Meet Our Team

As the Center Director at Sylvan Learning Center, my primary focus is developing a supportive and stimulating learning environment where students can thrive. With a solid educational foundation, holding a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California San Diego, coupled with extensive experience working internationally, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge on various learning styles and cultural nuances. This global exposure has further fueled my commitment to empowering students to enhance their self-confidence and reach their academic aspirations. In addition to my professional endeavors, I take pleasure in culinary pursuits, engaging in sports activities, and cherishing moments with my loved ones.

My love of children and wanting to help them lead me to receive an education in order to teach. I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education at New Mexico State University, and taught at Hatch Elementary School for eight years. After resigning from Hatch, I went back to NMSU and earned my Master’s degree in Special Education. I’ve been teaching for approximately 15 years, which includes the two years I have been teaching at Sylvan. My love for children and helping them learn new things, as well as helping them have success in their education, makes me love my job here. I’m very lucky to have the chance to have a job that I love.

I was born and raised in Las Cruces, and went to Las Cruces High School. (Go Bulldawgs!) I live with my dog Baylee, who is always making me laugh, but also challenges me every day! I have two grown daughters, one who lives with her husband and two children in a small town outside of San Antonio, Texas, and the other lives here in Las Cruces and is a pharmacist. I’m extremely proud of her; she earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy at the age of 25.

Thanks for reading a little bit about me! Remember, I’m here for your children, and you can count on me to help them learn, as well as to care for them.

Hello! My name is Leslie Barger. I’ve been teaching in many different capacities after graduating from Oklahoma University with a Bachelor’s degree in education. I have taught Montessori, worked in the public school system, and homeschooled my own children in Las Cruces before moving to Dallas where I taught in a private school for 17 years. Upon returning to Las Cruces last year, I have been tutoring with Sylvan.

My great joy and passion is to help people love learning and to find their own path to success in life. I’m very happy that there was a place for me at Sylvan Learning Center. In my free time I love gardening, reading, quilting, and being with my 4 kids and the grandkids. I love being back in New Mexico!

Hello! My name is Mr. Matt. I have been teaching Math for 25 years. I currently teach Algebra II honors at Organ Mountain High School. I have been teaching at Sylvan for 15 years. I graduated from NMSU with a Masters Degree in Curriculum and instruction. I enjoy spending time with my family and pets at home. I look forward to helping your children succeed this school year. My goal is for students to gain confidence in themselves and math.

I spent 19 years in Elementary and 6 years in Middle School. I have dedicated my career to helping students grow and succeed. While I spent a significant portion of my career teaching middle school language arts, my favorite grades to teach were 2nd and 4th. As a bilingual and TESOL-endorsed educator, I made it a priority to meet students where they were and always kept their academic goals in mind. Now that I am retired, I enjoy spending time with my family and loved ones, as well as pursuing my passions for reading, gardening, and exercising. My love for learning and helping others continues to inspire those around me.