Meet our Spokane Valley Tutoring Staff

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Great Teachers Inspire

Our tutors and staff in Spokane Valley consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Spokane Valley 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 Spokane Valley!

  • Vitaliy Zhdanov, Executive Director

    Vitaliy Zhdanov

    Executive Director

    Vitaliy is the Executive Director of Sylvan Learning Center here in Spokane Valley, where he has been leading the team for over a year. With a diverse background in tutoring, business development, and IT, Vitaliy brings valuable skills to our center. Passionate about students' unique stories, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Washington. As our Executive Director, Vitaliy connects with families, ensuring our programs make a positive impact. With a strong commitment to personalized learning, he empowers students to reach their full potential at Sylvan Learning Center.
  • Adam Blank, Director of Education

    Adam Blank

    Director of Education

    Adam oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors in Spokane Valley, WA. A former teacher in Edgewood, WA and Coeur d'Alene, ID. Adam brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan of Spokane Valley. Adam graduated from Eastern Washington University with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree in Education and Art.  When Adam is not at Sylvan he will be spending time with his family. He also enjoys sports and movies.
  • Trevor LaFord, Tutor

    Trevor LaFord

    Tutor

    Trevor LaFord is a substitute teacher for the Central Valley School District in Spokane Valley, WA with a passion for history. At Sylvan, he enjoys tutoring math and reading skills. He studied at Eastern Washington University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies in Secondary Education. When he isn't tutoring at Sylvan, he enjoys spending his free time with friends or watching movies (and often quoting them).
  • Becky Dudenhofer, Tutor

    Becky Dudenhofer

    Tutor

    Becky is a substitute teacher in Spokane Valley, WA with a gift for working with kids. She studied at Moody Bible Institute, Michigan State University, Columbia International University. Becky enjoys being able to help kids in Sylvan and help students who use the iPads.
  • Elio Garcia, Tutor

    Elio Garcia

    Tutor

    Elio is a tutor in Spokane Valley, WA. While Elio has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in Humanities tutoring. He studied at Universite De Picardie Jules Verne. When Elio is fluent in both French and Spanish.
  • Jeff Howard, Tutor

    Jeff Howard

    Tutor

    Jeff is a substitute teacher in Spokane area, with a gift for working with kids. While Jeff has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in math, reading, and writing. He studied at Washington State University. When Jeff isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him playing golf.
  • Karla Kline, Tutor

    Karla Kline

    Tutor

    Karla is a former Center Director in Spokane, WA. While Karla has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring beginning readers. She studied at  Eastern Washington University. Karla has spent over 20 years in Education.
  • Sara Kelly, Tutor

    Sara Kelly

    Tutor

    Sara is a librarian at a local community college and former substitute teacher in Spokane, WA with a gift for working with kids. She studied at Eastern Washington University (BA), Lesley (Masters), and San Jose State University (MLIS). 
  • Troy Heppner, Tutor

    Troy Heppner

    Tutor

    Troy is a substitute in Spokane Valley, WA with a gift for working with kids. While Troy has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in math and science tutoring. He studied at Western Washington University and Seattle University. When Troy isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him watching classic movies or a good mystery.