Meet Our Team

Fran Dyer

Franchise Owner

Fran Dyer, owner of Sylvan Learning Center, has loved working in the Centers for the past 25 years. It has been a fabulously rewarding career meeting with parents, classroom teachers, and or course, the students. While Fran’s career in Public Education encompasses teaching students at the Junior High level, Sylvan has provided her the opportunity to work with students from Kindergarten through High School. Sylvan has an excellent program and provided success for students at every level. Fran has both a Bachelors of Arts and a Masters Degree.

Jim Dyer

Franchise Owner

Jim Dyer, owner of 9 Sylvan Learning Centers, spent 30 years in California Public Education. He taught high school for 8 years and was a Junior High Principal for 24 years. Jim has also taught Junior College classes in Speech and worked with Chapman University in the teacher credentialing department for the Inland Empire. In 2001 Jim began working extensively with the Sylvan Learning Centers. The best part of Sylvan for Jim is the same as it was working in Public Education….working with students and parents! Jim earned both his Bachelor of Arts and his Masters Degrees from Whittier College, Whittier, California.

Carli Ganet

Executive Director - Franchise Owner

Carli Ganet is the Executive Director and Co-Owner of the 11 Sylvan Learning Centers owned by Jim and Fran Dyer. Carli received her Bachelors of Arts and Teaching Credential at the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado. Carli began her career with Sylvan as a student in the Rancho Cucamonga Sylvan Learning Center. She has been a Director of Education, Center Director and currently oversees the educational programs of Sylvan students as well as working with Directors and Parents. She loves working with Sylvan families!

Bertha Luquin

Director of Education

Bertha attended State University, Fullerton, and earned her BA in Human Communication with an emphasis on Interpersonal Relationships.
Bertha has been with Sylvan Learning Centers since 2010 and is currently the Director of Education for the Rancho Cucamonga area Sylvan Learning Centers.
Prior to Sylvan, Bertha was involved in after-school programs such as Chess Masters, America Reads, and Counts.  Bertha loves watching her students grow in math and reading.

Kyle Piiwaa

Tutor

Kyle is a tutor at the Etiwanda and Rancho Cucamonga Sylvan Learning Centers.  He has a Bachelor’s of Arts in English from Cal State San Bernardino.  Kyle enjoys tutoring students in English.  When Kyle is not tutoring at Sylvan you can find him reading for working as a volunteer with the AYSO program.

Mark Richichi

Tutor

Mark has a Bachelor’s and a Master’s from UC Riverside and a multiple-subject teaching credential.  As a tutor for the Rancho Cucamonga and Etiwanda Sylvan Learning Centers Mark enjoys working with students in math and reading.  When not at Sylvan you will find Mark enjoying time with his family.

Taryn Hartman

Director of Media Marketing

Taryn is a graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management and Human Resources.  As a former Center Director and Regional Director, Taryn comes to this position with a love for Sylvan Learning Centers.
Taryn is a mother to 4 handsome boys.  When not working you will find Taryn at the soccer fields or at the grocery store.

Lisa White

Director of Business Development

Lisa White has worked for Sylvan Learning for close to 10 years as Director of Business Development. Prior, Lisa spent 19 years in the non profit/social services arena managing programs and services for high risk, disabled, and culturally diverse populations. Lisa earned a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Antioch University and a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Pacific Southern University. Lisa has always been actively involved in her children’s school; serving as an E3 Foundation Board Member, PTA Board Member, and School Site Council Member at the Etiwanda School District. Lisa enjoys representing Sylvan throughout the community and actively engaging in networking events and business development groups. She feels that her career experience and passion for education helps to ensure that all students are afforded educational opportunities that foster growth and development. “ I am passionate about academic excellence and enjoy working in a vibrant student learning environment where students are supported and celebrated.”

Brenda White-Wilson

Tutor

Brenda has been a tutor for the Rancho Cucamonga area Sylvan Learning Centers since November 2020. She obtained a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies and a teaching credential from Cal State University, LA. As well as a Master’s of Arts degree in Education from the University of San Francisco. Before working at Sylvan, Brenda was a classroom teacher for 34 years in the L. A. Unified School District. Brenda brings a wealth of experience in a variety of subjects, with specialized training in reading, phonics, spelling, comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and math. In her free time, Brenda enjoys playing games, household projects, reading, jogging, bike riding, and shopping.

Damian Garcia

Tutor

Damian has been a tutor at the Rancho Cucamonga area Sylvan Learning Centers since April 2021.  He is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.  Previous to Sylvan, Damian was a teaching assistant at Partnership For Success.  He enjoys teaching a variety of subject areas, including reading, writing, math, and college prep.  During his free time, Damian enjoys working in his garden, playing soccer, listening to music, and playing video games.

Kevin Yan

Tutor

Director

Kevin Yan is the Center Director at the Sylvan Learning Center in Rancho Cucamonga.  He has a Bachelor of Science in Physics from UCLA and a Ph.D from UCI.  Kevin’s journey in education started as a tutor in graduate school, which lead to teaching roles at local colleges like Chaffey College and Mt. Sac.  Fluent in both Chinese and English, he is dedicated to bridging communication gaps in our multicultural society.  Beyond academic, Kevin finds joy in travel and adventure.  His teaching philosophy centers on fostering a love for learning, guiding students through academic challenges, and creating a supportive environment for them to thrive.