Meet Our Team

Deborah DeJesus

Executive Director/Owner

As Center Director/Owner, Deborah leads the Sylvan centers in Newport News and Williamsburg. She has been with Sylvan for 17 years. A former classroom teacher, Deborah chose a career in the tutoring business because she loves the personalized programs and personal attention to each student. She graduated from Lancaster University with a Bachelor of Education degree. When Deborah isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her enjoying time with her family and dogs. She enjoys hiking, gardening, and theater. Deborah is married to Juan, a U.S. Air Force veteran. They have a daughter who graduated from the University of Virginia and Georgetown and a son who recently graduated from the Air Force​ Academy.

Sarah Hall

Director of Enrollment

Sarah joined the Sylvan team in October 2022. Sarah graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education Integrated Studies: English. She holds additional certification for teaching Middle School students. At Sylvan, Sarah meets with new families to share assessment results and program recommendation for each child. She monitors student progress and communicates with parents. When Sarah isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys baking and cooking, creative crafts, and DIY projects. Sarah is an avid singer in her local church and is particularly fond of Disney songs. She also likes to explore new places and spend time with her family, friends, and puppy Louie.

Marissa Gray

Director of Education

Marissa joined the Sylvan team in December 2022.  Marissa graduated from the California University of Pennsylvania with a Post-Baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education. She is a former teacher in WJCC Schools.  At Sylvan, Marissa manages student progress and program development. She assesses students and personalizes their Sylvan learning plans.  When Marissa isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys reading, running, and biking.

Kevin O'Brien

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Kevin joined the Sylvan team in 2011. He teaches many Sylvan programs including all levels of math, college preparation, and study skills. He also enjoys teaching Physics to high school students. Kevin graduated from Longwood University with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Business from the University of Phoenix. When Kevin isn’t teaching at Sylvan of Williamsburg he enjoys playing the guitar and doing Origami.

Lois Winter

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Lois joined the Sylvan team in 2004. She is a graduate of American University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science and later graduated from William and Mary with a Master’s degree in Education. Lois mentors student teachers at Christopher Newport University. Lois enjoys teaching Sylvan students because the programs are designed to meet each student’s personal needs. She teaches early literacy, writing, and math. When Lois isn’t teaching, she enjoys singing in the Virginia Choral Society and giving Yorktown history tours.

Jaren Maynard

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Jaren joined the Sylvan team in the summer of 2020. Jaren graduated from the College of William and Mary with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She went on to gain a Master of Education degree with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist from the University of Virginia. Jaren is currently an elementary teacher in the Newport News public schools. At Sylvan, she teaches Reading, Math and Writing skills. When Jaren isn’t teaching, she enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dog Samson.

Christopher Companion

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Christopher joined the Sylvan team in June 2018. He graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master of Arts (Education and Professional Writing). He currently teaches high school English in the public school sector. Christopher enjoys teaching Sylvan students in Reading, Writing, Study Skills and SAT preparation. When he isn’t teaching he enjoys reading, strategy games, and spending time with his family.

Caroline Miller

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Caroline joined the Sylvan team of teachers in 2008. She graduated from Angelo State University in Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree. At Sylvan, Caroline enjoys teaching students how to build skills and confidence in reading, writing and math. When Caroline isn’t teaching, she enjoys musicals and shows and spending time with her family.

Jill David

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Jill joined the Sylvan team in March 2022. Jill graduated from Walden University with a Master of Science degree. Jill taught in the public schools for over 20 years, including elementary level and middle school English.  At Sylvan, Jill enjoys teaching reading, writing, study skills and math. When Jill isn’t teaching, she enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her grandchildren.

Meghan Sisler

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Meghan joined the Sylvan team in April 2023. Meghan graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She recently retired from teacher in the Newport News Public Schools. She has been recognized as Teacher of the Year. At Sylvan, Meghan teaches students in reading, writing and math. When Meghan isn’t teaching she enjoys learning how to do home improvements with her dad, going to sporting events with her husband and kids and playing with her dog, Josea.

Kouston Worthington

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Kouston joined the Sylvan team in April 2023. Kouston graduated from Radford University with a Masters of Science in Special Education: Hearing Impairments. She currently teaches in the Newport News Public Schools. At Sylvan, Kouston teaches reading, writing and math. When Kouston isn’t teaching, she enjoys baking, singing, reading and anything to do with the outdoors.

Carson DeGood

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Carson joined the Sylvan team in September 2023. Carson graduated from the College of William and Mary with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She has taught in local public schools at the elementary level. At Sylvan, Carson teaches student in reading, math and writing. When Carson isn’t teaching she enjoys cooking, spending time with her cats and taking nature walks

Shante Ellison

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Shante joined the Sylvan team in December 2023. Shante graduated from Liberty University with a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. At Sylvan, Shante enjoys teaching students in reading, writing, math and study skills. She currently teaches full time in Hampton City Schools. When Shante isn’t teaching, she enjoys spending time with friends and traveling. Fall is her favorite season.

Jenica Franklin-Collier

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Jenica joined the Sylvan team in October 2023. Jenica gained a Bachelor Degree in Business from Strayer University. At Sylvan, Jenica enjoys teaching students in reading, writing and math. When Jenica isn’t teaching she enjoys reading, writing and being a mom!

Jennifer Kelley

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Jennifer joined the Sylvan team in January 2024. Jennifer graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She currently teaches in a public elementary school. At Sylvan, Jennifer enjoys teaching students in reading, writing and math. When Jennifer isn’t teaching, she enjoys reading, baking, and walking her dog at the beach.

Katherine Carreon

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Kate joined the Sylvan team in January 2024. Katherine graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Master’s Degree in Education. Kate currently teaches in the public school setting. At Sylvan, Kate enjoys teaching students in reading, writing, math and study skills. When Kate isn’t teaching, she enjoys reading, quilting, and hiking.