Nancy Zawadzki

Executive Director

As the Executive Director of the Bay Area Education Support Systems since January of 2000, Nancy manages 7 Sylvan Learning centers in the greater San Francisco area. Nancy is a graduate of Fitchburg State College, and has taught third grade through junior high in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia. Before joining BAESS, Nancy spent five years managing the largest Sylvan Learning center in North America and ran her own catering business as well.

Karen Zawadzki

Center Director

Karen has been with Sylvan since 2004. She graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington with a B.S. in Psychology. Karen began working in our Piedmont Center on a part-time basis and quickly fell in love with the students. Since then she has worked in all seven of our Franchise centers, as a Program Manager, a Director of Education, Director of Training, and now a Center Director. What she likes most about Sylvan is watching students grow in confidence and academics; seeing those special ‘I get it’ moments; hearing that they aced a test and turned in all their homework, and seeing the relief on their faces when they realize they can actually do it. She also enjoys getting to know the families and hearing their special stories. When not at Sylvan, you can find Karen hiking the hills, reading, researching nutrition options for children and adults, and spending time with her family.

Leslie Van Otterloo

Director of Education

Leslie graduated from Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA with a degree in Elementary Education and a Middle School endorsement. She has been a part of the Sylvan team since 2007. Before joining Sylvan, she was a middle school English teacher, drama coordinator, yearbook editor, and student council leader. Her interests include scrapbooking, reading, and computer games.

Dalene Heydon

Operations Assistant

Dalene is currently attending Diablo Valley College. She graduated from Milpitas High in 2002 and played softball for 2 years at DeAnza College in Cupertino. She loves sports and would love to coach softball again. In her spare time she loves to play Fantasy Football, watch UFC, and being outdoors. Besides testing with the students, Dalene’s favorite part about working at Sylvan is getting to know all the families.

Sadegh Asefi

Teacher (Math)

Michael Dermody

Teacher (Math)

Jeff Schwartz

Teacher (Reading, Math, Science)

Jeff is originally from Chicago, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Prescott College and a Master of Science degree in Ecology from Southern Illinois University, and earned a teaching credential from San Francisco State University. Jeff has served as a National Park Service biologist, San Francisco State educator, and high school basketball coach. His interests include U.S. history, blues concerts, politics, photography, Community theater, sailboats, gliders, and travel to national parks.

Eileen Yang

Teacher (Reading, Writing, Math)

Eileen is from Walnut Creek, California, and graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Liberal Arts/Human Development. She has a Multiple Subject teaching credential, loves Mexican and Chinese food and sushi, and enjoys reading (especially Harry Potter books), swimming, bowling, puzzles, watching movies, and working with children. Her favorite place to be is on a beach in San Diego.

Marcos Garcia

Teacher (Reading & Writing)

Hi my name is Marcos and I am from Utah. I have lived in Colorado, Pennsylvania, and now currently living in Walnut Creek. I received a B.A. in English from Colorado State, M.A. in English from Penn State, and I am currently working on my PHD at UC Berkeley. I have a dog, two cats, a bunny, and six siblings. I study medieval texts. My favorite thing about teaching is the kids!

Jim Taylor

Teacher (Reading)

My name is Jim Taylor and I live in Martinez. I earned a degree in English from St. Mary’s College in Moraga and two master’s degrees in English from San Diego State University. I have two cats, I like cooking, sailing, and camping.

James Flores

Teacher (Math, Science)

Hi my name is James and I am from Walnut Creek. I attended UC Berkeley and graduated with a degree in Mathematics. I enjoy origami, tacos, and video games. My favorite thing about teaching is spreading my knowledge and showing people that there are useful tricks that can help them. I love the “Oh, I get it” moments!

Marguerite Fraga

Teacher (Beginning/Academic Reading,Writing, Math)

My name is Marguerite Ann Fraga. I was born in Omaha Nebraska, and I have lived in Nebraska, England, and California. I grew up in a large family with my eight other brothers and sisters, which was really fun! Maybe that’s why I worked in the field of education for 25 years before beginning work at Sylvan. My hobbies range from drawing and writing poetry, to hiking and camping. Right now I keep finding new hobbies because I want to be a lifelong learner who continues learning new things.

Tommy Greenless

Teacher (Study Skills, Math)

My name is Tommy Greenless and I grew up in Milford, Michigan. I attended the University of Michigan and graduated with a degree in physical education. I currently teach at Coyote Creek Elementary School in San Ramon. In my spare time, I enjoy running, traveling, going to the dog park, and attending major league baseball games in various cities. I love teaching and working with kids while seeing improvement and results.

Tanette Maffei

Teacher (Beginning Reading, Math)

A Bay Area native, Tanette went to Carondelet High School. After a career in television and commercial art, Tanette has been teaching for almost twenty years.

Lisa Seng

Teacher (Study Skills, Reading, Writing)

Hi, my name is Lisa. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Rhetoric and a minor in Education. I also hold a Single Subject Teaching Credential in English and Social Studies. Prior to Sylvan I was a middle school English teacher in Oakland. I like teaching because I want to help young people realize their potential and empower them so that they have access to a wealth of opportunities. In my spare time I like to sing, cook, do crossword puzzles, and do volunteer work.

Kathryn Thornbury

Teacher (Study Skills,Reading, History, Math)

Hi, my name is Katie, and I’m from Concord. I graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2008 and spent the last two years teaching students at a Boston charter school to love reading and math as much as I do. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, camping, and baking chocolate chip cookies. I also enjoy reading mystery stories and books about history.

Nina Casella

Instructional Manager/Teacher

Hi, my name is Nina and I was born and raised in the East Bay. I attended CSU Sacramento where I graduated with a degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in History. I love teaching and have been volunteering in classrooms since I was 15 years old. My favorite things include: music-especially attending concerts, cooking, baseball games, camping, the beach, stargazing, Le Petit Prince, and last but not least traveling!

Rowena Umali

Instructional Assistant

Hi, I am Rowena. I am a third year student at DVC. I am a huge San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors fan. In my spare time I like to go to movies, concerts, and baseball/basketball games.

Kevin Bibera

Instructional Assistant

Hi, my name is Kevin and I am a junior at De La Salle. I love to play basketball with my friends and watch movies. I am also a photographer for my school’s yearbook.

Patrick Rabago

Instructional Assistant