Meet Our Team

Nina

Director of Education

Director

Nina oversees the educational integrity of our programs by training and managing the team of teachers in Walnut Creek.  Having worked for Sylvan as an Administrative Assistant and Program Manager for several Sylvan locations, Nina brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan of Walnut Creek.  She graduated from California State University Sacramento.  When Nina isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her attending concerts, cooking, or at an A’s game.

James

Upper Level Math and Science Teacher, SAT Instructor

James is a Math Instructor in Walnut Creek with a gift for working with middle and high school students. He also enjoys teaching SAT Prep, as well as Robotics and Coding. James has a degree from U.C. Berkeley in Mathematics and over 12 years of tutoring experience. He’s taught at Sylvan for over 8 years. When James isn’t at Sylvan you’ll find him hiking, camping or folding origami.

Janet

Reading and Math Teacher

Janet is an Instructor in Walnut Creek, CA.  She loves teaching  beginning readers and also loves tutoring elementary math.  Janet earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Reading as well as a Certificate in Kindergarten Education from Stephen F. Austin University in Texas.  When she is not at Sylvan you can find her with her granddaughters and her dog, Max, or pursuing her passions for painting.

Joanne is a reading, math, and writing instructor in Walnut Creek, CA. She has taught K-4th grade students in public and private schools in the Bay Area for many years. She was, also an elementary reading teacher at a local school. Joanne graduated from California State University San Francisco. When she is not at Sylvan, you’ll find her researching/writing historical fiction & biographies, singing, going to the beach, taking nature photos, and traveling.