Meet Our Team

Suneetha Duggineni

Center Director

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 S.

Lead Teacher

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.

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.

Josee Pacheco

Teacher

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 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.

Emily was born in Seattle, and has lived in the area her whole life. She graduated from UW with a degree in medical anthropology, and has also completed certification as a veterinary assistant. She is currently working towards her Master’s Degree. Emily first became interested in teaching during her senior year of high school when she did her senior project in a first grade classroom. She strives to make learning fun, motivating, and impactful for all her students. Emily joined the Renton Sylvan as a School Support coach. In her free time, she enjoys photography, cooking, the outdoors, and quality time with her four pets.