Meet our Springfield Tutoring Staff

Great Teachers Inspire

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

Phil Ross

CENTER DIRECTOR/OWNER

As an Owner, Phil leads operations for Sylvan of Springfield. A 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.
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.
Robbie Rosenbery

Tutor

Robbie Rosenbery is a remote tutor at Sylvan in Springfield, IL. While Robbie has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. Robbie holds a masters degree from SIU Carbondale. She is also a certified teacher and reading specialist at the grade school she attended as a child. When Robbie isn’t working with children, you can find her spending time with her husband and supporting her three daughters in their endeavors. She and her family love all sports but especially softball and gymnastics.
Ryann Bank

Tutor

Ryann is an instructor in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Ryann has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studied at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. When Ryann isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her outdoors with her dog Billie.
Angela Ramsey

Tutor

Angie is a tutor in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Angie has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She studied at Eastern Illinois University and Western Illinois University. When Angie isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her spending time with family and friends.
TJ Andrews

Tutor

Thomas is a tutor in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Thomas has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in mathematics tutoring. He studies at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville. When Thomas isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him playing video games or working on schoolwork.
Theron Yates

Tutor

Theron Yates is a Data Engineer in Springfield, IL. He has a gift for working with kids. While Theron has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in mathematics tutoring. He studied at Illinois College. When Theron isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him coaching baseball, exploring new places/restaurants, or taking dogs to the park.
Brittany DeRiggi

Tutor

Brittany DeRiggi is a manager of specialty practices and a former Pre-K teacher in Springfield, IL. While Brittany has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She studied at St. Xavier University. When Brittany isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her with friends and family exploring new places/restaurants.
Sadie Donaldson

Tutor

"Sadie is a Teacher in Bloomington, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Sadie has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in both math and reading tutoring. She is studying Speech and Hearing Sciences through Arizona State University. When Sadie isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her spending time outside, walking her puppy, enjoying a good book, or painting."
Sarah Kunz

Tutor

Sarah Kunzis an Instructor in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Sarah has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading and writing tutoring. She studied at Western Illinois, UIS, and Benedictine University. She earned her MAED. When she is not tutoring, you will find her spending time with family and friends.

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Alyssa Herzing

Tutor

Alyssa Herzing is a graduate student attending UIS, currently working on her earning her master's degree. While she has many tutoring talents, Alyssa finds the greatest joy in English tutoring. She is currently studying at the University of Illinois at Springfield and received her bachelor's from Illinois College. When Alyssa isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her at home cooking and baking with her family.
Heidi Schuffert

Tutor

Heidi is a college student, tutoring in Springfield IL, with a gift for working with kids. While Heidi has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studies at the University of Illinois at Springfield. When Heidi isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her studying psychology and social work or spending time with her boyfriend!
Olivia Garrett

Tutor

Olivia Garrett is a student teacher in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Olivia has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading/writing tutoring. She studies at the University of Illinois-Springfield. When Olivia isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her crafting and hanging out with her friends.
Connor Krater

Tutor

Connor is an instructor in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Connor has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in English tutoring. When Connor isn't at Sylvan, you'll find him researching history and substitute teaching in Chatham.
Jenna Fong

Tutor

Jenna is a tutor in Champaign, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Jenna has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When Jenna isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, playing video games, or watching Netflix.
Jennifer Dennison

Tutor

Jennifer is a Student Teacher in Springfield, IL and has a gift working with kids. While Jennifer has many tutoring talents, she finds her greatest joy in teaching phonics. She studies at Grand Canyon University and will graduate in November 2022. When Jennifer isn't at Sylvan, you will find her sharing the stage with her 16 years old daughter performing. She is also the choreographer and Assistant Director for Tri-City High School musical every year.
Camryn Cutinello

Tutor

Camryn is tutor in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Camryn has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She studied at Columbia College Chicago and the University of Illinois Springfield. When Camryn isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her running, hiking, or spending time with family and friends.
Timothy Koslofski

Tutor

Timothy is a paraprofessional in Springfield, Il. with a gift for working with kids. While Timothy has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. He studied at Millikin University. When Timothy isn't at Sylvan, you'll find him spending time with family, playing video games, and going to sporting events.
Brooke Tenney

Tutor

Brooke is a Teacher-Tutor in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Brooke has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in mathematics tutoring. She studied at Grand Canyon University. When Brooke isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her reading books, carhopping at Sonic, or studying for higher education.
Kristin Irlam

Tutor

Kristin is an instructor in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Kristin has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math and science tutoring. She studied at Wittenberg University. When Kristin isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her reading, cooking, or learning new languages.
Teriann Runkel-Benkse

Tutor

Teriann Runkel-Benkse is a teacher in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Teriann has many tutoring talents, her finds the greatest joy in Math Tutoring. She studied at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with a master’s degrees in forensic Psychology. When Teriann isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her working with out of school youth, with her family or at her son’s basketball and baseball games.