Meet our Westminster Tutoring Staff

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Great Teachers Inspire

Our tutors and staff in Broomfield consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Westminster 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 Broomfield!

  • Meredith Lee, Center Director

    Meredith Lee

    Center Director

    Meredith has been with Sylvan since 2008.  She holds a BA in Child Development from California State University - Sacramento and has a CA multi-subject clear teaching credential with an emphasis in multi-cultural planning.  Meredith is 3 units shy of her MA in Special Education with a moderate/severe credential.  Meredith grew up in California, but loves living in Colorado for the snow, snow, snow! In her spare time, Meredith loves going on adventures with her daughter, Marley. 
  • Christine Vallen, Director of Community Relations

    Christine Vallen

    Director of Community Relations

    Christine has spent many years in the not-for-profit field, as a reading specialist volunteer, an Assistant Director of Family Ministries, as a church staff member, and a professional storyteller for preschools and churches. Sylvan Learning’s beliefs resonate with Christine’s goal of maximizing the overall learning experience in children of all age levels and investing in furthering children’s potential to grow and succeed academically and in life. When Christine is not at Sylvan Learning she enjoys reading, hiking the beautiful mountains and trails of Colorado, and spending time with her family and dog, Alli.
  • Julian Fischer, Teacher

    Julian Fischer

    Teacher

    Julian has been with Sylvan Broomfield since January 2015.  Julian holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Pittsburgh State University and a Master's in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix.  Julian has more than 5 years teaching grades 2 - 6.  Julian also worked at Sylvan in Scottsdale, AZ.  Julian taught students of all ages in various programs. Julian also served as an Assistant Director of Education and assisted in training and managed student programs.  At Sylvan Broomfield, Julian tutors our students in Academic Reading, Math Foundations, and Study Skills.  Julian enjoys mountain biking, reading, listening to music, and watching movies.
  • Joanna Van Esson, Teacher

    Joanna Van Esson

    Teacher

    Joanna is the School Support Coach in Broomfield, CO with a gift for working with kids. She enjoys helping students with their virtual school and lessons. Joanna finds great joy in connecting with students and finding ways to relate with them. When Joanna is not at Sylvan, you will find her hiking mountain trails with her dogs and enjoying the beauty of Colorado. Family is especially important to Joanna and they send a weekly family game night learning new games and playing old favorites.
  • Lora Fulton, Teacher

    Lora Fulton

    Teacher

    Lora is an instructor in Broomfield, CO with a gift for working with kids. While Lora has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading and language arts tutoring.  When Lora isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with friends and family and volunteering around town.
  • Sean Rector, Teacher

    Sean Rector

    Teacher

    Sean is a teacher in Broomfield, CO with a gift for working with kids.  While Sean has many talents, he finds the greatest joy in reading and literacy tutoring.  He studied at MSU Denver.  When Sean isn't at Sylvan you'll find him watching basketball
  • Tonya Smith, Teacher

    Tonya Smith

    Teacher

    Tonya is a literature teacher in Broomfield, CO with a gift for working with kids. While Tonya has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in writing tutoring. She studied at the University of LA at Monroe. When Tonya isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her  being a homeschool mom for her two children.
  • Tracy Barela, Teacher

    Tracy Barela

    Teacher

    Tracy is an amazing and caring tutor in Broomfield, CO.  She has special expertise in reading development.  Friendly and kind, Tracy has a great ability to relate to kids.  She studied at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.  When Tracy isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her at swim meets watching her son or at an airport flying with her son.  She also enjoys beautiful Colorado outdoors during the summer months.
  • Ethan Kohn, Teacher

    Ethan Kohn

    Teacher

    Ethan is a curious learner and educator in Westminster, CO.  He has special expertise in reading and writing skills.  Eager and bold, Ethan has a great ability to empathize with kids.  He studied at Colorado State University.  When Ethan is not at Sylvan, he enjoys writing, reading, hiking, and basketball.
  • Nicole Finan, Teacher

    Nicole Finan

    Teacher

    Nicole is a tutor in Broomfield, CO with a gift for teaching.  While she has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math and science.  She studied Animal behavior and Spanish and Bucknell University.  When Nicole isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her cooking, hiking, and looking for critters in nature.
  • Jennifer Bellestri, Executive Director

    Jennifer Bellestri

    Executive Director

    Jennifer is the Executive Director of the Sylvan Centers in Colorado serving Lone Tree/Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Colorado Springs, and Broomfield. With over 26 years of Sylvan experience, Jennifer has been privileged to work with families and students as a tutor, Director of Education, and Center Director before taking on the role of Executive Director. Her mission is to foster a safe and joyful environment where students build confidence and the ability to achieve their full potential. When not working with the Sylvan centers Jennifer enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family, dogs, and friends.
  • Mark Bellestri, Marketing/CFO/Owner

    Mark Bellestri

    Marketing/CFO/Owner

    As Marketing Director, Mark leads the outside awareness and community development for Sylvan of Highlands Ranch and Parker. An entrepreneur at heart, Mark has owned a variety of businesses over the past decade. Mark chose a career in the tutoring business because he is driven by helping students achieve their full potential. When Mark isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him hiking or reading.