Meet our Guelph Tutoring Staff

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Great Teachers Inspire

Our tutors and staff in Guelph consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Guelph know how to engage and motivate each child in a personal way—building confidence and smiles, as well as skills and better scores. We selectively choose tutors who know local curriculum and can link Sylvan lessons to what’s being taught in school. Get to know our tutors and staff in Guelph!

  • Jessie Smitham, Centre Director

    Jessie Smitham

    Centre Director

    As the Guelph Centre Director, Jessie works very closely with all staff, students and Sylvan families. An Ontario Certified teacher with Upper Grand District School Board, Jessie chose a career in the tutoring business because she is able to make such a huge difference in the lives of Sylvan students. Jessie received her Honours Degree from McMaster University and went on to receive her Bachelor's of Education from the University of Windsor. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find Jessie enjoying the outdoors while hiking and kayaking or curled up with a good book.
  • Jenna Rowland, Assistant Director

    Jenna Rowland

    Assistant Director

    Jenna Rowland is one of our Assistant Directors. She has her Honours degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and her diploma in Social Service Work from Sheridan College. Jenna believes strongly that a key ingredient to success in learning is confidence. With her previous experience as Leadership and Engagement Manager at Sheridan College, she strives to bring out the inner leader and an enthusiasm for learning in each of our students. When she isn't at Sylvan, Jenna enjoys a good games night, going to concerts and festivals and enjoying outdoor adventures with her family.
  • Abbie Schaefer, Education Coordinator

    Abbie Schaefer

    Education Coordinator

    Abbie oversees the educational integrity of our programs. A former tutor herself, Abbie brings a wealth of knowledge of our programs to Sylvan Guelph. Abbie graduated from the University of Guelph. When not at Sylvan, Abbie can be found surrounded by her cats and with a good book in hand.
  • Jocelyn, Teacher

    Jocelyn

    Teacher

    Jocelyn is a certified elementary teacher with the Upper Grand District School Board.  Her favourite part about teaching at Sylvan is assisting with students development of skills and watching their confidence grow.  Jocelyn received both her undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Guelph and her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Ottawa.  When Jocelyn is not at Sylvan, she enjoys reading, playing video games and spending time with friends and family.
  • Katherine, Teacher

    Katherine

    Teacher

    Katherine works with the Waterloo Regional District School Board. She gets great enjoyment from watching the academic confidence of her students grow. Katherine graduated, with Honours, from Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology. When she isn’t at Sylvan, You will find Katherine playing baseball, ball hockey and spending time with her family! 
  • Rebecca, Teacher

    Rebecca

    Teacher

    Rebecca is a graduate student at the University of Guelph with Lang School of Business and Economics. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree from the University of Guelph. Rebecca enjoys helping students build confidence in their study and time-management skills. When not at Sylvan, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her dog, Shasta, and pony, Raven.
  • Safia, Teacher

    Safia

    Teacher

    Safia is a passionate teacher who has a Masters in English language and Literature. She is a certified teacher with close to 10 years of experience. She enjoys seeing the progress of her Sylvan students and finding out what strategies work for each of them. She believes that her education, exposure, and experience are her biggest assets. Being multilingual is yet another skill of hers. When not at Sylvan, she enjoys reading and spending time with family!
  • Krista, Teacher

    Krista

    Teacher

    Krista is an Educational Assistant with the Wellington Catholic DSB. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies as well as Contemporary through Wilfrid Laurier University. Krista began taking courses in Concurrent Education, before realizing her passion lies within teaching and supporting students on an individualized basis. Krista loves working with her students, she works to accommodate students so they are able to not only thrive in their learning but build up their confidence as well. She believes growth and successes should be celebrated in learning, no matter the size. When not at Sylvan, you can find Krista spending time outside, cuddling her dog or knitting
  • Olivia, Teacher

    Olivia

    Teacher

    Olivia is a Ph.D. student at the University of Guelph. She received her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at the University of Guelph as well. Olivia enjoys teaching math and helping out students with their homework! When not at Sylvan, Olivia enjoys reading, playing volleyball, anything outside, being with her family, and flying airplanes. 
  • Kara Elliott, Teacher

    Kara Elliott

    Teacher

    Kara is a certified teacher with the Upper Grand District school board. She received her Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University. Kara enjoys helping students reach their goals by tapping into their unique strengths and interests. When not at Sylvan, Kara enjoys hiking and being a pizza connoisseur!