Meet Our Team

Alfred Yau

Executive Director and Franchise Owner

Alfred is responsible for meeting Sylvan’s high operating standards and ensuring that our families enjoy the many benefits that Sylvan has to offer. Alfred graduated from University of Manitoba with a degree in Actuarial Mathematics. His lifelong love for math and passion for learning has lead him to Sylvan where he takes his prior business and leadership experience to elevate Burlington’s youth. When he isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him volunteering as a Big Brother, playing a variety of different sports and trying to convince others that actuaries aren’t boring people!

Dr. Suman Joseph

Centre Director

As Centre Director, Suman is responsible for the day-to-day management of Sylvan in Burlington. She is very passionate about education and, being a mom herself, she enjoys meeting with Sylvan’s parents and helping them understand the individual learning needs of their children. Suman is also a very accomplished academic herself, with a B.S. in Biology & Chemistry, a Master’s Degree in Biochemistry, and Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics. She spent several years in medical and scientific research before completing her B.Ed and becoming an Ontario Certified Teacher. When not at Sylvan, Suman enjoys spending time at home with her husband and children. In her downtime, she enjoys Mystery TV & Novels.

Melissa Temkov

Education Coordinator

Melissa is the education coordinator and a tutor at Sylvan Learning of Burlington with a passion for making education accessible to children with all learning types. While Melissa tutors a wide variety of subjects, she finds the greatest joy when tutoring physics. She has her BSc. in Forensic Chemistry, and her MSc. in Biomedical Engineering from McMaster University. In Melissa’s free time, you can find her reading a book or watching a new hit tv show!

Jessica Mulay

Tutor

Jessica is a graduate from Brock University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Studies, currently pursuing a degree in education. Jessica works as a tutor at Sylvan Burlington with her main area of focus on children in the Primary/Junior grade levels. Jessica aspires to help create an inclusive environment where each child can attain their full academic potential and make each tutoring session enjoyable. When Jessica isn’t at Sylvan you’ll find her spending time with friends, enjoying the outdoors, or at the gym.

Alex Scott-Westfield

Tutor

Alex is a graduate with a B.Sc in Applied and Industrial Mathematics from Ontario Tech University. Alex feels a sense of accomplishment and joy through tutoring students, particularly in Math, Chemistry, and Physics. When Alex is not at Sylvan, he can be found studying at home, listening to music, going for long walks, or playing games.

Michael Bartlett

Tutor

Michael is an OCT Certified teacher in Burlington, Ontario, with a gift for working with kids. While Michael has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in teaching students reading and writing skills. He studied Education at York University and Visual Arts at the University of Ottawa. When Michael isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him painting, taking a road trip North, or working on his children’s book.

Phillip Kuan

Tutor

Philip is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelors in English and is currently pursuing a degree in education. Philip teaches a wide variety of subjects, but has a particular passion for teaching essay writing. When he isn’t at Sylvan, you will find him working as a freelance editor or programmer. In his free time, Philip enjoys biking through bike trails or reading a good book.

Gillian Galea

Tutor

Gillian is a new graduate from Niagara University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Gillian works as a tutor at Sylvan Burlington with her main area of focus on children in the primary/junior grade levels. Gillian has a passion for making learning fun and engaging. She believes that fostering a positive and enjoyable educational environment is essential for children’s academic growth and development. When Gillian isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her being active and spending time with family and friends.

Summer Akhtar

Tutor

Summer is an ESL teacher in Mississauga, teaching English as Second Language to adults, but she also has a gift of working with children. While Summer has many talents, she finds the greatest joy in helping kids improve their reading and writing skills. She studied Cognitive Science of Language at McMaster University and has completed her CELTA, OCELT and TESL Canada certifications at Sheridan College. When Summer isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading a book, baking or hiking a new trail.