Meet Our Team

Jessie Smitham

Executive Director

Director

As the Guelph Executive Director, Jessie works very closely with all staff, students and Sylvan families. An Ontario Certified teacher with Upper Grand District School Board, Jessie chose a career in the tutoring business because she is able to make such a huge difference in the lives of Sylvan students. Jessie received her Honours Degree from McMaster University and went on to receive her Bachelor’s of Education from the University of Windsor. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find Jessie enjoying the outdoors while hiking and kayaking or curled up with a good book.

Jenna Rowland

Centre Director

Director

Jenna Rowland is our Centre Director. She has her Honours degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and her diploma in Social Service Work from Sheridan College. Jenna believes strongly that a key ingredient to success in learning is confidence. With her previous experience as Leadership and Engagement Manager at Sheridan College, she strives to bring out the inner leader and an enthusiasm for learning in each of our students. When she isn’t at Sylvan, Jenna enjoys a good games night, going to concerts and festivals and enjoying outdoor adventures with her family.

Jessica Downs

Assistant Director

Director

Jessica Downs is an Assistant Director at our Centre. She values the time she gets to spend with our students and the progress she can see before her eyes. Jessica achieved a degree in Child and Youth Care at Humber College and is happy to use the skills she has learned around our Centre. She enjoys building a love of learning in each and every student she meets. Outside of work, Jessica loves going on hikes with her boyfriend and spending time in with her beloved kitty, Oscar.

Abbie Schaefer

Education Coordinator

Director

Abbie oversees the educational integrity of our programs. A former tutor herself, Abbie brings a wealth of knowledge of our programs to Sylvan Guelph. Abbie graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in Physical Science and will be continuing her education with Brock’s Teacher Education program. Abbie loves to spend time in our classrooms and the sense of fulfillment when she sees the progress our students make. When not at Sylvan, Abbie can be found surrounded by her cats, Bucky and Clara, and with a good book in hand.

Jocelyn

Teacher

Jocelyn is a certified elementary teacher with the Upper Grand District School Board.  Her favourite part about teaching at Sylvan is assisting with students development of skills and watching their confidence grow.  Jocelyn received both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Guelph and her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Ottawa.  When Jocelyn is not at Sylvan, she enjoys reading, playing video games and spending time with friends and family.

Rebecca

Teacher

Rebecca is a graduate student at the University of Guelph with Lang School of Business and Economics. She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Guelph. Rebecca enjoys helping students build confidence in their study and time-management skills. When not at Sylvan, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her dog, Shasta, and pony, Raven.

Stephanie

Teacher

Stephanie is a certified teacher with the Waterloo District School Board. Stephanie received her Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University of Guelph and is about to graduate with a Bachelor of Professional Studies. Her favourite part about teaching at Sylvan is helping students feel empowered and seeing their progress over time. When Stephanie is not at Sylvan, she enjoys reading, hiking, baking, and spending time with loved ones.

Britney

Teacher

Britney works within the Upper Grand District School Board as a certified elementary teacher. Britney graduated from Nipissing University with a degree in Child and Family Studies and a Bachelor of Education. She has also gained reading, mathematics, and special education certificates from the Ontario College of Teachers. Britney strives to create learning experiences that make education both engaging and effective. She enjoys seeing students succeed and guiding them towards a love of learning. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

Meea

Meea is a graduate student at the University of Guelph in the department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. She completed her Honour’s Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University in Integrated Science with a concentration in Biochemistry. Meea’s favourite part about teaching at Sylvan is helping to make daunting subjects feel less intimidating. When she is not teaching or studying, Meea enjoys cooking, travelling, and reading.

Lindsey

Teacher

Lindsey’s favourite part about teaching at Sylvan is watching her students improve their skills and gain confidence. She received her undergraduate degree from Western University in astrophysics, and has two years of experience in education. When Lindsey is not at Sylvan, she enjoys hiking, swimming and photography.

Nadia

Teacher

Nadia is an undergraduate student in Mathematical Science at the University of Guelph. Her favourite part about teaching at Sylvan is supporting and boosting students’ confidence, perseverance, and knowledge of a wide variety of topics. When not at Sylvan, Nadia can be found knitting, watching television shows or on long walks with friends and family.

Kamryn

Kamryn has been a tutor at the Guelph Sylvan for over a year now. He enjoys working with kids because he likes knowing he is creating a positive difference in the world, and he feels there is no better way of doing that than helping the youth get to where they want to be. He is currently a student at the university of Guelph studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Computing. When he is not teaching at Sylvan, he is most often doing schoolwork or playing video games with friends and family.