Meet Our Team

Mariam Rezian

Senior Director

Mariam Rezian is the Senior Director for Torrance. She has been with Sylvan since 2019. She graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a BA in Liberal Arts and a minor in English Literature. A fun fact about Mariam is that she is Armenian. In her free time, Mariam is an avid Disney fan and loves to read sci-fi and fantasy novels. What she loves most about Sylvan is that we build a foundation in a student’s education. She feels that Sylvan motivates students and gives them the confidence they need to do well and enjoy school.

Anthony Meek

Assistant Director

Anthony graduated from Cal Poly Pomona where he  pursued a Math Degree. He is a certified tutor by Sylvan and his community college. A fun fact about Anthony is that he makes music and sings occasionally. His hobbies include Basketball, golf, baking, cooking, playing video games, and watching Math and chess videos on You Tube. Anthony teaches Math, Reading, and Writing at Sylvan. What he enjoys most about working at Sylvan is watching students understand their work better and gain confidence.

Sofia Hererra

Director of Education

Sofia graduated from CSU Fullerton with her BA in Theater Arts, with an emphasis in Education. Besides working at Sylvan, she is also a certificated LAUSD substitute teacher. She specializes in K-5 Reading and Math.  Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, watching musicals, movies, and playing card/board games. Sophia looks forward to helping students reach their “lightbulb” moment, allowing students to feel proud when something challenging comes their way.

Fabio Marquez

Regional Director

Fabio Marquez is the Regional Director for Sylvan and has been with the company for 7 years. In the Regional Director role, he oversees seven centers and is responsible for operations, sales, and ongoing training. Fabio attended UC Irvine where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics along with a Minor in Latin American Studies. He comes to Sylvan with over a decade of tutoring and directing experience. In 2018, he was nominated for the Center Director of the Year Award. This award spans all centers in North America. Fabio enjoys working with families in order to make an ongoing plan for success.

Todd Crabtree

Executive Director

Todd is our Executive Director and has a life-long passion for helping kids achieve academic success.  Todd is the first to graduate from college in his family and served in the Marine Corp for twelve years.  He has been running learning centers since 1998 and he fully understands the impact a good education can have on a child’s life.  A native Southern California, Todd studied at Cal State Fullerton where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Theater Arts. When Todd isn’t working he’s a full-time husband and Dad, driving his son from one practice to the next.  He fully understands what every parent goes through, trying to help their child become the best he or she can be.

Cherry Arabit

Lead Center Assistant

Cherry Arabit is our amazing Lead Center Assistant here in Torrance. She attended West High School prior to becoming an undergraduate at CSU Channel Islands. She is received B.S. in Health Science and graduated Magna Cum Laude. A fun fact about Cherry is that she has a tuxedo cat names Papas! She also loves going to concerts in her free time. Additionally, Cherry is bilingual and can also speak Tagalog fluently. Her favorite part about working for Sylvan is being able to positively connect with parents, students, and all of our staff her at Sylvan.

Isabelle Delos Angeles

Center Assistant

Isabelle is currently enrolled at Cal State Dominguez Hills where she plans on pursuing her BA Degree in film. Isabelle has been working with students for over two years. She is also in the National Society of Leadership and Success as well as the Tau Sigma Honor Society. She enjoys watching movies and playing video games. A Fun fact about her is that she was born in the Philippines. At Sylvan, she teaches Elementary Math, Middle School Math, and Reading. What she loves most about working at Sylvan is the peaceful environment.

Christine Arabit

Lead Teacher

Christine attended El Camino College and is currently attending Cal State University Dominguez Hills. She is a certified Behavioral Interventionist. Christine’s hobbies include drawing, listening to K-Pop, and dancing. Additionally, Christine is bilingual and can also speak Tagalog fluently. Christine teaches K-5 Reading, Writing, and Math at Sylvan. What she enjoys most about working at Sylvan is working with other teachers and helping students with their schoolwork.

Annabelle Pham

Teacher Assistant

Annabelle attended San Pedro High School and received her High School Diploma. She was on the honor roll for multiple years, and took AP courses throughout high school. She also took college courses at El Camino during High School. She is currently enrolled at El Camino College where she plans on pursuing her AA Degree then transferring to a four year University. Annabelle enjoys playing video games. A Fun fact about Annabelle is that she went snorkeling with sea turtles . At Sylvan, she teaches Elementary Math, Higher level Math, and Reading. What she loves most about working at Sylvan is getting to know students and help them achieve their academic goals just like she did when she was a student.

Melissa Sterzick

Teacher

Melissa Sterzick is one of our well-loved Writing instructors. She grew up in rural California and attended Hemet High School before going on to Brigham Young University. There, she studied Journalism and was awarded a Dow Jones Editing Internship. Her long-standing passion for all things literary has roots in her robust career as a journalist. Before joining Sylvan, Melissa worked as a reporter for a variety of publications. At Sylvan, she teaches Reading and Writing. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, and doing yoga. Some fun facts about her are that she used to own a cow named Hamburger, and she can sing in Hawaiian! What Melissa appreciates the most about Sylvan is getting to know the students.

Shannon Martin

Teacher

Shannon Martin bears many years of educational experience. She studied at Cal. State University, Dominguez Hills where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.  Her hobbies include bike riding, racquetball, and walking along the beach. Shannon believes that every child learns in their own unique way.

Lisa Parks

Teacher

Lisa graduated from Southwestern University where she completed her bachelors degree. She went on to pursue her masters degree at Southwest Texas University. Lisa also has a teaching credential for grades K-6. Lisa has taught 1st grade, and has experience in working with younger students. At Sylvan, she specializes in teaching Beginning Reading.

Lucy Terarakelyan

Teacher

Lucy attended California State University LA and received her BA Degree in Language Arts. She then went on to pursue her MS degree and EdD in Educational Leadership. Lucy also has teaching and administrative credentials. Lucy loves to garden, fish, and bake. A Fun fact about Lucy is that she enjoys creating children’s stories. At Sylvan, Lucy teaches Writing, Reading, and Elementary Math. Lucy speaks Armenian and Russian. What Lucy loves most about working at Sylvan is the teamwork.

Nathan Rodriguez

Teacher

Nathan currently attends Cal State Long Beach where he is pursing a Math Degree. He graduated from Long Beach City College where he earned his degree in Math and Science. He has always had a passion for Math and has experience in tutoring students. Some of Nathan’s hobbies are screen printing, playing bass guitar, wood working, and fixing cars. At Sylvan, he teaches Elementary Math, Higher level Math, and Reading.

Yolanda Villacreses

Teacher

Yolanda currently attends Cal State Dominguez Hills where he is pursing a Teaching Certificate. She earned her BA from Loyola Marymount University and her MA from Pepperdine University. She is a certified K-12 substitute for Torrance Unified school district and has a Equity Matters certificate for teachers working in the classroom. She has also prepared high school students for their college applications. In her free time Yolanda likes to volunteer at her local church, run, hike, and read. At Sylvan, she teaches Elementary Math, Higher level Math, and Reading. What she enjoys most about working at Sylvan is building confidence in students.

Mason Ramos

Teacher

Mason currently attends Cal State Long Beach where he is pursing a Math Degree. He has four years of tutoring experience and one year of teaching experience at Sylvan. Some of his hobbies are cooking, fishing, surfing, and watching scary movies. A fun fact about him is that in high school he played the baritone, vibraphone, gong, and drums! At Sylvan, he teaches Elementary Math, Higher level Math, Reading, and Writing. What he enjoys most about Sylvan is seeing progression in students understanding of skills.

Bailey Shaw

Teacher

Bailey graduated from Arizona State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education (teaching in both general and special education classrooms). She has experience working in a classroom setting and at Sylvan. Some of her hobbies are reading and spending time outside. At Sylvan, she teaches Elementary Math, and Beginning Reading. A fun fact about her is that she has lived in 8 different states! What she enjoys most about working at Sylvan is building relationships with students and watching them reach their academic goals.

Michael Cortez

Teacher

Michael graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelors in Creative Writing. He was on the Dean’s Honor Roll for 2 years at the University of California, Riverside. His hobbies include writing, building Legos, and playing with his cat. At Sylvan, Michael specializes in Reading and Writing. Michael loves how hands on Sylvan is and is looking forward to help our students to succeed.