth with an understanding that learning is an ongoing, individualized process. In her free time, she enjoys creating art, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family and new puppy!

Jaedyn

Teacher

Jaedyn is a graduate student at Cal Poly studying English. She is very passionate about British Victorian and ancient literature, specifically, and is also working towards a certificate in creative writing. Jaedyn also has experience with homeschool students and was homeschooled herself until high school. Having worked as a tutor at multiple colleges, she has experience working with students on writing and reading assignments, both individually and in groups. She is very passionate about helping others find joy and build confidence in reading and writing. In her free time, Jaedyn enjoys reading, cooking, and baking.

Manav

Teacher

Manav is a first-year student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo studying Computer Engineering. She has experience tutoring students of all ages in Math, English, and Science, and enjoys helping learners build confidence while developing strong academic skills. Having worked with students from diverse backgrounds, she approaches learning as a personalized process and strives to create a supportive, encouraging environment for every student. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing badminton, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Nyle

Teacher

Nyle is a Computer Science student at Cuesta College with over five years experience in customer service. He has a strong passion for learning and coding, with expertise in languages such as Python and Java. When he’s not building computers or working on his latest coding project, Nyle enjoys practicing the Filipino martial art of Balintawak Eskrima. With a love for teaching and collaborating with others, Nyle is excited to contribute his skills and enthusiasm to Sylvan Learning.

Kira

Teacher

Kira is a 3rd year Education and Biology student at Cal Poly. She strives to develop in every student a sophisticated problem-solving ability that allows them to navigate and contribute meaningfully to an ever-changing environment. By identifying each student’s individual interests and concerns, she can shape authentic problems around them, which immediately heightens their motivation and engagement. Outside of school, she loves playing piano and guitar, singing, reading, playing sports and photography.

Michael

Teacher

Michael graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in math and in the intervening years has been working as a software engineer.  This fall, he will be heading off to graduate school (for math again!).  In the meantime, he’s looking forward to working with Sylvan’s students and teaching staff, here in his hometown of SLO.  In his free time, beyond hanging out with family and friends, Michael enjoys reading and hiking.

Nicole

Teacher

Nicole is a 38 year Elementary School Teacher Veteran, and former Sylvan instructor! She graduated from San Diego State’s Teacher Credential Program while teaching part-time at Mira Mesa Sylvan Center, before teaching 2nd grade in Cajon Valley, then 3rd grade in Walnut Creek. After starting a family, Nicole and her husband moved to the Central Coast where she spent the remainder of her career teaching 3rd and 4th grade in San Miguel. Nicole was twice awarded District Teacher of the year, once awarded Site Teacher of the year, was honored by San Miguel PTT for Outstanding Service to the Community of San Miguel, and by the San Miguel Teachers’ Association for Outstanding Service to the Union. When not teaching, she enjoys traveling, kayaking, reading, teaching musical theater, and dancing.

Rachel

Teacher

Rachel is a 2nd-year student at Cal Poly, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Italian. She is a dedicated and enthusiastic tutor who is passionate about helping students build confidence and succeed academically. With a strong ability to connect with learners of all ages, she creates a supportive and engaging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and growing their skills. Outside of class, Rachel loves spending time at the beach and crafting.