Meet our Coon Rapids Tutoring Staff

SylvanStaff_06

Great Teachers Inspire

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

  • Christiana Beard, Enrollment Coordinator

    Christiana Beard

    Enrollment Coordinator

    Christiana is our Enrollment Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris with a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, having also minored in Biology. Christiana loves working for Sylvan because she truly values education and knows that having the right tools to academic success early on can open so many doors for the future. Watching and helping kids close their learning gaps is one of the most fulfilling jobs one could ever have. When Christian is not at Sylvan, she enjoys traveling, eating lots of food, and playing with her dog, Minnie.
  • Emmanuel Saye, Senior Area Director

    Emmanuel Saye

    Senior Area Director

    Emmanuel has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He finds making a difference in the lives of the youth the most valuable aspect to his role with Sylvan Learning Centers. When he is not working with Sylvan, Emmanuel enjoys spending quality time with his family. 
  • Julie Balzum, Director of Education

    Julie Balzum

    Director of Education

    Julie oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors in Coon Rapids. As a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Morris with degrees in English and Music, Julie brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan of Coon Rapids. She enjoys working with kids and learning their unique perspectives on the world. When Julie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, stamping, card-making, cross-stitching, and playing piano.
  • Olivia Snyder, Area Director of Operations and Education

    Olivia Snyder

    Area Director of Operations and Education

    Olivia is our Area Director of Operations and Education. She works with all our Twin Cities centers to maintain operational and academic excellence. Olivia has been with Sylvan for 5 years and holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Bethel University. Prior to working at Sylvan, Olivia taught 1st grade in Minneapolis. She is passionate about education and building confidence in all students. When Olivia is not at Sylvan she enjoys reading, watching soccer, and playing board games.