Meet Our Team

Karli Stockhouse

Center Director

Director

Karli has worked with Sylvan since July 2019. She graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a degree in Integrated Studies with Language Arts. Karli was an elementary teacher at Chief Leschi Schools in Puyallup, Washington before joining the Sylvan team. She enjoys tutoring in a variety of subjects including reading, writing, and math. In her free time, Karli enjoys lounging with her cat, hiking with her dog, and playing video games.

Erin Biederman

Teacher

Erin was born in Ohio, and moved to the Puget Sound area in 1996. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in math, secondary education, from Western Washington University; she is currently pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Special Education. Erin first got into teaching because she likes working with children, Her favorite part of teaching is when students have the ‘aha!’ moment as a concept finally clicks with them. Erin joined the Renton Sylvan as a math tutor. When not teaching, she can be found reading, painting rocks, watching Seahawks games, volunteering, and traveling.

Krystal Cox

Teacher

Krystal has lived in the Renton area since 2016. She is originally from Mississippi. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a plethora of skills and certifications in behavior therapy. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health. She got into tutoring because she wants students to see that learning can be fun! As someone who struggled with school, she knows everyone learns differently, and she likes to show students that they are seen and that they can keep up with their peers. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching students progress in something they thought they could not accomplish and watching their confidence build. She enjoys spending time with her family, fixing puzzles, and a wide variety of arts and crafts.

Leo Smith

Teacher

Leo was born and raised in the Puget Sound area. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and his Masters Degree in Teaching from Washington State University in Pullman. Leo was inspired to become a teacher by his high school teachers, especially his chemistry instructor. He enjoys helping students to learn and achieve the ‘light bulb’ moment. Leo joined the Renton Sylvan as a Math tutor. In his free time he enjoys playing video games, playing board games, and reading.

Beatrice has lived in the Pacific Northweast since summer 2024. She is originally from Mississippi. She has a BA in English with a minor in Creative Writing from Mississippi Valley State University, teaching certification from Belhaven University, and is currently pursuing a degree in Educational Leadership. She started tutoring in college and decided to pursue a teaching degree from that experience. She also ran a tutoring business for students over the summer. Her favorite subject to teach at Sylvan is phonics. While not teaching, Beatrice enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and trying out new foods and restaurants.

Karen Lewan

Karen was born and raised in Seattle. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from SPC and completed course levels 1 and 2 of Slingerland teaching for dyslexic students. When she was in junior high and high school, Karen babysat and worked with children, and discovered a desire to be a teacher. She loves the gratification she receives from seeing students learn new things. She tutors at Sylvan of Bellevue and Renton as a Reading and Math tutor. In her free time, Karen enjoys knitting, reading, walking her dog, sewing, baking, and visiting with friends.

I have lived in the Puget Sound area for more than 10 years, after previously living in  Arizona, and California. I enjoy being part of this diverse and welcoming community and working with students and families throughout Maple Valley, Kent, Renton, and the surrounding areas.

I became interested in tutoring through my passion for teaching, mentoring, and helping others succeed. My experience includes teaching mathematics, reading, and test preparation at Sylvan Learning Center; providing individualized tutoring through Grade Potential; and leading hands-on STEAM, coding, and robotics instruction through community programs. I especially enjoy helping students understand challenging concepts, strengthen foundational skills, build confidence, and become more independent learners. I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, solving problems, and celebrating their progress.

I hold a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from Punjab Technical University, an MBA in Information Technology Management from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a Master of Science in Data Science with a concentration in artificial intelligence and machine learning from Walden University. I have also completed training in early childhood education, Montessori teaching, psychology, CPR and First Aid, and Sylvan instructional programs.

My favorite Sylvan subjects to teach are mathematics and reading. In mathematics, I enjoy teaching arithmetic, fractions, decimals, word problems, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving. In reading, I enjoy helping students improve comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills. I also enjoy SAT and ACT preparation and STEM-related subjects because they encourage curiosity, creativity, logical thinking, and perseverance.