Meet Our Team

Ken Situ

Center Director

Ken is an experienced, results-oriented manager who brings a passion for education to his role of Center Director. His leadership style is shaped by his strong commitment to customer service and student growth. Ken manages our complex schedule, ensuring the best possible student-tutor matches, and oversees Center operations with a sharp focus on quality improvement. Ken earned a BA in Philosophy and Religion from SFSU. When not at Sylvan, Ken enjoys reading, meditating, drinking tea, and gardening. Ken is conversational in both Cantonese and Mandarin.

Lori Livingston

Executive Director

Lori brings a passion for education and a background in executive management to Sylvan Learning of SF.  She has held management positions at Apple Computer and Fidelity Investments, and has served two terms on her local public school board. Lori has raised four sons, each one benefiting from the individualized support they received to reach their academic potential. She loves helping Sylvan students reach their own academic goals. Lori is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University and a Harvard Business School alumna. She is an avid skier, golfer, hiker, biker and reader.

Donald Livingston

Director/Business Manager

Donald manages Center business functions and gets to know Sylvan students by conducting many of our assessments.  He conferences with parents to make personalized tutoring program recommendations. Donald uses his service orientation to contribute to the successful operations of Sylvan Learning of SF. He is a Stanford alum, an avid SF Bay Area sports fan, and an expert chess player. A Bay Area native, Donald resides in San Francisco.

Jacob Rubinstein

Assistant Director of Education and Tutor

Jacob tutors math for students of all ages and ability levels, successfully making math concepts from fractions to calculus understandable for Sylvan students. He is also a talented SAT, ACT, and HSPT prep tutor. Jacob discovered his love of math while an undergraduate student at Roosevelt University, where he completed a BS in Mathematics with Honors. Jacob is also a member of our full-time team, supporting students and families by overseeing student programs and handling key educational administration duties.

Zoe Gantner

Education Program Manager and Tutor

Zoe is an experienced language arts tutor who enjoys working with students of all ages. She excelled as an undergraduate student in History and Philosophy at Willamette University, winning a prestigious Carson Undergraduate Research Grant.  Zoe is also a member of our full-time team, supporting students and families as an Education Program Manager and handling educational administration duties. When not working, Zoe enjoys running half marathons, reading, surfing, swimming and going to the movies.

Lance Santelices

Office Manager

Lance oversees communications with families and keeps Center operations running smoothly. He grew up in LA and came to SF to complete his undergraduate studies in Communication and Marketing at SFSU. Before joining our team, Lance was a valued employee of AMC Theatres, where he developed a reputation for being a skilled team leader and creative problem solver. Lance takes pride in providing a very high level of customer service to Sylvan families. In his spare time, you can find Lance checking out new food spots, taking photographs, skating, or sneaker collecting.

Lemmy Evans

Tutor

Lemmy offers Sylvan students a unique combination of patience, empathy and high-level expertise in math, test preparation and study skills. Lemmy completed majors in both Mathematics and Studio Arts at Williams College. At Williams, Lemmy was a Teacher’s Assistant in Art History and in Mathematics, tutoring students in Algebra, Geometry, Probability, Statistics, and Calculus.  Some of Lemmy’s favorite “free time” activities include painting, cooking, and reading non-fiction and memoirs.

Tessa McGarvey

Tutor

Tessa provides expert reading and writing tutoring for our language arts students. After attending high school at The Urban School of SF, she studied Modern Literature at UCSC and then went on to earn a Master of Social Work from the University of Hawaii. Tessa also has her TESOL certificate. She brings over 15 years of experience in teaching and social work to her work with Sylvan students. Tessa has taught students at all levels, specializing in lesson planning, classroom management, and real-world language practice. Her social work background includes group facilitation and one-on-one support with diverse populations. When not busy teaching, Tessa enjoys meditating and spending time in nature.  

Chloe Caneday

Tutor

Chloe’s educational and professional background is a great fit for our reading and writing students. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from San Francisco State University with a BA in English Literature and a minor in Classics, and is currently pursuing her Master’s in English Literature at SFSU. Her prior experience as a gymnastics coach makes her a pro at engaging children in dynamic learning environments like Sylvan. Friendly, personable, and approachable, Chloe is committed to fostering a positive and enriching educational experience for her students. In her spare time, she loves to read, write, and explore the city.

Andrew Garvin

Tutor

Andrew is an expert language arts tutor who has built a successful career around his writing talents. He has a BA from USC, a MSW from Columbia University and a MFA with writing emphasis from Virginia Commonwealth University. While earning his MFA, Andrew instructed over 100 undergraduate writing students. He also served as a writing center specialist. In addition to tutoring at Sylvan, Andrew is a college application reader and a professional freelance writer. In his leisure time, Andrew enjoys hiking, traveling, entertaining and…writing!

Lorna Probasco

Tutor

Lorna is one of our skilled literacy tutors, teaching reading and writing to our Sylvan students. She was a super star student herself, graduating cum laude with both a BA in Global Studies from St. Edward’s University and a Bachelor of Social Science in International Relations from Asia Pacific University. Lorna taught English when studying in Japan and worked as substitute teacher in El Paso before starting a master’s program in Asia Pacific Studies from USF. Fun fact: Lorna’s father was a Sylvan tutor when she was growing up! In her spare time, Lorna loves to cook, take film photographs and explore the city.

Dana Sargenti

Tutor and Instructional Manager

Dana is an expert reading, writing, math and HSPT tutor and also supports our Saturday team as Instructional Manager. Dana is a teacher and Assistant Principal with the Bay Area Archdiocese Elementary Schools.  She graduated with a Physical Education Degree and completed credential coursework at SFSU.  When not teaching at Sylvan or in her classroom, Dana enjoys reading, playing tennis, and yoga.

Sarah Joost

Tutor

Sarah is a warm and engaging literacy tutor who loves helping Sylvan students develop their writing and reading skills. She recently retired from UCSF where she was a Communications Analyst and won a “UCSF Great People Award” for her work with postdoctoral scholars. Sarah has worked alongside literacy specialists in local schools and has always enjoyed tutoring and coaching writing students. She has degrees in Psychology and Journalism from SFSU. In her leisure time, Sarah enjoys creating art and playing with her French Bulldog.

Lauryn Snyder

Tutor

Lauryn is one of our superstar math, science, HSPT, SAT and ACT tutors. She holds a Bachelor’s in Physics from Moravian College and is currently earning her Masters in Physics at SFSU. Lauryn has worked as a teaching assistant both at the college and graduate student level. She has also worked with younger students, doing science demos for elementary students through her college Physics Club. In addition to being an expert in math and science, Lauryn loves to read and knows sign language, too!

Leyla Holt

Tutor

Leyla tailors her tutoring approach to meet the unique needs of each Sylvan student, creating a supportive and student-led learning environment. Her excellent communication skills, patience, and unwavering passion for helping students contribute to her success as a reading and writing tutor. Leyla earned a BA in Psychology and Cognitive Science from UC Berkeley. Leyla has held a number of professional roles in the education, mental health and cognitive research fields and also served as a volunteer writing tutor at 826 Valencia. In her spare time, Leyla enjoys reading, writing, pilates and backpacking.

Julie Wells

Tutor

Julie has been a valued tutor at Sylvan of San Francisco for over 10 years!  With her bachelors in French, a minor in ESL and her teaching credential from San Jose State, Julie is a skilled tutor in reading, elementary math, writing and study skills.  Our students and team love her!  She works with special needs students at a high school in San Francisco and has experience teaching languages at schools in Brentwood and San Jose as well. When Julie is not teaching, you’ll find her reading or listening to classic rock.

Rahil Shaker

Tutor

Rahil loves solving math problems and ignites our students’ enthusiasm for math. She is currently enrolled in the nursing program at USF. Rahil previously received three associates degrees at West Los Angeles College, where she distinguished herself in math and the health sciences. In her spare time, Rahil loves reading, hiking, baking and spending time with friends.

Viha Datt

Tutor

Viha is an experienced math, reading, writing and test prep tutor who connects well with students of all ages. Before joining Sylvan of SF, Viha worked for four years as a tutor and coach at Genie Academy, a tutoring service in New Jersey. She has also worked as a private ESL tutor and as a preschool/day care teaching assistant. Viha earned her B.B.A. in International Management from Pace University and is currently working towards her Masters in International Development and Economics at USF. In her spare time, Viha enjoys reading, watching movies and playing games.

Hanako Rahdert

Tutor

Hanako graduated from SF’s Ruth Asawa School of the Arts and went on to UCLA, where she earned her BS in Applied Mathematics. While studying at UCLA, Hanako was a New Student Advisor and a Learning Assistant for Multivariable Calculus courses. Hanako excels at connecting with students of all ages, having worked with youth in a variety of settings.  She previously worked as a teacher assistant, camp counselor, and summer school instructor for Bay Area Pathways Academy.  Additionally, Hanako has served as a tutor and teacher’s assistant in schools and has been a docent at the Exploratorium. When not busy working, Hanako enjoys swimming, cooking, running and going to concerts.

Ellen Atkinson

Tutor

Ellen is an engaging reading and writing tutor who motivates our language arts students to do their very best work. She is a retired sales and marketing executive who excelled as an empathetic sales trainer. Her retirement activities have included volunteer language arts tutoring at SFUSD and 826 Valencia Street. Ellen holds a BA in English from Yale University. She is a voracious reader of fiction and history and a weekend artist.

Ryan Tso

Tutor

Ryan is a San Francisco native who attended SFUSD public schools before heading to UC Davis, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. Ryan’s friendly, approachable manner makes him an effective math tutor for Sylvan students of all ages, Ryan’s prior experience includes serving as an intern in the Early Education Department at SFUSD. In his free time, Ryan enjoys playing basketball, watching sports and spending time with family.

Warner is one of our most versatile tutors with expertise in math, writing, and college test prep.   Warner is a professional teacher, a published academic writer and a Ph.D. candidate in Sociology at Stanford. He holds a B.S. in Sociology from Texas A & M. He has worked as a Teaching Assistant at both Stanford University and Texas A & M. Our students love him!