Meet Our Team

As Centre Director, I lead the daily routines of managing new testing and overall program success for Sylvan of Maple Ridge. Originally I studied Engineering Science at SFU, specializing in software development. In the end, I chose a career of teaching because, honestly, people are more engaging than computers. I have a B.A.Sc and B.Ed.

When away from my directorial duties, I enjoy rollerblading and writing.

Emilie began working at Sylvan in 2022. She is working towards a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies of Education at Simon Fraser University, as well as two minors: one in Psychology and the other in Education Psychology. Her education provides her with the necessary skills to give her students the best opportunities for success. She enjoys building a connection with her students to help them set achievable goals. She has great passion in learning and wishes to share this with her students.

Shawna Kenny-Clark was a full time teacher for the Burnaby School District for over 25 years. Teaching grades K-12 with a variety of needs was a truly rewarding experience full of great memories. I also actively coached all school team sports and organized, along with the students, other school wide clubs and events. This gave me an opportunity to build relationships with students throughout the school and a sense of community with parents. I am now retired from the district. However, I now greatly enjoy working at Sylvan with the wonderful staff and students. I can honestly say that motivating and supporting children will always be a part of life no matter what the future holds. Do what you love… and call it work.

Colin Wessels has been a part-time tutor for a few decades. Retiring from the High Tech industry, he joined Sylvan in 2013 and has enjoyed helping students succeed. A full-time tutor, he works with grades K-12+ with a variety of needs, drawing on his technical background, Engineering, Computer Science, and Orton-Gillingham training to offer a rounded experience to struggling students. He developed STEM programs for private schools and enjoyed seeing students discover their hidden abilities. Working at Sylvan with enthusiastic staff and seeing students flourish has been very rewarding.