Meet Our Team

Jessie Smitham

Executive Director

Director

As the Guelph Executive 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

Centre Director

Director

Jenna Rowland is our Centre Director. 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.

Jessica Downs

Assistant Director

Director

Jessica Downs is an Assistant Director at our Centre. She values the time she gets to spend with our students and the progress she can see before her eyes. Jessica achieved a degree in Child and Youth Care at Humber College and is happy to use the skills she has learned around our Centre. She enjoys building a love of learning in each and every student she meets. Outside of work, Jessica loves going on hikes with her boyfriend and spending time in with her beloved kitty, Oscar.

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 with a degree in Physical Science and will be continuing her education with Laurier’s Teacher Education program. Abbie loves to spend time in our classrooms and the sense of fulfillment when she sees the progress our students make. When not at Sylvan, Abbie can be found surrounded by her cats, Bucky and Clara, and with a good book in hand.

Jocelyn

Teacher

Director

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 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 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.

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 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 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!