Meet Our Team

Nikka Jalbuena

Director of Education

Nikka Jalbuena serves as the Center Director at Sylvan Learning of Tarzana, where she leads the center’s academic programs and works closely with families to support each student’s success. She graduated from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) with a Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences with a focus in Speech-Language Pathology, along with a minor in Linguistics. She also earned an Associate degree in Child Development with an emphasis in Early Education from Pierce College, giving her a strong foundation in language development, literacy, and early learning. Nikka began her journey with Sylvan during her senior year of college and quickly developed a passion for helping students build both academic skills and confidence. As Center Director, she oversees student programs, assessments, and instructional planning to ensure that each student receives personalized support aligned with their goals. She enjoys collaborating with families and guiding students through meaningful academic progress, whether they are strengthening foundational skills or preparing for more advanced challenges. As a mother herself, Nikka understands the importance of finding the right academic support for a child. She believes that early intervention and consistent guidance can make a lasting difference in a student’s confidence and long-term success. Her educational philosophy centers on providing high-quality instruction, individualized attention, and a supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. Outside of Sylvan, Nikka enjoys visiting Six Flags, spending time at the park with her child, and playing video games with her family.

Todd Crabtree

Executive Director

Todd is our Executive Director and has a life-long passion for helping kids achieve academic success.  Todd is the first to graduate from college in his family and served in the Marine Corp for twelve years.  He has been running learning centers since 1998 and he fully understands the impact a good education can have on a child’s life.  A native Southern California, Todd studied at Cal State Fullerton where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Theater Arts. When Todd isn’t working he’s a full-time husband and Dad, driving his son from one practice to the next.  He fully understands what every parent goes through, trying to help their child become the best he or she can be.

Wayne

Tutor

Wayne holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Transportation) from the University of Utah and has also completed graduate studies in Civil Engineering at both the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from UC Berkeley, building a strong foundation in mathematics, engineering, and the sciences. Wayne brings over 22 years of teaching experience in higher education, where he taught engineering, mathematics, and science courses to college and university students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began working with K–12 students, primarily in online settings, and discovered how rewarding it is to help younger learners build strong academic foundations. At Sylvan, Wayne enjoys working with students across a wide range of ages and subjects, helping them strengthen their math, science, and problem-solving skills while building confidence in their abilities. Outside of Sylvan, Wayne is very active in orienteering, running, adventure racing, and cycling competitions. He also enjoys music and piano, as well as researching and writing about music charts across a variety of genres. In addition, he writes about bicycling and Olympic sports, combining his interests in athletics, research, and storytelling.

Ted

Tutor

Ted holds a Bachelor of Arts from Vassar College and brings a diverse professional background to his work with students. Before joining Sylvan, he spent much of his career in television production, gaining valuable experience in storytelling, communication, and creative problem-solving. Ted began teaching through workshops and classes in prisons across California with the nonprofit organization Compassion Prison Project, where he discovered his passion for helping others learn and grow. At Sylvan, he enjoys connecting with students and believes that every child learns differently. Ted takes pride in building strong relationships with his students and finding ways to make the Sylvan curriculum engaging and effective for each individual learner, helping them build confidence and discover what sparks their curiosity. Outside of Sylvan, Ted is an avid reader who enjoys exploring over 100 books each year across a wide range of genres. He also enjoys hiking, walking, and spending time with his wife and two daughters. In addition, Ted is currently working on his own independently produced documentary film.

Gabrielle recently graduated from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her time at Pepperdine, she was a member of the Regent Honors Program and completed rigorous coursework in subjects such as genetics, biochemistry, humanities, and sociology. Her academic experience also included research in fire ecology, marine biology, and cell biology, giving her a strong foundation in scientific inquiry and critical thinking. At Sylvan, Gabrielle enjoys supporting K–12 students across STEM, reading, and writing, helping them strengthen their academic skills while building confidence in their abilities. She values working with students who have diverse learning styles and takes pride in helping each learner discover their strengths and develop a genuine interest in learning, especially in the sciences. Outside of Sylvan, Gabrielle is a dedicated hybrid athlete, balancing powerlifting with high-intensity distance running. She also enjoys photography, particularly exploring new creative styles and documenting the world around her. In addition, Gabrielle stays active in her community through volunteer work and service.

Gina

Tutor

Gina holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s degree in Elementary Reading, and a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. She brings over 30 years of experience in education and has held National Board Certification in Early Childhood for 20 years, reflecting her deep expertise in early learning and literacy development. Gina also earned a BCLAD credential in Spanish, allowing her to effectively support bilingual students and families. Throughout her career, Gina has focused on helping students build strong literacy foundations and confidence as learners. She enjoys forming meaningful connections with her students and guiding them as they grow in both skills and self-belief. Gina finds it especially rewarding to see students move from frustration to pride as they begin to experience success in their learning. At Sylvan, she values the opportunity to provide individualized instruction that helps students make meaningful progress. Outside of Sylvan, Gina enjoys reading and baking, often sharing what she makes with family and friends. She also enjoys lifting weights and staying active, and has studied dance from childhood through college, exploring both classical and modern styles. Gina is a dedicated Los Angeles Lakers fan and rarely misses a game. She also loves spending time playing with her new kittens.

Jennifer

Tutor

Jennifer holds degrees in Chemistry and English Literature from Williams College and brings a strong academic foundation to her work with students. She has extensive experience tutoring math, science, and writing at both the K–12 and college levels, helping students strengthen foundational skills while building the confidence needed to succeed in school. At Sylvan, Jennifer enjoys supporting students in Math Essentials, Academic Reading, and Academic Writing, guiding them step by step as they develop stronger problem-solving, comprehension, and communication skills. Jennifer is known for her patient and supportive teaching style, helping students break down challenging concepts into manageable steps so they can experience steady progress and feel proud of their achievements. She believes that when students gain confidence in their abilities, they begin to see learning in a new and positive way. In addition to her academic work, Jennifer is a certified Spanish-language medical interpreter, which reflects her strong communication skills and ability to connect with diverse students and families. Outside of Sylvan, Jennifer enjoys learning new languages, reading, visiting museums, volunteering, and staying current with the subjects she teaches, bringing curiosity and enthusiasm into every session with her students.

London

Tutor

London holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies, where he studied the geopolitical effects of trade and immigration across economic, cultural, and political systems. His minor in Public Affairs sparked a strong interest in education policy and inspired him to pursue work in the education field. London has experience supporting students in a variety of learning environments, including teaching English abroad and working as a classroom assistant in an LAUSD school. He enjoys working with students from diverse backgrounds and believes every learner brings unique strengths and perspectives to the classroom. At Sylvan, London enjoys helping students build confidence as they strengthen their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Known for his encouraging and patient approach, London values creating a positive learning environment where students feel supported as they grow academically and develop stronger study habits. Outside of Sylvan, London is passionate about running throughout the San Fernando Valley and sets a personal goal of running at least 20 miles each week. He has completed two half marathons in Asia and plans to run a half marathon in the United States soon, with the long-term goal of completing a full marathon.

Adrian

Tutor

Adrian graduated from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. Prior to that, he spent three years at Yale University studying Astrophysics, where he developed a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and analytical thinking. Adrian discovered his passion for teaching and mentoring through volunteer work as an undergraduate, when he helped a high school senior craft a personal statement for their college application. That experience sparked his interest in supporting students as they work toward their academic goals. At Sylvan, Adrian enjoys helping students grow in their skills and confidence, and he finds it especially rewarding to see the progress students make over time—whether through small steps or major breakthroughs. Outside of Sylvan, Adrian enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending dance classes, and practicing and recording guitar and bass covers of his favorite songs. He also enjoys watching in-depth YouTube videos about math and science, fueling his curiosity and love of learning.

Rebecca

Tutor

Rebecca brings over fifteen years of teaching experience to Sylvan and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) with a minor in Jewish Studies. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of educational settings, including serving as an art instructor, high school English teacher, and Visual Arts teacher at Options for Youth. Her diverse teaching background allows her to connect with students in creative and meaningful ways. Rebecca is passionate about helping students build confidence in their academic abilities while developing strong communication and critical thinking skills. At Sylvan, she enjoys supporting students as they strengthen their reading, writing, and analytical skills, while encouraging creativity and curiosity in the learning process. During the pandemic, Rebecca successfully transitioned to remote teaching, continuing to support students in new and innovative ways. She also published a children’s memoir titled The “Almost” Halloween Baby under the pen name Becca B. Outside of Sylvan, Rebecca runs a YouTube channel featuring book reviews and author interviews, sings with the San Fernando Valley Master Chorale, and is currently learning to play the harp.