Contact Information

Phone: (408) 257-2740
Fax: (408) 257-2744
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Meet the Tutors

Our Sylvan trained and certified tutors are dedicated to your child’s success. Working together with you, we will:

  • Pinpoint your child’s learning needs using the Sylvan Skills Assessment®
  • Develop a personalized learning plan based on your child’s goals
  • Offer unique insights about what will work for your child
  • Teach each lesson the way your child learns best
  • Build a relationship with your child to provide learning that’s fun, engaging and rewarding
Put years of educational experience to work for your family. Contact our center to find out how we can help today!

Executive Director, San Jose tutoring

Roger Shore

Executive Director

Roger is a former classroom teacher with experience in grades K-8. Following his teaching career, Roger received a master's degree in clinical psychology and worked in private practice as a marriage, family and child counselor specializing in families and school related problems. He opened the Cupertino Sylvan Learning Center in 1993, the Center in San Jose in 1994 and the Mt. View Center in 2000.

Center Director, San Jose tutoring

Debra Purvis

Center Director

Debra Purvis has taught in public education for the past 20 years prior to coming to Sylvan in April 2008. She earned her BA in Social Science with an emphasis in Child Development from San Jose State University, a CLAD certificate from University of San Diego, a Multiple Subject Credential and her MS in Educational and Instructional Technology from National University. She has always had a passion for teaching and a desire to be with children. She began her career as a preschool teacher at the age of 17, following her mother’s footsteps into an educational career. Debra enjoys spending time with her family. She is happy to be a part of the “Sylvan” family!

Director of Education, San Jose tutoring

Christie Miller

Director of Education

Christie grew up in the San Jose area and was inspired to become an educator by many outstanding teachers in her life. She earned her BA in English with a minor in Education from UC Davis in 2007, then continued at UCD and completed her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and MA in Education in 2010. She has worked in classrooms to provide students in kindergarten through middle school with additional support in reading and math. From 2010 to 2011, she taught Sylvan students in the reading, math, and writing programs. She is delighted to belong to the Sylvan community.

Director of Education, San Jose tutoring

Michelle Shanelec

Director of Education

Michelle graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and is currently pursuing her M.A. in U.S. History. With a single subject credential, Michelle has enjoyed teaching various high school social studies classes. She has a passion for educating today’s youth and loves helping students improve on an academic and personal level. She joined Sylvan in April 2009, and one of her favorite things about Sylvan’s programs is seeing the students and families achieve their goals.

Title 1 Program Director, San Jose tutoring

Mercedes Hernandez

Title 1 Program Director

Mercedes received her BA from Ripon College in Wisconsin. She double majored in Business Administration and Spanish. She has been with Sylvan for almost four years and loves it. Working with and for kids is the highlight of her day. You often see her in and out of the office, running around meeting with school administrators and the community. She is an active member of the San Jose community and enjoys mentoring youth.