Meet Our Team

Ana Ibacache

Center Director

Ana Ibacache received her B.A. in English Literature and M.S. in Education from the University of Southern California. She worked for more than 10 years as a high school English teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District before working for Sylvan Learning Center. She is a dynamic and passionate educator with a desire to inspire and motivate all students to be successful.

Rebecca Stephan

Director of Education

Becky graduated from California State University at Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, with an emphasis on Multiple Subject Credential. She taught special education preschool for several years in La Cañada-Flintridge. After spending many years volunteering in her children’s classrooms, Becky began working as an instructional assistant for Culver City Unified School District. In her spare time, Becky is an avid reader.

Amanda K.

Tutor

Ms. Amanda is one of our English and Math instructors! As she works on entering Medical School, she finds time to bestow her knowledge on our students. Ms. Amanda loves teaching and enjoys expanding the knowledge and comprehension of her students. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and loves to hike, snowboard and even snorkel! If she’s not on an adventure or with a student, you can find Ms. Amanda exploring Los Angeles, California.

Diane B.

Tutor

Diane is an elementary school teacher who especially enjoys teaching Reading and English Language Arts. She finds it extremely rewarding to see students master the integrated skills required to be fluent readers and the several steps to write a paragraph or essay. Diane says the best reward is to see students build confidence in their unique way of learning. Diane earned her BA in Art for Elementary Teaching at CSU, Humboldt and her Elementary Teaching Credential from CSU, San Diego. Her interests outside of Sylvan include nature walks, bird watching, drawing, painting and writing poetry.

Jude R.

Tutor

Our lovely Ms. Jude instructs our younger students in Academic Reading, Academic Writing and Math Essentials. A retired Director of Sales with Hilton and Marriot hotels, Ms. Jude has also taught grades K-9 at the Istanbul International Community School and the American School Foundation in Mexico City, Mexico! Teaching isn’t a job for Ms. Jude, but rather a passion. She wishes to instill core values and self-confidence in her students, like she received in her academic career. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and graduated Magna Cum Laude! Some of Ms. Jude’s hobbies include painting, photography, hiking, and visiting family!

Judy M.

Tutor

Judy is a gifted educator with a passion for teaching reading. As a struggling young reader herself, Judy understands the challenges of learning to read on a personal level. That’s why she chose to specialize in Emergent and Beginning Reading. Judy finds joy in teaching literacy, and enjoys teaching various skills, techniques and concepts to ease a student’s way into reading. Judy loves when her students make the leap into reading and says it’s such a pleasure to see students succeed and their confidence rise. In her spare time, Judy enjoys musicals, yoga and lifelong learning.

Mike C.

Tutor

If you don’t find him with a cup of joe, Mr. Mike is working with our students online, instructing them in Academic Reading, Math Essentials, and SAT/ACT Prep. One can argue that his versatility stems from the various paths he has taken in life. Mr. Mike was a Senior Drill Sergeant for the US Army for 10 years! During that time, he studied history and received his Associates and Bachelor of Arts and in Renaissance & Reformative History, and Medieval History in the Latin American National Period, respectively! He ultimately gained the Lifetime California Secondary Credential and has spent 34 years educating young minds, focusing on giving students the tools they need to think for themselves.