Meet Our Team

Jessica Agopian

Executive Director

Director

As the Owner and Center Director of Sylvan Learning Center of West Covina, Jessica brings a dynamic mix of creativity, leadership, and dedication to student success. With a passion for helping students reach their full potential, she skillfully manages the center’s daily operations, blending her event planning expertise with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Long Beach State University.

Jessica has always had a heart for working with children, turning that passion into a fulfilling career at Sylvan. Her energetic spirit and commitment to academic growth create a supportive and inspiring environment for students, parents, and staff alike. When she’s not at Sylvan, you can often find her enjoying Disneyland with her season pass in hand!

Chelsea Moore

Director of Education

Director

Chelsea is the Director of Education in West Covina. She helps develop and implement learning strategies to help each student reach their academic potential and beyond. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from CSULA. In college, she worked as a private tutor for students of all ages. There she found her passion for working with children. She also has a background in ABA Therapy and worked as a Registered Behavior Technician. Chelsea started as a Sylvan instructor and worked up to the Director position! When she isn’t at Sylvan, Chelsea likes to spend time with family and enjoys film photography. She also loves to travel and explore the outdoors with her fiancé and their two pups!

Julianna Lee

Program Manager

Julianna started as an instructor at Sylvan and has since taken on multiple roles, including Center Assistant and Program Manager. With a strong background in literature and a deep love for reading, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing & English from Southern New Hampshire University. Her goal at Sylvan is to help students discover the joy of reading and writing, just as she has.

Outside of work, Julianna enjoys painting landscapes, diving into fictional worlds, playing video games, and binge-watching shows across all streaming platforms. She’s also a foodie who loves exploring new fine dining restaurants with friends.

Kurosh Zamiri

Teacher

As a recent graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Kurosh is excited to begin this new chapter in his journey. While his long-term goal is to pursue a career in medicine, he is deeply committed to fostering the growth and success of students. His dedication to education and mentorship makes him a valuable addition to the Sylvan team.

Growing up in the close-knit community of San Dimas, Kurosh has always carried a selfless and supportive mindset. His ability to combine academic knowledge with a strong connection to his local roots allows him to create meaningful learning experiences for students.

In his free time, Kurosh enjoys weightlifting, playing basketball, and staying active. As a passionate Lakers fan and an avid gym-goer, he never misses an opportunity to challenge himself physically and mentally. His professional, driven, and encouraging nature aligns perfectly with the goals and values of Sylvan Learning Center.

Mario Ortiz

Teacher

Mario was born and raised in Baldwin Park, CA, and always had a passion for learning, education, and the sciences. It was through tutoring his own siblings that he learned the importance of teaching and how it should be tailored uniquely to each individual.

He took this ideology with him while he completed his degree in nutritional sciences at the University of California, Berkeley. Throughout his time there, he worked with underclassmen and tutored them in pre-medical coursework.

He hopes to share his love of the sciences and find new, fun, and interesting ways to simplify complicated topics in the STEM world.

Joana Gomez

Teacher

Joana was born in Los Angeles but later moved to Pico Rivera. Within the Los Angeles Unified School District, she developed a love for learning at a young age, which sparked her interest in becoming a teacher.

Joana is currently attending Cal State Los Angeles to complete her teaching credential. She has been working in education since 2014, gaining experience as an after-school program leader, an instructional aide, and a teacher assistant. Her passion and dedication to educating students drive her as she works toward finishing her credential.

When she’s not busy with school or work, Joana enjoys catching up on shows, reading, and taking walks. She also loves spending time with her loved ones.

Rosa Figueroa

Teacher

Rosa has been a valued tutor at Sylvan since 2009, bringing years of experience and a passion for education to the team. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and teaching credential from California State University, Los Angeles. Before joining Sylvan, she worked as a substitute teacher for the Mountain View School District and now teaches high school English in the La Puente area.

A lifelong learner and avid traveler, Rosa loves reading and exploring new places. She’s a dedicated Los Angeles Dodgers fan and enjoys staying active by playing volleyball and running. And like a true Disney fan, she also loves spending time at Disneyland!

Alexandra Diaz

Teacher

Alexandra earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles, and has a strong background in academic support. Prior to joining Sylvan, she worked with LAUSD students impacted by the challenges of COVID, helping them regain their academic footing and build confidence in their abilities.

Passionate about fostering a supportive and encouraging learning environment, Alexandra is dedicated to helping students feel empowered in their academic journeys. She strives to inspire a love for learning while equipping students with the skills they need to succeed.

In her free time, Alexandra enjoys going to the gym, reading, and spending quality time with friends. Her enthusiasm for education and student growth makes her a valued member of the Sylvan team.

Richard Pablo

Teacher

Richard is currently an undergraduate student at Cal Poly Pomona, studying Electrical Engineering with the goal of graduating by 2026. His love for learning and passion for education led him to Sylvan, where he is dedicated to guiding students in their academic growth. He hopes to inspire students to pursue higher education and develop confidence in their abilities.

Beyond Sylvan, Richard enjoys staying active by running and working out. He also loves playing video games and spending time with friends. His enthusiasm for both academics and mentorship makes him a valuable part of the Sylvan team.

Carolina Quiroz

Teacher

Carolina earned her Associate degree in Elementary Education from Citrus College and is currently pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies at Cal Poly Pomona. Passionate about education, she is dedicated to creating a positive, inclusive learning environment where students feel encouraged and empowered. Carolina aspires to become an elementary school teacher and eventually move into school administration, allowing her to make an even broader impact on student success.

Outside of the classroom, Carolina enjoys playing video games, catching the latest movies at the theater, and spending quality time with her family. Her enthusiasm for education, combined with her caring approach, makes her a valuable addition to the Sylvan Learning team.

Alec Rodriguez

Teacher

Alec has a unique ability to see the world from different perspectives, always seeking creative solutions to challenges. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from California State University, Fullerton, in 2023 and is on his way to becoming a full-time educator. Passionate about lifelong learning, Alec believes that education is an ongoing journey and that every student has the potential to succeed.

With a deep love for both mathematics and history, Alec enjoys sharing fascinating facts and helping students develop strong problem-solving skills. His goal is to inspire students to become critical and creative thinkers, equipping them with the tools they need for academic success.

Outside of Sylvan, Alec is a true movie enthusiast who enjoys discussing the art of cinema and collecting movie posters. He also loves spending time at Disneyland with his family and is known for his exceptional planning skills. Whether in the classroom or beyond, Alec is always ready to lend a helping hand and support students on their learning journeys.