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.
Theresa O'Hare

Director of Education

Theresa O’Hare holds a BA from Western Illinois University and a MA from the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana. While Theresa has many teaching interests, she is thrilled to be at Sylvan as Center Director. When Theresa isn’t at Sylvan, she will be home with her daughter or out walking her dog, Bert.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
Melinda True

Tutor

Melinda True is a paraprofessional in Chatham, IL, with a gift for working with kids. While Melinda has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading/ math tutoring. She is studying at the American College of Education. When Melinda isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her, spending time with family, walking her dogs and riding her horses
Shelby Karch

Tutor

Shelby is a teacher in Springfield, IL, with a gift for working with kids. While Shelby has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in Reading/Writing tutoring. She studied at Illinois State University. When Shelby isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her painting outdoors or reading her favorite books.
Carlleen Benoit

Tutor

Carlleen is a teacher/tutor in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Carlleen has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in writing and English tutoring. She studied at MacMurray College and University of Illinois-Springfield. When Carlleen isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her playing volleyball, reading, and cuddling with her dog, Sly.
Valerie Sagle

Tutor

Valerie is a teacher in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Valerie has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She studied at SIU Edwardsville. When Valerie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her coaching high school cheerleading, watching her kids play sports and painting.
LaMyiah Pearlinia

Tutor

LaMyiah Pearlinia is a Tutor in Springfield, IL. with a gift for working with kids. While LaMyiah has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in English tutoring. She studied at Prairie View A&M University. When LaMyiah isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her walking her dog, hiking, or discovering hidden treasures around the Capital City.
Mychael Overton

Tutor

Mychael is a tutor in Springfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Mychael has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in Math tutoring. He studied at the University of Illinois - Springfield. When Mychael isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him reading a new book, hiking, or trying out new food around the area.