Our Family
Svetlana Tunyan
Founder & DirectorWith more than a decade of experience working with young children, Svetlana Tunyan is the founder, director, and lead educator of Tunyan Early Learning Academy. Her approach is rooted in a simple belief: children learn best when they feel safe, known, confident, and genuinely excited to discover the world around them.
Svetlana holds UCLA Extension Certificates in Early Childhood Education as both an Associate Teacher and Lead Teacher, graduating with Distinction. She is also certified in Play Therapy and has completed Stanford University’s Child Nutrition and Cooking program, bringing together child development, emotional well-being, and thoughtful nutrition in her approach to early childhood education.
Her teaching draws from play-based learning, Reggio Emilia inspiration, Montessori principles, and hands-on STEM exploration. Art, music, movement, nature, curiosity, independence, and meaningful human connection are woven into each child’s day.
As both an educator and a mother, Svetlana understands how deeply parents want their children to be seen and understood. Her goal is to create the kind of childhood environment where children can become more fully themselves—curious, capable, kind, resilient, and eager to learn.
Lead Early Childhood Educator | UCLA Certified Early Childhood Educator | Certified Play Therapist | Stanford Child Nutrition & Cooking Certificate
“My greatest joy is watching a child discover something new for the very first time. Those moments of confidence, curiosity, and pride are what inspire everything we do.”
Anna Gevorgyan
Senior Teacher
With more than 30 years of experience working with children, Anna Gevorgyan is the Senior Teacher at Tunyan Early Learning Academy. She brings warmth, patience, and a deep understanding of how young children learn, helping each child build the confidence and independence they need for the transition to kindergarten and beyond.
Anna has a particular gift for turning learning into something children can experience with their hands. She created the Academy’s beloved clay program, where children develop fine motor skills while exploring their creativity and imagination. She also leads cooking experiences that introduce healthy ingredients, practical life skills, and the confidence that comes from making something themselves.
Anna holds a bachelor’s degree in Robotics Engineering, bringing an unusual combination of technical thinking, creativity, and more than three decades of teaching experience to the classroom. Her background naturally informs the Academy’s hands-on approach to problem-solving, exploration, and early STEM learning.
As a senior member of the teaching team, Anna also oversees the Academy in the Director’s absence, providing children and families with continuity, consistency, and the same thoughtful standard of care.
30+ Years of Teaching Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Robotics Engineering
Artur Tunyan
Tennis Program InstructorArtur Tunyan is a USPTA-certified tennis coach who brings his love of the game to Tunyan Early Learning Academy through our weekly tennis program. His approach is playful, encouraging, and designed specifically to help young children experience the joy of movement while building confidence in their physical abilities.
Through age-appropriate activities and engaging games, children develop the foundations of tennis alongside essential skills such as coordination, balance, agility, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The focus is never simply on learning to hit a ball—it’s on helping children become comfortable with movement, enjoy being active, and feel proud of what their bodies can do.
Artur’s positive coaching style ensures that every child can experience success, creating an early relationship with sports and healthy movement that can last well beyond the preschool years.
USPTA-Certified Tennis Coach | Tennis Program Instructor
Liana Zhamagortsyan
Clay & Pottery Instructor
Liana Zhamagortsyan is a professional conservator and restorer of archaeological metal and ceramic artifacts, bringing a remarkable blend of art, history, craftsmanship, and creativity to Tunyan Early Learning Academy.
As our Clay & Pottery Instructor, Liana introduces children to the tactile joy of working with clay through imaginative, hands-on projects. As they shape, build, and create, children strengthen fine motor skills, concentration, patience, and confidence while discovering the satisfaction of bringing their own ideas to life.
With her warm and nurturing approach, Liana creates an environment where experimentation is encouraged and every child can experience the pride and joy of making something uniquely their own.
Professional Conservator & Restorer | Archaeological Metal & Ceramic Artifacts | Clay & Pottery Instructor
Naira Grigoryan
Piano & Early Childhood Music EducatorWith more than 15 years of experience, Naira Grigoryan is a Piano and Early Childhood Music Educator who brings music to life through movement, language, rhythm, and play.
Her dynamic classes combine singing in three languages with rhythmic movement, introductory music theory, ear training, dance, and interactive musical games. Each lesson offers something new, inviting children to listen, move, experiment, and experience the joy of making music together.
Beyond developing early musical skills, Naira’s classes strengthen memory, coordination, focused listening, language development, and self-expression. Her joyful, encouraging approach gives children the confidence to participate freely while building a meaningful foundation for a lifelong relationship with music.
Piano & Early Childhood Music Educator 15+ Years of Teaching Experience