Meet Our Team

Mariam Rezian

Senior Director

Mariam Rezian is the Senior Director for Torrance. She has been with Sylvan since 2019. She graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a BA in Liberal Arts and a minor in English Literature. A fun fact about Mariam is that she is Armenian. In her free time, Mariam is an avid Disney fan and loves to read sci-fi and fantasy novels. What she loves most about Sylvan is that we build a foundation in a student’s education. She feels that Sylvan motivates students and gives them the confidence they need to do well and enjoy school.

Amogha Madagasira

Center Director

Amogha graduated from UCSB where he earned his Bachelors degree in Applied Mathematics. A fun fact about him is that he was a Eagle Scout and never missed a day of school in Grade School. Some of his hobbies include Hiking, Kayaking, Tennis, and Board Games. What he enjoys most about working at Sylvan is watching students get their “AHA” moment, when everything clicks for them.

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.

Cherry Arabit

Center Assistant

Cherry Arabit is our amazing Center Assistant in Torrance. She attended West High School and earned her B.S. in Health Science from CSU Channel Islands, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She later received her M.Ed. in School Counseling from the University of Southern California and holds a PPSC and CWA credential. A fun fact about Cherry is that she has a tuxedo cat named Papas! She also loves going to concerts in her free time. Her favorite part about working at Sylvan is being able to positively connect with parents, students, and all of our staff.

Christine Arabit

Lead Teacher

Christine graduated from CSU Dominguez Hills where she received her BA in Sociology. She is currently working towards getting her Masters degree in Social Work at the University of Southern California. Before transferring, she was recognized on the Dean’s List for her academic achievement. She is a certified Behavioral Interventionist. Christine’s hobbies include drawing, baking, listening to K-Pop, and dancing. Additionally, Christine is bilingual and speaks and writes Tagalog fluently. Christine teaches K-5 Reading, Writing, and Math at Sylvan. What she enjoys most about working at Sylvan is working with other teachers and helping students with their schoolwork.

Annabelle Pham

Teacher

Annabelle attended San Pedro High School and received her High School Diploma. She was on the honor roll for multiple years, and took AP courses throughout high school. She also took college courses at El Camino during High School. She is currently enrolled at El Camino College where she plans on pursuing her AA Degree then transferring to a four year University. Annabelle enjoys playing video games. A Fun fact about Annabelle is that she went snorkeling with sea turtles . At Sylvan, she teaches Elementary Math, Higher level Math, and Reading. What she loves most about working at Sylvan is getting to know students and help them achieve their academic goals just like she did when she was a student.

Lisa Parks

Teacher

Lisa graduated from Southwestern University where she completed her bachelors degree. She went on to pursue her masters degree at Southwest Texas University. Lisa also has a teaching credential for grades K-6. Lisa has taught 1st grade, and has experience in working with younger students. At Sylvan, she specializes in teaching Beginning Reading.

Yolanda Villacreses

Teacher

Yolanda currently attends Cal State Dominguez Hills where he is pursing a Teaching Certificate. She earned her BA from Loyola Marymount University and her MA from Pepperdine University. She is a certified K-12 substitute for Torrance Unified school district and has a Equity Matters certificate for teachers working in the classroom. She has also prepared high school students for their college applications. In her free time Yolanda likes to volunteer at her local church, run, hike, and read. At Sylvan, she teaches Elementary Math, Higher level Math, and Reading. What she enjoys most about working at Sylvan is building confidence in students.

Michael Cortez

Teacher

Michael graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelors in Creative Writing. He was on the Dean’s Honor Roll for 2 years at the University of California, Riverside. His hobbies include writing, building Legos, and playing with his cat. At Sylvan, Michael specializes in Reading and Writing. Michael loves how hands on Sylvan is and is looking forward to help our students to succeed.

William Reed

Teacher

William attended El Camino College and Cal Poly Pomona for his undergrad. He received his Bachelor of Science in Pure Math and graduated Summa Cum Laude. William is enrolled in graduate school at California State University, Long Beach, where he is working toward his Master’s degree. A fun fact about William is his favorite gaming system is Nintendo. He also enjoys playing video games, DnD, anime, and manga. At Sylvan, William specializes in Math. He enjoys the ability to share is love of Math with others. He believes it’s always rewarding when he sees a student light up with understanding.

Lisa Bianchi

Teacher

Lisa earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Mathematics endorsement from Saint Xavier University and later became a Learning Behavior Specialist through Olivet Nazarene University, where she also earned an ESL Endorsement. She additionally holds a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. A fun fact about Lisa is that the Harry Potter series inspired her love of learning. In her free time, she enjoys kickboxing, yoga, reading, solving puzzles, and spending time with her family. At Sylvan, Lisa specializes in K–8 Math and Reading, SAT/ACT Prep, and Writing. She values Sylvan’s small-group environment, which allows for personalized instruction and individualized support. Lisa is passionate about helping students build confidence in themselves and their learning.

Arohee Agrawal

Teacher

Arohee attended the University of California, San Diego, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science. A fun fact about Arohee is that she has never broken a bone and speaks Hindi. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watercolor painting, beach volleyball, and baking. At Sylvan, Arohee specializes in Math. She appreciates Sylvan’s personalized curriculum and values the way each lesson is tailored to meet the unique needs of every student.

Justine Korson

Teacher

Justine attended California State University, San Bernardino. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English and she also has her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. A fun fact about Justine is that her first trip out of the country was to Greece and Italy. She loves Greek Mythology! Some of Justines hobbies include writing, baking, reading, and building Lego sets. At Sylvan, Justine specializes in Reading, Math, and Writing. Justine enjoys Sylvan’s small group instruction, so she can provide individualized support tailored to each child’s needs.

Mia Torres

Teacher

Mia is currently attending El Camino College. She is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She aspires to transfer to CSULB to attain her Bachelors. A fun fact about Mia is she’s been to two out of the seven wonders of the world. She loves reading, pottery, and building Legos. At Sylvan, Mia specializes in Reading and Math. Mia speaks Spanish and also knows some American Sign Language. Mia loves working with the students and seeing them grow and understand key skills.