Meet Our Team

Natalya

Center Director

Natalya double majored in Elementary Education and Cross-Categorical Special Education and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. As Center Director at Walnut Creek, she leads parent communications, fosters community partnerships, and oversees our dedicated team.​ Previously, she served as Center Director at Sylvan of Ames, Iowa, where she developed a deep appreciation for the difference Sylvan can make in the lives of students and their families. She moved to California in 2025, where is enjoying not having to wear her winter parka. When she is not at Sylvan you can find her kayaking with her husband, exploring new coffee shops or working on various art projects.

Carolyn

Reading, Math, Writing, Study Skills and Homework Support Teacher

Carolyn is an energetic and positives instructor. She graduated from UCLA with a Bachelors in Psychology, and a focus on child psychology. Her favorite part about Sylvan is the individualized support that caters to each student’s unique needs. When Carolyn is not at Sylvan you can find her working on creating a children’s book, and helping tutor adult literacy students.

Abida

Reading, Math and Writing Teacher

Abida received a Bachelor of Education from the University of Strathclyde (UK) and a Special Education Credential from CSUEB. She has been teaching K-12th grade for 25 years, in California. Abida has a strong passion for assisting all students to achieve their full potential. She was nominated for the Teacher of the Year Award in 2021.She is associated with the CTA, NEA and the Rett Foundation. These organizations update on the latest research and strategies that encourage the students to unleash their potential and achieve success and development of important skills During her free time, she likes to sew, read and go for walks and hikes. She also loves to spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Janet

Reading, Writing and Math Teacher

Janet is a skilled and experienced educator and has worked at Sylvan for over 13 years. She graduated with a degree in Elementary Education with a reading and kindergarten endorsement from Stephen F. Austin University, in Texas. She taught elementary school for years in Texas prior to making the big move to California where she was a substitute for Mount Diablo Unified School District. Janet loves watching students grow into their personalities and helping them advance in their skills. When she is not at Sylvan you can find her painting, traveling to the ocean, serving her church or watching baseball.

Melisa

Upper Level Math, Reading, Writing, Study Skills and Homework Support Teacher

Melisa is a math instructor in Walnut Creek, CA, with a B.A. in Applied Mathematics: Data
Science from UC Berkeley. She has extensive experience teaching and tutoring math at both the
high school and middle school levels. Melisa believes that learning math is more than just
understanding concepts; it helps students strengthen the skills needed for the real world. When
she’s not at Sylvan, you can find her working out at the gym, reading, or baking.

Joanne is a reading, math, and writing instructor in Walnut Creek, CA. She has taught K-4th grade students in public and private schools in the Bay Area for many years. She was, also an elementary reading teacher at a local school. Joanne graduated from California State University San Francisco. When she is not at Sylvan, you’ll find her researching/writing historical fiction & biographies, singing, going to the beach, taking nature photos, and traveling.

Mariam

Administrative Assisstant

Mariam is an administrative assistant and will often be found at the front desk welcoming families, assessing your student, or helping with one of our in school programs. She enjoys supporting students on their academic journey and helping the center run smoothly. Mariam loves working with kids to build confidence and a love for learning. When she is not at Sylvan you can find her playing tennis, baking, or running her own small business.