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 she is enjoying not having to wear her winter parka. When Natalya is not at Sylvan, you can find her kayaking with her husband, exploring new coffee shops or working on various art projects.

Nichole

Administrative Assistant

Nichole is likely to be the first face you see when you come to Sylvan. She helps with family communication, scheduling, assessments and so much more. She is currently finishing up her AA in Social and Behavioral Science at Santa Rose Community College and is working towards her BA in Human Resources. Nichole attended Sylvan growing up and is thrilled that her career journey has brought her back. Outside of Sylvan she enjoys knitting, crocheting, playing with her cat and reading.

Carolyn

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

Carolyn is an energetic and positive 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.

Adriana

Reading, Writing, Math & Advanced Study Skills Teacher

Hi! I’m Adriana! I was born and raised in Contra Costa County, and attended Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA to attain my Bachelor’s degree. While attending as a student, I was given an opportunity to service at my university’s learning center as a tutor, and spent the next three years attaining training and education alongside my bachelors. I began working in academic retention as an
academic coach to students in grant-funded programs such as TRIO and Pathways, students on academic probation, student-athletes, and students of a non-traditional population such as veterans, single parents, even retired students! A few years down the road I began working as a pediatric behavioral therapist for students with intellectual disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, PTSD,
Depression, Anxiety, and OCD, and later returned to education as a high school Spanish 1 Instructor.  I believe all students can succeed in the education system when given the proper skills and tools to do so, and I’m dedicated to helping your student attain them. I’m excited to partner with your student for their academic success and wellbeing

Tala

Upper-level Math, Reading, Science, and SAT tutor

Tala is one of our versatile instructors. After graduating from U.C Davis with a Bachelors of Science in Neurobiology and Physiology, she continued her passion for education with Sylvan. Tala has years of tutoring experience, supporting student Kindergarten-College in reaching their goals. Tala hopes to pursue a career in dentistry in the future. In her free time, you can find her hiking, playing volleyball or crocheting.

Brian

Upper-level Math, Homework Support, and SAT tutor

Brian is a skilled mathematician! He graduated from UC-Davis with a Bachelors in Mathematics. He is continuing his education with the goal of becoming a math professor. He has a passion for breaking down complex math concepts so that every student can experience the joys of math. His favorite part of teaching is when students have a “light bulb moment”, and he can see their eyes light up with understanding. When he is not at Sylvan you can find Brain enjoying time with friends and family.

Marisa

Upper level math, Reading, Writing and Homework Support

Marisa is one of our dedicated tutors, bringing years of hands on experience helping students at all levels succeed academically. She graduated with honors from San Diego State University with a degree in Business Administration, where she developed strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills that she now applies to her tutoring. Marisa excels at making learning personal, fostering both confidence and mastery in core subjects. She is passionate about making learning engaging, approachable and meaningful, and she takes pride in celebrating every milestone her students achieve. Outside of Sylvan, Marisa loves to sing, dance and spend time with her family and friends.

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.

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.