Meet Our Team

Jennifer Bloss

Director of Education

Jennifer has worked for Sylvan in various capacities since 1996, serving as an instructor, program quality manager, and Director of Education. She shares a commitment to educational quality and a love for learning. Her educational training, including a Master’s in Multicultural Education, coupled with her extensive experience at Sylvan, aids her in helping students to reach their full potential.

Jennifer oversees the educational integrity of our programs and tutors students at the Clifton Park Sylvan Center in Reading, Writing, Study Skills, Math, and College prep.

Cat Schwartzbeck

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Cat oversees operations at the Sylvan Learning Centers of Albany and Clifton Park. She knows the value of a high quality education and is committed to ensuring that each family has a positive experience at Sylvan. Cat returned to Sylvan after working in both public and private education as an administrator. She chose a career in the tutoring business because it provides opportunities to help students of all ages and abilities reach their full potential. She received her Masters of Business Administration from SUNY Albany. When Cat isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her pup and enjoying the outdoors.

Angie Robinson

Teacher

Angie is a previous Sylvan Online instructor and transferred to Clifton Park in 2011. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching Certification in Comprehensive Science from Youngstown State University as well as a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University. She teaches physics for the Stillwater School District. At Sylvan, she finds it fun to see our students proud of learning new things, and they form an easy bond over her favorite hobby: playing video games.

Angie tutors reading, math, biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, study skills, SAT Prep and ACT Prep at the Clifton Park Sylvan center.

Tom Leewe

Teacher

Tom has taught at Sylvan since 1997 and is a favorite among Sylvan students. Tom recently retired after over 20 years of teaching at Stillwater High School, and he is a Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserves.

Tom tutors students at the Clifton Park Sylvan Center in Reading, Writing, Math, Study Skills, and Global & US History Regents prep.

Elise Charlebois

Teacher

Elise has been with Sylvan since the fall of 2013. She is a State Certified Mathematics teacher and works for the Shenendehowa School District as a substitute teacher for Math, Science, French and English classes. In her spare time, Elise works at Schenectady Civic Players running lights, house managing at Capital Repertory Theatre and singing with the Clifton Park Community Chorus.

Elise tutors students at the Albany and Clifton Park Sylvan Centers in Math (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II/Trig, Pre-Calculus and Calculus), Reading and SAT Prep.

Becky Tennyson

Teacher

Becky joined our Clifton Park team in 2019. She is a graduate of The College of Saint Rose and is certified in Childhood Education, 7-12 Science, and Biology. Becky has been a science teacher for 16 years, and also coaches multiple sports. She especially enjoys the outdoors, including hiking, running, and skiing. She enjoys working with our Sylvan students in the Math, Reading, and Writing programs, but her true love is helping her students appreciate the glory of the sciences!

Bryanna Hebenstreit

Teacher

Bryanna joined the Clifton Park team in April 2021. Bry earned Masters degrees in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Communication from the University at Albany. Currently, Bry is completing her PhD in Communications and teaching multiple courses at The University at Albany and The College of Saint Rose including: Public Speaking, Intercultural Communication, and Intro to Mass Media. At Sylvan, Bry most enjoys helping students improve their reading and writing fluency so they can communicate effectively and with confidence! In addition to her teaching reading and writing, Bry also teaches Study Skills, and the SAT/ACT test prep program.

Amanda joined the Sylvan team in October of 2021. She is a graduate of SUNY – Oneonta and holds both her bachelor’s and teaching certification in childhood education. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Literacy. At Sylvan, Amanda teaches reading, writing, and math.

Rachel Bautista – Emory

Tutor

Rachel is a certified K -12 Special Edu Teacher. She graduated with Phi Kappa Phi Honors at Russell Sage College Masters in Education program. She has taught for a non-profit Albany School for 30 years teaching a specialized GED prep program as well as Math, English, Social Studies, and Science. At Sylvan, her skills as a Special Edu Teacher coupled with her knowledge of different subject areas make her adapt and modify the learning programs to suit the student’s individual needs. Rachel loves the intangible reward of seeing her students’ smiles and sense of accomplishment for tackling a challenging skill. “For me, the glow of achievement on a student’s face is always priceless.”

Marlee Wood

Tutor

Marlee is a life skills teacher at Cambridge Central School District. She also coaches modified softball and varsity volleyball for Cambridge. She holds an MSED in English/Special Education from The College of Saint Rose. Marlee is excited about working at Sylvan and getting to know our students. She is looking forward to making lasting connections and helping students to succeed.