Meet our Peoria Tutoring Staff

Great Teachers Inspire

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

Theresa Gutierrez

Center Director

As Center Director, Theresa leads the daily operations for Sylvan of Peoria. A former teacher, Theresa chose a career in the tutoring business because she is passionate about helping children succeed and has a master's degree in education. She studied at Illinois State University, majoring in elementary education and mathematics education. When Theresa isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her hanging out with her family and attending sports events.
Vanessa Ross

CENTER DIRECTOR/OWNER

As Center Director, Vanessa leads operations for Sylvan of Springfield. A Project Manager by trade, Vanessa chose a career in the tutoring business because she wanted to help families and kids build confidence and knowledge. Vanessa studied at Truman State University, and UIS-Springfield, earning her M.B.A. When Vanessa isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her family, her husband Phil, and two kids, Flynn and Oliver Ross.
Phil Ross

CENTER DIRECTOR/OWNER

As an Owner, Phil leads operations for Sylvan of Springfield. An RF engineer by trade, Phil chose a career in the tutoring business because he wanted to help our families and kids in the community gain knowledge and confidence. He studied at The University of Missouri-Rolla, and UIS-Springfield, earning his M.B.A. When Phil isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him spending time with his wife, Vanessa, and two kids, Flynn and Oliver Ross.
Lauren Coyle

Tutor

Lauren is a teacher in Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Lauren has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading and English tutoring. She studied at Bradley University. When Lauren isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, reading, making jewelry, and doing things outdoors.
Jasmine Baez

Tutor

Jasmine is a tutor in Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Jasmine has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studies at Bradley University. When Jasmine isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her skateboarding, finding new music or going on walks.
Jade Sewell

Tutor

Jade is a teacher in Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Jade has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in English and SAT preparation tutoring. She studied at Bradley University where she earned her degree in English secondary education. When Jade isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her coaching cheerleading or directing shows at the school where she teaches.
Jess Johnson

Tutor

Jess is a Sylvan tutor in Peoria, IL, with a gift for working with kids and adolescents. While Jess has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading/writing tutoring. She studied at Princeton University, and is currently in medical school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. When Jess isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her in the hospital on clinical rotations, reading, running or cooking.
Katie Stewart

Tutor

Katie is an English teacher in Peoria, IL, with a gift for working with kids. While Katie has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in English tutoring. She studied at Grand Canyon University. When Katie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find reading, writing, spending time with loved ones and/or crafting.
Emily Andersen

Tutor

Emily is a lead teacher in Peoria, IL, who loves working with kids. While Emily has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading, writing, and ACT/SAT tutoring for students of all ages. She earned a BA in English Literature at Knox College and a Master's Degree in English Literature at Western Illinois University. When Emily isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her working as a personal assistant, helping people with disabilities.
Micah Weidner

Tutor

Micah is is a tutor in Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Micah has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. He studied at Illinois Central College. When Micah isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him reading, writing, or volunteering to raise awareness about CPR with the local ambulance service .
Lekiesha Sample

Tutor

Lekiesha is a tutor and social worker in Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Lekiesha has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math and science tutoring. She studied at the University of Illinois at Chicago and has a degree in biological sciences. When Lekiesha isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her putting on her dance shoes for Zumba or outside enjoying nature.
Yvonne Wendt

Tutor

Yvonne is a tutor in Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. She studied at NIU. When Yvonne isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her family, homeschooling her children, reading, writing, and playing Minecraft with her children.
Mickayla Alexander

Tutor

Mickayla is a tutor and a 5th year teacher in Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Mickayla has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studied at the University of Missouri and graduated in 2017. When Mickayla isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her working with youth in our city.