Meet Our Team
Great Teachers Inspire
Our tutors and staff in Rochester consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Rochester 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 Rochester!
Dave Blissenbach
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Dave leads community outreach and overall operations for Sylvan of Rochester. A former engineer and business owner, Dave chose a career in the tutoring business because he wanted to make a difference in children’s lives. Dave received his degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from North Dakota State University. When Dave isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him spending time playing basketball or softball, running marathons, flying airplanes, and helping coach his kids’ teams.
Jennifer
Center Director
Jennifer is responsible for leading the center’s daily operations. With a background of over 20 years of customer service, Jennifer enjoys working with kids and meeting with families. She has a BA from the University of Minnesota. When Jennifer isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time outdoors, watching her daughter play softball and traveling.
James
Center Director
James graduated from Loras College in Iowa. He has an Elementary Education Endorsement in History for grades K-8. While James has many tutoring talents, he enjoys teaching Reading, Math and Writing programs. When James isn’t at Sylvan you will find him enjoying the outdoors, writing and reading.
Keith
Teacher
Keith is a teacher in Rochester, MN with a gift for working with kids. While Keith has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in Math, Study Skills, and Homework Support. He studied at Iowa State, Hope Intl. University, and Winona State University. When Keith isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him playing piano and singing.
Ellen
Teacher
Ellen is a teacher in Rochester with a gift for working with kids. Ellen is a retired teacher who has taught all levels from preschool through adult. She has a Bachelor’s degree from UW Milwaukee and a Master’s from UW River Falls. When Ellen isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, completing crossword puzzles, trying new recipes, gardening, and traveling.
Michaela
Tutor
Michaela has many tutoring talents, but finds the greatest joy in Math tutoring. Michaela has her Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, with a focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. When Michaela isn’t at Sylvan, you will find her reading, watching movies, running and spending time with her family.
Parry
Teacher
Parry is a teacher who enjoys working with students on study skills, homework support, and college prep. He studied at Minnesota State University-Mankato. When Parry isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him gardening, working outdoors, and watching his kids play sports.
Sue
Tutor
Sue studied at the University of Minnesota and enjoys working with students in reading, writing, and math. In her free time, Sue enjoys gardening, reading, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Ashley
Tutor
Ashley is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College with a background in English. She enjoys supporting students in their reading and writing academics. In her free time, Ashley loves to read, write, crochet, and walk around in nature!
Kim
Tutor
Kim is a tutor who enjoys working with students in math, study skills, and homework support. She has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota in Biomedical Sciences. Kim enjoys reading, dancing, weight lifting, and cooking in her free time.
Start your child on the path to academic success today
Give us a call at (507) 517-3466 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.
