Meet our Renton Tutoring Staff

Suneetha was born in India. After spending time in Canada and Texas, she moved to the Seattle area in 2021. She earned her bachelor's degree in Engineering in India, and her master's in Business Administration from Texas State University. Suneetha's first job was teaching, and that made her want to continue in this path. Her favorite part is the satisfaction gained from helping children. When not at Sylvan of Renton, Suneetha enjoys listening to music.

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.

Ryan is a Bellevue native and grew up in Renton. He attended Green River College for two years, then earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University. He then moved to Japan to teach English, where he greatly enjoyed the classroom setting. He spent six years in Japan before returning to Washington in 2020. Ryan most enjoys breathing life into instructional materials so students can understand and enjoy lessons. He joined Sylvan of Renton as a Reading and Writing tutor. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, watching movies, and spending time with his brother, sister, and two nephews.

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.

Amy was born and raised in the Puget Sound area. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, and her Masters degree in Education from UW Bothell. Amy became a teacher because she loves knowledge and learning and wants to pass that love on to others. She enjoys seeing students' eyes light up when they start to understand something where they had once struggled. She joined the Renton Sylvan as a math tutor. When not at Sylvan, she enjoys reading, thrift-shopping, visiting family and friends, and practicing American Sign Language.

Jose was born and raised in Mexico. He has been in the Puget Sound area since 1993. He earned his BSCE, and MSCE and several certificates in math and computer engineering. After receiving his engineering degree, Jose worked as a tutor and a high school teacher. What he likes most about teaching is when he's able to get across a concept, and positively impact a student's life through education. Jose joined the Renton team as a Math tutor. When he's not at Sylvan, he likes to exercise, learn new things, listen to music, and spend time with his wife and two daughters.

Raj was born in Kirkland and has lived in the Seattle area all his life. He is currently pursuing his degree in statistics and data science at the University of Washington. Raj first became interested in teaching after he tutored AP calculus during his senior year of high school. He enjoyed helping students achieve positive test results. He joined Sylvan of Renton as a Math tutor. In his free time, Raj enjoys playing chess, working out, playing poker, and watching movies.

Kurt was born in Hermosa Beach, CA, and moved to the Seattle area in the early 2000s. He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington and his Master's in Education from Seattle University. He is a certified TESOL instructor. In 2007, while teaching in India through UW, he learned about the education system and discovered a passion for teaching. He loves to see students grow in confidence and progress academically and with life skills. Kurt joined the Renton Sylvan as a Reading teacher. In his free time, he enjoys biking, hiking, racquetball, golf, and weight training.

Helen was born in Illinois, moving to Seattle in 1993. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the College of St. Teresa. She then completed her Master of Education degree, with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction, at Seattle's City University, and earned Master Level endorsement in ESL from Hamline University. She has been honored by Lions Club Intl. as a Melvin Jones Fellow. Helen has always enjoyed working with children. During college, she mentored a preteen girl, and worked as a Girl Scout camp counselor. She joined the Renton Sylvan in 2019 as a Reading tutor. In her free time, she enjoys reading, and volunteering with the Lions Club and Youth In Need program.

Josee was born and raised in Renton. She earned her degree in Biology and Chemistry from Saint Martin's University, where she was also on the Dean's list. Josee comes from a family of teachers, and worked as a TA while at school. She learned how much she liked helping fellow students. Her teaching philosophy is to help students cross roadblocks using the knowledge she gives them. Josee joined Sylvan of Renton as a Math tutor. In her free time she enjoys dancing and keeping exotic pets.

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.