Contact Information
| New Students: | (888) 888-2140 |
| Current Families: | (619) 267-8705 |
| Fax: | (619) 267-6752 |
| Monday: | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday: | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Meet the Tutors
At Sylvan Learning Center, we pride ourselves on the excellent staff we have to serve your students.
- We are also locally owned and operated, so we are here to meet all of your needs directly.
Elizabeth Hayes, M.A.
Center Director
My name is Elizabeth and I am the Center Director here at the Bonita Center.
I hold a Master's Degree in Linguistics and a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and French Languages and Literatures, both from SDSU. I have been a professor of foreign languages at SDSU, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego City College, and Berlitz Languages. I am most recently coming off of active duty and was a US Army Executive Officer. HOOAH!
I am a mother of 3, two of which are middle schoolers: Arianna (12), 7th grader; Evan (10), 6th grader; and Isabella (9), 4th grader.
I am a native San Diegan (Point Loma High) and my husband is a born and bred Southerner from Georgia. We have a fat Manx cat named Simba (in the family portrait), a pretty cat named Barbie Doll, and a dwarf bunny named Mr. Whiskers.
I enjoy non-fiction books, French impressionist art, all sorts of music, food, coffee, Nutella, and spending time with my husband and children. I also enjoy running outdoors every day and doing weights.
I am thrilled to be the Center Director of Sylvan Learning of Bonita and to be able to apply my leadership and educator background to serve your children and our community at Sylvan.
Holly Amesse, B.S.
Director of Education
I absolutely love working at Sylvan! I have worked with children for the last 7 yrs. I taught English in the Czech Republic for a few weeks and travelled in Europe after graduation. My joy is to watch children succeed and grow. It is such a wonderful experience to watch a child overcome their struggles, and see the light go on inside. I am married and have a kitten named Kwnn. My hobbies include movies, sports, and hanging out with my family.
Candice Anders, M.S.
Lead Morning English and Math Teacher, Updater
I am from Florida and I am a Navy wife. I have taught in Florida, California, and Washington. I have been with Sylvan (in another state) for 2 years. I have a cute little 5 year old daughter, and a pug named Napoleon. I have a love for music, singing Opera, and teaching music. More than anything, I love to teach!
Jennifer Baxter, B.A.
English and Advanced Math Teacher, Updater, Weekday Director on Duty
I have been with Sylvan as a math teacher since March of this year. I am also a substitute during the day, but being able to teach math one-on-one is more rewarding. I enjoy teaching math to students and being able to see the 'ah-ha' moment. I attended college at University of California at Santa Barbara and received my Bachelor of Science in Geophysics and my Bachelor of Arts in History. I grew up in the high desert most of my life before moving to Santa Barbara for college. My interests include animals (I have snakes, birds, and a dog and I absolutely love going to the zoo), science fiction, cross stitching, and baking.
Paul Maglio, B.A.
Lead Weekend English and Advanced Math Teacher, Saturday Director on Duty
My name is Paul Maglio. I have been teaching at Sylvan for 3 1/2 years. I have taught everything here from Beginning Reading to SAT prep and have enjoyed it all! I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. Aside from two years spent in South America and two in Lancaster, CA, I have spent my entire life here. I am a Special Education teacher by trade. I have taught everything from preschool through high school and currently work with "at risk" high school students through a great non-public school. I received my Professional Clear credential at Cal State Bakersfield and my Preliminary credential through San Diego State. I have a B.A. in Spanish with a minor in Religious Studies. I also have an associate’s degree in Business Administration through Mesa College. As any educator can tell you, teaching is a passion. I really like working in an environment where I can sit down in a small group (no more than three students) and interact with each on an individual level. Seeing a student move from one success to the next is what keeps me coming back.
Cristina Gonzalez, A.A, B.A. in progress
Teaching Assistant
I was born and raised in Tijuana B.C., moved to San Diego when I was 13 and graduated from Bonita Vista High. I attended Southwestern college for three years where I played intercollegiate volleyball and graduated with an associates degree in arts. I am currently attending the University of san Diego pursuing my Bachelors in Psychology and Sociology with emphasis in counseling. I've been a volleyball player for almost 12 years and I love it! In my free time I enjoy listening to music and learning about different subjects.
Ebony Butler, A.A. in progress
Teaching Assistant
Hello, My name is Ebony Butler and I am the newest addition to the Sylvan Learning Center team. Currently, I am going to school at Southwestern College to pursue a degree in English. I hope to become a high school English teacher when I am finished with school. When I am not at Sylvan I enjoy reading, writing, and making trips back home to visit my family. My favorite part about working at Sylvan is getting to know all of the students and staff because they are all great and never make for a dull moment!
Michael Garcia, B.S. in progress
Teaching Assistant
Hello, my name is Michael Garcia, and I have just recently begun working at Sylvan which has been a great experience. I have especially enjoyed getting to know all the great teachers and kids. Currently, I attend San Diego State University, and I am pursuing a degree in Business. When not in school, or working, I enjoy drawing, painting, and listening to music.
Joyce Celestial, M.A.
English and Math Teacher
I have been working at Sylvan for 3 years. I received my Bachelors degree from UCSD in Human Development and my Masters degree from National University in Cross Cultural Teaching. My hobbies include cooking, shopping, and planning events. I am a dedicated Navy wife of 7 years and a devoted mother of two (ages 6 and 1 1/2). I enjoy getting to know each student and helping them to achieve their full educational potentional.
Cindy Combs, B.A.
English and Advanced Math Teacher
Hello! I have been a teacher at Sylvan for three years now, and I really enjoy working one-on-one with students and seeing them gain more confidence. I hold a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from UCSD. I am a Navy wife and San Diego native who enjoys hiking, movies, and playing the piano.
Manuel Paul, B.A.
English and Advanced Math Teacher
I am a teacher at Sylvan and teach multiple subjects. I received my B.A. at SDSU and am currently finishing my masters program in School Psychology at National University. I am a local San Diegan who grew up in the South Bay area, I am bilingual and bicultural and embrace diversity and culture in the educational setting. I enjoy helping students in every type of subject and feel fulfilled and accomplished in assisting students reach their academic goals. I have had much experience with students from elementary to high schools, from General ed. to Special ed. I have also traveled all over Europe, Mexico and Cuba. I love surfing and in my spare time you can catch me surfing my many shortboards all along the San Diego coast.
John Myers, B.A.
Science, History, Advanced Math Teacher
Math, Science, Reading, and Study Skills teacher.
Teaching Credential in Life Science and Geoscience.
Education-
1976- B.A. History, UCSD
1995- Teaching Credential, Cal State San Bernadino
Sports- Coaching experience in Tennis, Football, Track, and Basketball
Judith Nouchi, M.Div.
English and Math Teacher
Judith comes to Sylvan Learning Center with experience teaching general and special education, as a social worker, and as a Chaplain. She has a multiple subject credential, as well as a Masters in Divinity. She is currently seeking ordination in her denomination.
Judith is a native San Diegan and enjoysreading, writing, and hiking. She hopes to take up kayaking with her husband in the near future!
Using her Master of Divinity, Judith plans to seek ordination in the United Church of Christ. After ordination
Maricela Munoz, M.S.
English and Math Teacher
My name is Maricela and I am a San Diego native raised in the South Bay. I attended UCSD and received my B.A. in Human Development. Soon after I graduated I moved to LA to attend CSULA where I received my M.S. in School Counseling with an emphasis in School Psychology. I have been working in the field of education for the past 10 years and truly enjoy working with children. I like spending my free time with my family and friends being active outdoors, taking yoga classes, and running.
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