Meet the Walnut Creek team

Harleen has led Sylvan Learning to thrive through her passion for education, student success, and community impact. Raised in Punjab, India, and later relocating to San Jose, California, Harleen developed a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Educational Studies (Early Childhood Education) and an Associate's degree in Liberal Studies. With more than a decade of experience in education, Harleen is dedicated to helping students reach their full academic potential. Her expertise allows her to develop personalized learning strategies that meet each child's unique needs and learning style. As the Executive Director of Sylvan Learning Centers serving Walnut Creek, Napa, Fairfield, and Vacaville, Harleen is committed to creating positive educational experiences that build confidence, inspire growth, and support lifelong success. When she is not at Sylvan, Harleen enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, staying active through fitness and yoga, caring for her dog and cat, nurturing her plant collection, and expressing her creativity through coloring and making special memories with loved ones. "Education opens doors to endless possibilities, and helping students unlock their potential is what inspires Harleen every day."

An experienced Program Manager focused on student success, family engagement, staff support, and overall center growth. Oversees individualized student programs, monitors academic progress, supports teachers, maintains strong communication with families, and helps ensure smooth daily center operations. As PTA President at Rodriguez High School, also brings valuable experience connecting with parents, educators, and the school community. Passionate about advocating for students, strengthening relationships between families and educators, and helping students receive the academic support and encouragement they need to succeed.

Kary is an experienced and caring teacher. Kary's first full-time job was as a pre-K special education teacher in the San Francisco Unified School District. She took time out to raise two daughters. Upon her return to teaching, she spent twenty-four years in the Oakley Union School District teaching primary grades. When she's not at Sylvan you can find Kary reading biographies, going to museums, and enjoying her time as a grandparent.

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.

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.

Works closely with students to strengthen academic skills, improve understanding, and overcome learning challenges while creating a positive, encouraging, and supportive learning environment.

Provides individualized academic support based on each student’s learning needs and goals. Helps students strengthen key skills, complete assignments, build confidence, and develop effective learning habits in a positive and encouraging environment.

Brings valuable classroom experience and a strong educational background to provide individualized instruction and academic support. Works closely with students to strengthen skills, build confidence, and achieve learning goals in a positive and encouraging environment.

Responsible for providing high-quality, personalized SAT instruction designed around each student’s strengths and areas for growth. The SAT Specialty Teacher helps students master key concepts, develop problem-solving and test-taking strategies, improve pacing and time management, and build confidence. The teacher also monitors student progress and creates an encouraging learning environment focused on helping students reach their SAT goals.

Provides personalized tutoring and academic support, helps students strengthen skills and overcome learning challenges, and creates a supportive environment that encourages progress, confidence, and success

The SAT Specialty Teacher provides individualized SAT preparation in Math, Reading, and Writing, helping students strengthen core academic skills and develop effective test-taking strategies. The teacher follows each student’s learning plan, monitors progress, identifies areas for improvement, and provides targeted instruction to build confidence, improve time management, and prepare students for test day.

Provides individualized instruction based on each student’s learning needs, monitors progress, encourages confidence, and creates a positive and engaging learning environment.