Meet our Coventry Tutoring Staff

Rebecca has been with Sylvan Learning Center for over 20 years. She graduated with a dual degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. Her role as teacher and Director evolved into Business Franchisee Owner. Rebecca believes in the quality of Sylvan’s programs. She chooses teachers that share her pride in Sylvan’s personalized approach. Over the course of her career, she has been privy to countless triumphs over academic challenges. She has observed students of all ages reach their fullest potential and improve their love of learning. In addition to her role at Sylvan, she is mom to an 8 year old. Rebecca delights in her role as mother and Fundraising Chairperson for Pack #23 scouts.

Erin graduated cum laude from RIC where she received a B.A. in English. She completed the Teacher Certification Program at PC. Erin began working as a tester in 2007 and began teaching at Sylvan in 2010. She is responsible for creating and managing programs for all students, as well as administering diagnostic and progress tests. Erin’s favorite part of teaching is witnessing her students grow academically and confidently. She gains the most enjoyment out of seeing students who are struggling succeed and seeing the joy that results from their successes. Erin teaches Reading, Math, Writing, Study Skills, STEM, Accelerated Reading, and SAT/ACT Test Prep.    

Steve has taught at Sylvan for 17 years! He received a Bachelors and a Masters in English from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Steve is highly enthusiastic and knowledgeable—both qualities are shared with his students. He is passionate about the learning material and loves teaching in an environment that eliminates common stressors for students. Steve loves sports (mainly basketball, baseball, and football,) writing, and exploring mountains and beaches.

Kendal is currently attending CCRI and is planning to study Communicative Disorders at URI in the immediate future. For Kendal, working at Sylvan has been a rewarding experience as it has given her so many opportunities. Sylvan has provided her with exposure to working with families and children. One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a member of the team is getting to meet new students and testing them. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch their confidence grow during their time at Sylvan. Her favorite things to do, outside of the center, are going to the beach, spending time with friends, and shopping second hand.

Tracy has been with Sylvan Learning since October 2021. She graduated from Rhode Island College with a Master's in the Art of Teaching. Prior to tutoring at Sylvan, Tracy taught Elementary education for 8 years in Coventry, RI. She is passionate about student success and connection; Tracy loves Sylvan as she has a front-row seat to observe her student’s amazing progress achieved through determination and practice. When not tutoring, you may find Tracy in her garden, doing crafts, or spending time with her dog, Jasper.

Jenny has a Bachelors in History with a minor in Anthropology. She's currently working on her Master's degree. She was also part of a research team that analyzed curriculum throughout the state of Rhode Island. Jenny loves the individualized nature and positive impact that comes from teaching at Sylvan. According to Jenny, “the support systems in place make everything more successful, which translates into what the students take away from their sessions”. Outside of Sylvan, Jenny loves cats. She currently has five, most are named after her favorite TV characters. She also loves visiting museums and reading murder mystery novels. 

Emily earned her degree in Psychology from URI and is enrolled at RIC studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has worked with children with autism and taught kids from ages 3 to 12 years old. Students are important to her, and she enjoys making a positive difference in their lives. A favorite memory of hers is hearing a nonverbal child with autism speak for the first time. For her, it was a very rewarding experience to see his hard work pay off. It is important to Emily that Sylvan recognizes that every child has their own learning style and pace. Tennis and piano are among Emily's favorite activities. She also owns a dog sitting business.

Cathy holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Special Education. Before Sylvan, Cathy worked at The Fogarty Center for 40 years. Additionally, she was responsible for overseeing two child care programs that served infants to school-age children. Cathy says that the most rewarding aspect of teaching is seeing her students reach their maximum potential. Throughout her time working at Sylvan, Cathy has enjoyed the positive environment created by staff, as well as watching students' confidence flourish. In her free time, Cathy enjoys spending time with her family, working with adults with challenges, and advocating for children in need.