Meet Our Team

Mariah Heieie

Center Director

Mariah is the center director for Grand Forks Sylvan learning Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. With over 8 years in the field, Mariah brings profound knowledge in teaching children using various learning styles. Mariah has experience teaching and implementing STEM based activities and hands on learning for all subjects. Before Sylvan, Mariah worked as a childcare coordinator for the YMCA and taught kindergarten for 7 years in the Grand Forks Public Schools. Mariah has spent many years coaching soccer for the Greater Grand Forks Soccer Club and enjoys watching and coaching her daughter in soccer. Mariah is the proud mother of two children and loves spending her free time taking her kids to all the wonderful community events in Grand Forks. Mariah is devoted to making a difference in each student’s life by providing them with their own unique academic goals and personalized education to help them succeed. She is very excited to be part of the Sylvan team! 

Katie Krogstad

Teacher

Katie brings more than 25 years of teaching experience with her to the Sylvan Learning community. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud State University. She loves working closely with students and watching them gain confidence along with new skills. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her 3 children, reading, and being at the lake. 

Melissa Bakke

Marketing and Outreach Coordinator

Melissa Bakke brings a strong background in marketing and communications, with experience spanning higher education and K–12 schools. She has worked at the University of North Dakota in the marketing department, focusing on student recruitment and retention, and later served as a Graphic Design Teacher and Communications Director for Grand Forks Public Schools. Melissa is married to the Assistant Superintendent at GFPS and is the proud mother of three active, school-aged children. She is thrilled to be part of the Sylvan staff, where she values the meaningful impact Sylvan programs have on students’ academic success and personal growth.

Mouhmad Elayyan

Upper Level STEM Teacher

Moe is a dedicated math and science educator with a deep love for learning and a talent for making complex ideas click. He’s currently pursuing a PhD in Theoretical Chemistry and holds a Master’s in Education and Data Science, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.

With years of experience teaching students of all ages—from middle schoolers to adult learners—Moe has guided learners through a wide range of curricula, including the SAT, ACT, Common Core, IGCSE, and IB. He’s known for his approachable style, clear explanations, and ability to adapt lessons to each student’s pace and goals.

Outside the classroom, Moe contributes to the scientific community through research publications, and in his downtime, he enjoys gaming and reading.

Lanai Deats

Teacher

Lanai earned her BA in English education and English Language Learners (ELL) endorsement from the University of North Dakota. In addition to teaching in Grand Forks public schools she has also taught English in Spain and South Korea. She has worked with students of all ages pre-K through adults but her primary focus has been middle school students. Besides regular English classes she also designed and taught special English camps which incorporated a wide range of subjects including science, history, art, and other STEAM based projects. Lanai is a lifelong learner who is always eager to explore new topics and learn. She has many interests and hobbies that keep her busy when not teaching including spending time with her family and friends.

Erin is in her twentieth year of teaching. She has a BA in Elementary Education with a 5-8 Language Arts and 5-8 Math license. She recently graduated with her MS in Teaching and Leadership from UND. Erin currently teaches in the Middle School in Crookston. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and attending her two boys’ sporting events.

Jasmine Hess

Teacher

Jasmine resides here in Grand Forks with her husband and their three kitties. With years and experiences in education, she holds a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology with a minor in Special Education. Most recently, she earned her English Learner (EL) endorsement and completed her master’s degree in Counseling.

She is currently in her fifth year at her school— where she spent three years as a classroom teacher and now is in her second year as a full-time school counselor. During the summer, she also teaches in a migrant education program, continuing her passion for helping students grow and succeed.

In her free time, Jasmine enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to country music, traveling, reading, attending cycling classes, tending to her succulents and plants, attending dirt track races, and spending time with family and friends.

Jasmine is excited to work with our students and be a part of the Sylvan Learning team!