Meet our Kirkland Tutoring Staff

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Great Teachers Inspire

Our tutors and staff in Kirkland consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Kirkland know how to engage and motivate each child in a personal way—building confidence and smiles, as well as skills and better scores. We selectively choose tutors who know local curriculum and can link Sylvan lessons to what’s being taught in school. Get to know our tutors and staff in Kirkland!

  • Patricia Salvaggio, Center Director

    Patricia Salvaggio

    Center Director

    I have been a Center Director with Sylvan since 2001. I started at Sylvan of Snohomish and Monroe and began calling Kirkland home in 2011. Being a former teacher, I chose a career in the tutoring business because I love working with families, schools and students. I studied at Worcester State College earning a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. When I am not at Sylvan, you’ll find me spending time in Long Beach and watching the Seahawks.
  • Robert Lathrop, Teacher

    Robert Lathrop

    Teacher

    Robert graduated from CWU with a degree in teaching secondary math, and joined Sylvan of Kirkland as a Math tutor. He has taught students in a wide range of grade levels and math concepts, and especially loves teaching upper level trigonometry and calculus, and sharing arithmetic tricks. Whether it's order of operations, fractions, geometry proofs, dealing with positive/negative numbers, or preparing for the SAT or ACT, Robert helps students put their best work forward. When he's not tutoring, he enjoys other complexities in life such as puzzles, brain teasers, and most other games.
  • Nikki Rinehart, Teacher

    Nikki Rinehart

    Teacher

    Originally from the Midwest, I have called the PNW home for over 25 years. I earned my BGS from Indiana University, an MS in special education from Portland State University, and an editing certificate from the University of Washington. Prior to tutoring at Sylvan of Kirkland, I taught kindergarten and worked as an elementary learning disabilities/reading specialist. Helping young readers and writers gain confidence is the best part of my job! A swim mom and a sports nut, I love cheering on my sons and my favorite college and pro basketball and football teams. Other interests include baking, trivia and puzzles of all kinds, mystery novels, and volunteering at a low-cost veterinary clinic.
  • Bhavana Shah, Teacher

    Bhavana Shah

    Teacher

    Bhavana was born and raised in Mumbai, Maharashtra. She earned her Masters in Microbiology from University of Mumbai, and is working towards her masters in Elementary Education. Bhavana has been tutoring all of her college life, and loves to see students flourish with increased self-confidence and self-esteem as she helps them figure out how to read and do math, particularly neurodivergent students. She joined Sylvan of Kirkland as a Reading and Writing tutor. In her free time, Bhavana enjoys reading, painting watercolors, and spending time with her family.