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.
  • Bec Fisher, Assistant Director

    Bec Fisher

    Assistant Director

    Bec is our Assistant Director who has a passion for education. She believes heavily in the power of a good education and believes every child is capable of learning. Bec enjoys meeting and getting to know all the amazing Sylvan families and seeing the children's faces when a skill clicks for them. When not at Sylvan, Bec enjoys spending time with her 2 nephews, being with family at the cottage, and playing with her two dogs, Ted and Bella.
  • 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.
  • Angela McComiskey, Assistant Director

    Angela McComiskey

    Assistant Director

    Angela is the Assistant Director at Sylvan Learning in Guelph. She received her Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science and minors in both Legal and International Studies from the University of Waterloo. Angela enjoys that look of amazement that students get when they finally understand something they've been struggling with! When not at Sylvan, Angela enjoys sewing, reading, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and taking walks when it's nice out with a good audiobook. She also has two pet cats, named Achillies and Smokie.
  • 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.
  • Lisa, Teacher

    Lisa

    Teacher

    Lisa is an elementary teacher with the Upper Grand District School Board. She has a passion for educating children of all ages and enjoys watching them learn and grow as individuals. Lisa graduated from Brock University with an Honours Degree and a Bachelor's degree of Education. When Lisa isn't at Sylvan she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family and friends.
  • Abbie Schaefer, Teacher

    Abbie Schaefer

    Teacher

    Abbie is a student at the University of Guelph and is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Science. She loves seeing her students learn and grow. When not at Sylvan, Abbie can be found surrounded by her cats and with a good book in hand.
  • Mohamed, Teacher

    Mohamed

    Teacher

    Mohamed graduated from the University of Guelph's Mechanical Engineering program and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering. Mohamed's love for teaching comes from the satisfaction of interacting with students, and seeing them overcome their weaknesses and achieving success. During his free time Mohamed loves playing different kinds of sports such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball.
  • 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! 
  • Jordan, Teacher

    Jordan

    Teacher

    Jordan is a certified elementary school teacher with the Upper Grand District School Board. Her favourite part about teaching at Sylvan is being able to work with students in small groups and seeing their personal growth. Jordan received her undergraduate degree from McMaster University in Health Studies with a minor in Anthropology and Community Engagement. She then attended Queen’s University to obtain her Bachelors of Education where she specialized in exceptional learners. When Jordan is not at Sylvan, she enjoys walking her dog Odie, dancing, playing hockey, dirt bike riding, and spending time with her friends and 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.
  • Mary, Teacher

    Mary

    Teacher

    Mary is a certified teacher at Wellington Hall Academy teaching grade 5/6. She received her Honours in History and Bachelor of Education at Nipissing University. Mary enjoys getting to connect with students on a regular basis and learning about their interests academically and outside of Sylvan. When not at Sylvan, Mary enjoys working out, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
  • Ben Kelso, Teacher

    Ben Kelso

    Teacher

    Ben is a graduate of the University of Guelph's Nanoscience program. He loves taking mathematical and scientific concepts that students find challenging and simplifying them in a way that makes them very easy to understand. His favorite shape is the triangle, for a list of reasons he can talk to you about. Outside tutoring he is more than likely drinking copious volumes of coffee, programming, drumming, or some mix of the above. 
  • 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
  • Maddie Bluhm, Teacher

    Maddie Bluhm

    Teacher

    Maddie is an undergraduate student, finishing her last year at the University of Guelph earning a bachelor of applied science with a major in Child Studies. Maddie enjoys getting to connect with students and helping students build confidence and a love of learning. When not at Sylvan, Maddie enjoys being out in nature, camping, and going on hikes with her family and dog, Tundra.
  • 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!