Meet our Albany Tutoring Staff

As Executive Director, Cat oversees operations at the Sylvan Learning Centers of Albany and Clifton Park. She knows the value of a high quality education and is committed to ensuring that each family has a positive experience at Sylvan. Cat returned to Sylvan after working in both public and private education as an administrator. She chose a career in the tutoring business because it provides opportunities to help students of all ages and abilities reach their full potential.  She received her Masters of Business Administration from SUNY Albany. When Cat isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her pup and enjoying the outdoors. 

Carla is responsible for overseeing each student’s academic progress at Sylvan. She earned a Bachelor’s in English and Master's in Secondary Education from SUNY Albany, and has been working for Sylvan since 2010. First as a teacher and now as Director of Education, Carla really enjoys working with the students and families to attain their individual goals. Our Sylvan students inspire her to continually find and refine new teaching techniques and content, plus, they often have great suggestions for new reads from the Best-Seller list.

Colleen has worked for Sylvan on and off since 2002, as a teacher and Director of Education in both Albany and Clifton Park.  She currently oversees the test scheduling and proctoring in Albany, in addition to supporting the administrative needs of the center. She has taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at a private school. Colleen holds a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Sage Graduate School. 

Krista started working at Sylvan during the summer of 2015. Krista holds her Master’s Degree in Childhood Education from the College of St. Rose and is certified in Childhood Education (grades 1-6), Special Education, and English Language Arts (grades 7-9). Currently, she teaches 2nd grade in Albany. Krista has really enjoyed getting to know the students at Sylvan. She loves being able to teach students in a variety of grades and see their success. In her spare time, Krista enjoys traveling, baking, and reading.
Krista tutors students in reading, math, writing, study skills, SAT/ACT prep, GED prep and prep for state tests at the Albany Sylvan Learning Center.

Elise has been with Sylvan since the fall of 2013. She is a State Certified Mathematics teacher and works for the Shenendehowa School District as a substitute teacher for Math, Science, French and English classes.  In her spare time, Elise works at Schenectady Civic Players running lights, house managing at Capital Repertory Theatre and singing with the Clifton Park Community Chorus.

Elise tutors students at the Albany and Clifton Park Sylvan Centers in Math, Reading , Study Skills and SAT/ACT Prep.

Mechele recently joined Sylvan after retiring from a long career in education, largely in Maryland. Mechele is particularly happy to be teaching again, especially in a setting where she can provide personalized attention to students who she can see improve from week to week. Michele teaches Math, Reading, Writing and Study Skills in the Albany Center.

Anna is a newer addition to the Sylvan team but has already settled in nicely, bringing with her a positive energy and a passion for working with students. Anna’s background is in Early Childhood/Childhood Education, and she has spent the past decade working with children who range in age from infancy to 10 years old. Her current Sylvan students include a lot of “little ones,” but she thoroughly enjoys working with middle school and high school students as well! Anna tutors students at the Albany Sylvan Center in Reading, Writing, Math, and Study Skills.

Lauren joined Sylvan in April 2022.  She is certified in English Adolescent Education and Literacy. She currently teaches at the high school level but loves to work with our younger grades as well. She loves being able to help students connect with new aspects of learning.
Lauren tutors students at the Albany Sylvan Center in Reading, Writing, Math, Study Skills, and SAT/ACT prep.

Madhavi has over 25 years of teaching experience at the middle school, high school, and undergraduate levels. She is one of our math and science experts here at Sylvan!  Madhavi seeks to spark academic interest in her students and to motivate them to make a difference in society with what they learn.  She loves seeing the smile on a student’s face when something taught is understood. In her free time, Madhavi enjoys playing Hawaiian guitar, painting, sewing, and playing Ping-Pong.
Madhavi tutors students at the Albany Sylvan Center in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Reading, and SAT/ACT prep.

Pete has been a member of the Sylvan team since 2020 and has over 3 years of classroom experience. Pete likes working at Sylvan because he enjoys seeing the kids laughing while they’re learning. He feels that teaching should always be about the students, and watching them enjoy the process makes it all the more worthwhile! In his free time,  Pete enjoys writing, cycling, and playing rugby for the Albany Knickerbockers. Pete tutors students at the Albany Sylvan Center in Reading, Math, Study Skills, and Social Studies.

Patricia has been with Sylvan since 2022 and is certified in secondary education Social Studies. She also has fun working with our elementary students and helping them with their reading and writing. She loves working with the students and encourages their creativity as well as their curiosity in all subjects! Patricia tutors students at the Albany Sylvan center in Reading, Writing, Math, and Study Skills.