Meet Our Team
Great Teachers Inspire
Our tutors and staff in Sarnia consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Sarnia 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 Sarnia!
Becky West
Centre Director
As Centre Director Becky oversees the daily operations for Sylvan of Sarnia. A former School Teacher in Sarnia, Becky chose a career in the tutoring business because she wanted to make a difference in the community, and assist students in achieving their potential with confidence. She graduated from Brock University and completed her Teaching Degree at Lakehead University. When Becky isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her two daughters.
Kylene McRae
Director of Education
Kylene McRae oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of teachers in Sarnia. A former Sylvan Teacher for many years, Kylene brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Director of Education. She always makes a point to connect with every student here at Sylvan, making them feel like a welcome part of this learning community. She is excited to be working with the great team at Sylvan Sarnia. When Kylene isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her trying new recipes or creating art.
Susan Mitchell
Teacher
When I was little and someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always, “a teacher.” As I grew older, that response never wavered. As a student who had to work hard to do well, I knew the importance of having teachers who believed in me and they taught me to believe in myself! At Sylvan, I have the opportunity to do that every day – inspire students to say, “I can” and provide them with the skills to not give up and to figure things out. It is so gratifying to be able to empower these young minds, so that they are able to work with increased confidence and independence. All Good Things Take Time and with time, these students become true Success Stories!
Jordan Tremblay
Teacher
Jordan graduated from King’s University College with an Honours Major in History and received a Bachelor of Education degree from Western University. Many of his relatives were also teachers, which is one one the main reasons that he decided to persue this field of Education. Jordan has lived in Petrolia for most of his life and has volunteered at many of the local schools.
Ron Bloxam
Teacher
Ron has tutored at the Sylvan Learning Centre of Sarnia for over twenty years. His areas of expertise are the Sylvan Sync Math program and the Sylvan Sync Academic Reading program. Ron really enjoys building a relationship with every student to provide learning that’s fun, engaging, and rewarding.
Jace Dentinger
Teacher
Jace completed a 4-year Bachelor of Arts Degree double majoring in Sociology and Criminology from King’s University College at Western University in 2014. Aspiring to be a teacher he then acquired his Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University in 2015. Jace joined Sylvan in September 2015 and was hired as a supply teacher in July 2016 by the Lambton Kent District School Board. Jace also enjoys working with modern technology and takes pride in watching students achieve their educational and career goals. Jace enjoys watching and playing sports and is a fan of the Sarnia Sting, Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, Toronto FC and Manchester United.
Linda Moir
Teacher
Linda has tutored at the Sylvan Learning Centre of Sarnia for over twenty years. The programs that Linda tutors are Sylvan Beginning Reading, Sylvan Sync Academic Reading and Sylvan Sync Math. Linda enjoys the rewards that come with working at Sylvan, tutoring each child, the way they learn. Linda finds it very gratifying to see each student gain confidence and progress toward their goals and future endeavours.
Lewis Clegg
Teacher
Lewis graduated from the Concurrent Education program at Brock University, with a major in History and a minor in Geography. He is a secondary teacher with the Lambton Kent District School Board. Outside of teaching, Lewis is an avid reader and likes to be active and watch sports. He is a fan of Tottenham Hotspur, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Boston Bruins.
Barbara Ozburn
Teacher
Barbara is tutor at Sylvan Sarnia with a gift for working with kids. She finds the greatest joy in connecting (with humour) while tutoring reading, writing, and math. She studied at the University of Waterloo, obtaining degrees in Psychology (BA) and Geography (MA). Her MA led her to study Inuit Art in Canada’s Arctic. When Barbara isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her with a nose stuck in a book, taking pictures of nature (especially sunsets!), or developing yummy and health-inspired recipes.
Luke Aston
Teacher
Luke is a teacher with a gift for working with kids. While Luke has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in Math and Science tutoring. He studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo and studied Education at Western University. He believes that helping students gain their confidence with their school subjects sets them up to be lifelong learners both inside and outside of the classroom. When Luke isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him trying to improve his chess game or playing in the park with his dog.
America Soto
Teacher
America is a teacher with a gift for working with kids. While America has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in Math and Academic Reading tutoring. She studied at the Teacher’s University in Mexico (Escuela Normal) and has other teaching certifications focused on Technology and ESL. She believes that a good education is a foundation for a better future, and, that teaching is a work of heart. She likes to celebrate students’ aha moments in their learning process. What she likes the most about Sylvan Leaning is its personalized tutoring for every student and working with manipulatives. When America isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her crocheting, knitting, dancing, or, singing.
Rochelle Post
Teacher
Rochelle graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Studies and a Bachelor in Education. Apart from working at Sylvan, Rochelle also works as an Elementary supply teacher for the Lambton Kent District School Board. She enjoys the smaller group layout Sylvan provides to build better relationships with students and understand their learning styles. Rochelle has always enjoyed learning both in and outside the classroom and believes everyone is a lifelong learner. She hopes to inspire this same passion in her students. She believes the best part of teaching is seeing students build confidence in themselves and their skills when they achieve a goal they have been working towards. When Rochelle is not at Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends (including her dog), taking photos of nature, and watching history documentaries.
Christina Tavabis
Teacher
Christina is a teacher with a gift for working with kids. While Christina has many tutoring talents she finds the greatest joy in academic reading tutoring. She studied at the University of Western Ontario obtaining her Bachelor Degree in Education. She believes that all students have the ability to learn and succeed. Each student has their own unique strengths, and it is our responsibility to empower students to reach their full potential. With dedication, perseverance and a growth mindset, all students can achieve academic success. When Christina isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her working out and spending time with her family.
Pam Dunlop
Teacher
Pam is a teacher with a gift for working with kids. She enjoys the small group setting that allows for 1 to 1 within the learning environment that Sylvan provides and sees great value in the Sylvan Sync Academic Reading program. Pam studied at the University of Western Ontario and the University of Windsor and has a background in Social Work as well as teaching. Pam has been teaching in the LKDSB and Lambton College for 12 years and believes that all students are capable, competent learners with the potential to be successful. When Pam isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her riding her bike, trying out a new recipe or reading a book.
Mrigna Tewari
Teacher
Mrigna is a teacher with a gift for working with kids. While Mrigna has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in the English Language tutoring. She studied at Punjab University, Chandigarh, India. She believes in the holistic growth and development of her learners and emphasizes on the numerous learning styles of her students. When Mrigna isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her exploring the futuristic yet engrossing teaching and learning methodologies. She is presently pursuing a certificate course, E-Learning Design and Training Development Program at Lambton College which will indubitably help her accomplish her objective in life which is to further the cause of education and social service in the community.
Start your child on the path to academic success today
Give us a call at (226) 778-2235 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.