Meet Our Team

Carolyn Staats, OCT

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Carolyn oversees all operations of the centre.  A former teacher at Central Baptist Academy, Carolyn chose a career in tutoring services because she  believes all students can succeed and wants to give them the confidence and skills that come from personalized learning. She studied at Redeemer University in Ancaster where she received her BA/BEd and is also a certified OCT member. When Carolyn isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her large family or playing with her fabulous grandchildren.

Zachary Staats, BSc

Centre Director

Zachary Staats has worked at Brantford Sylvan Learning Centre since 2019. He is a graduate of Liberty University, where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Religion. Zachary has lived in Branford most of his life and has a desire to make learning fun and exciting for everyone who comes to Sylvan. In his free time, Zack enjoys spending time with his wife and children as well as working on carpentry projects around the house.

Dr. Stephanie Burgoyne, OCT

High School Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, French Teacher

Stephanie has worked at Brantford Sylvan Learning Centre since May 2005. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where she received a Ph.D. in mathematics and of the University of New Brunswick where she received a Bachelor of Education. Previous to Brantford Sylvan Learning Centre, Stephanie worked as an instructor at the University of New Brunswick and an occasional teacher in Fredericton, NB. She enjoys tutoring students in a variety of subjects such as mathematics, reading, writing, French, science and music. When Stephanie isn’t tutoring, she enjoys serving as an organist and pianist at church and various community venues.

Shelby has worked at Brantford Sylvan Learning Centre since October 2021. She’s a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University and McMaster University, where she received a BA in Human Rights & Human Diversity, and an MA in Communications and New Media. She has previously worked as a teaching assistant and fundraiser. She enjoys tutoring students in a plethora of subjects, such as literacy and media studies. In her free time, Shelby can be found almost exclusively watching Marvel movies, gaming, or petting a cat.

Harrison began working at Sylvan Brantford in 2022. He is a graduate of Brock University where he received a BA majoring in History. Harrison is currently working toward obtaining his Bachelor of Education. Harrison enjoys making connections with Sylvan students and seeing them build their confidence with reading. In his free time Harrison enjoys playing hockey, basketball, and baseball along with watching sports and gaming.

Taelor joined Sylvan Brantford in March of 2023. She has completed her Bachelor of Arts and is working on finishing her Bachelor of Education at Brock University. Taelor enjoys the joy of seeing students learning to read and gaining more independence. When Taelor isn’t at Sylvan or school she enjoys spending time with family and friends, including her 2-year old lab, Harvey.

Griffin joined the Sylvan Brantford team in December 2022. He is a graduate from Dalhousie University where he received his BA with Honours in Literature. He is currently working on his Masters degree at Dalhousie. Griffin especially enjoys teaching reading to our students to build their skills and confidence. In his free time Griffin enjoys tabletop games, reading and writing.

Lindsay joined the Sylvan Brantford team in March 2022. She graduated from Nipissing University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Redeemer University with a Bachelor of Education. Lindsay finds joy in teaching and collaborating with children to develop strong academic and social skills. When Lindsay isn’t teaching at Sylvan or at Dundas Valley H.S. she can be found reading, hiking, and volunteering at her church.

Latifa came to Sylvan Brantford to teach in January 2022. She has received a Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University and a Masters of Science from Barry University. Latifa enjoys teaching a variety of subjects including reading, writing, and comprehension. In her free time Latifa enjoys swimming, cooking, bike riding, and completing home renovations.

Shainna joined Sylvan Brantford in November 2022. She is a graduate from Humber College and is looking forward to continuing her education to become a full time teacher. Shainna especially finds joy in helping our young readers learn their sounds and begin to decode words. When Shainna is not at Sylvan or her current day job as an EA she enjoys organizing community outreach events and participating in social activities.