Meet Our Team

Sapna Duchesne

Director

With 14 years of experience in education, Sapna Patel Duchesne has dedicated her career to helping students and teachers grow. She began as a High School Physics Teacher, later coaching Middle School educators, and ultimately serving as a School Administrator and Magnet Program Director. After three years in the corporate world—leading in HR and Operations—she returned to her true passion: supporting students’ academic success.

As the owner and director of Sylvan Learning of Falls Church, Sapna brings deep educational expertise, strong leadership experience, and an unwavering commitment to helping every student build confidence and achieve measurable growth. She is proud to partner with families in the Falls Church, Arlington, Annandale, & McLean community and create learning pathways that truly make a difference.

Sapna is also a proud Alexandria parent, with two children attending Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy. As an active PTA member and the current Vice President of Community Spirit, she is deeply committed to supporting local schools, strengthening community connections, and championing programs that help students thrive.

Jennifer Helfman brings 18 years of experience in developmental math from Northern Virginia Community College and Prince George’s Community College, where she also authored a math review book for beginning algebra students. She earned her undergraduate degrees in Geology from Oberlin College and Mathematics from George Mason University, and her master’s degree in Museum Education from The George Washington University. Her museum education focused on informal learning and exhibit design, exemplified by her creation of the “Mountain of Fire” Discovery Box for the National Museum of Natural History.

At Sylvan Learning Center, Jennifer utilizes the “Inquiry Method,” a teaching approach she developed at GWU to encourage deeper understanding through questioning. She applies this method across various subjects, including Math Essentials, Algebra Essentials, writing, reading, and SAT review, aiming to enhance students’ grasp of the material and foster their academic growth.

Vernon Fentress

Tutor

With over 10 years of experience at Sylvan, Vernon specializes in math, from foundational concepts to advanced SAT/ACT prep. Holding a Master’s Degree in Engineering, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his teaching. Vernon earned his B.A. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and Syracuse University, respectively. His impressive background includes roles in computer networking and engineering at esteemed organizations such as MITRE Corporation, Raychem, Kellogg, and Western Electric.

In addition to his teaching expertise, Vernon helps manage a local health spa with his wife. He also holds a teaching certificate in Physics from Fairfax County. Outside of work, he is dedicated to making complex mathematical concepts accessible and engaging for students, helping them build confidence and excel academically.

Kay Van Hoven

Tutor

Kay has over 12 years experience as a Sylvan certified teacher. She teaches Beginning Reading, Reading, Writing, Math, SAT/ACT English and Study Skills. Kay has a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. She taught K-3 gifted and talented students and provided teacher professional development for 16 years in Pontiac, MI. Kay loves to travel, read and sing in the McLean Chorale.

Chandra Ranada

Tutor

Chandra has a Master of Statistics from the Indian Statistical Institute and a PhD from Cornell University in Economics. He also has a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University to teach Secondary level mathematics. He has been teaching mathematics in high schools and Universities, including Sylvan, since 2002. Prior to that he worked for the World Bank in Washington, DC.

Linda has been a part-time tutor at Sylvan Learning Center for the past three years, bringing a wealth of experience from her nearly thirty years as an educator in public schools, including her recent role with the District of Columbia Public Schools. She holds a B.S. in English and Education and a Master’s in History and Education from Boston University. Now retired, she continues to engage with education as a substitute teacher in the Fairfax County Public Schools System.

A passionate traveler, Linda stays updated on global and local events and has a keen interest in political developments, as well as advances in science and medicine. She loves reading historical fiction and is actively involved in history organizations, regularly attending workshops and conferences. In her leisure time, Linda swims regularly and finds great joy in working with students, helping them achieve their academic goals!

Bio!