Meet our Lee's Summit Tutoring Staff

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Great Teachers Inspire

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

  • Larry Finkemeier, President

    Larry Finkemeier

    President

    Larry is a graduate from University of Missouri, Columbia. Larry owns Chief Heating & Cooling in Lee’s Summit and he and his daughter Tricia became Sylvan Co-0wners in 2007 and have many years of Sylvan experience. Larry is a loyal MU TIGER fan and he enjoys spending time with his wife Bea, 3 daughters and their families.
  • Tricia Crego , Center Director

    Tricia Crego

    Center Director

    Tricia has worked for Sylvan since 1994. She received her bachelors in Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia.  She has worked as a teacher, Director of Education, Territory Director, Owner and Center Director.  When not at Sylvan she loves playing golf with her husband. She is a proud parent of two grown children, 2 bonus children, and 4 grandchildren. Stop by and say hi!
  • Melissa Patton, Director of Education

    Melissa Patton

    Director of Education

    Melissa has just started her teaching career and is excited to be at Sylvan! She is a Lee's Summit local that is ready to give back to the community by working with students and families. As Director of Education, she works directly with the team in center and manages student programs. When Melissa isn't working she likes to nerd-out playing table top games or watching Star Wars.
  • Dorene Peel-Lee's Summit, College Prep/Tutor

    Dorene Peel-Lee's Summit

    College Prep/Tutor

    Dorene has worked for Sylvan Learning of Lee's Summit, MO since August of 1995. Dorene has her Master's degree in Behavior Management and Curriculum Development. As an expert in College Prep, Dorene teaches ACT Prep courses, Speed Reading, Study Skills, Academic Reading, Math Essentials, and Writing. Dorene also enjoys traveling, quilting, sewing, scrapbooking, crafts, and reading.  Her best friend Louise is her 4-legged friend and you can find them walking on sunny days enjoying the outdoors.
  • Terri Hardy-Lee's Summit, Tutor

    Terri Hardy-Lee's Summit

    Tutor

    Terri has taught at Sylvan Learning in Lee's Summit, MO since October of 2013. She earned her Bachelor's degree at Louisiana Tech University, her Master's in Mathematics from the University of Arkansas, and her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from William Woods University. Terri taught math instruction for thirty-one years before retiring. She now teaches ACT math prep, Algebra, and provides math homework help to our Sylvan students. When Terri is not at Sylvan, she is most likely knitting, sewing, crocheting, basket weaving, or playing the organ.
  • Diana Redford, Tutor

    Diana Redford

    Tutor

    Diana is one of our reading tutors, specializing in Elementary Education. She loves working with kids to create a bright future! Diana was previously nominated for Teacher of the Year and brings a lot of knowledge to our Sylvan team. In her free time, Diana likes to sing and play her guitar.