Meet Our Team

Tammy Greene

Lead Teacher (since 2013)

Tammy graduated from Indiana University with a BA in Elementary Education in 2006. She joined the St. Petersburg Sylvan team in April 2014. Tammy comes to Florida from the Indianapolis Sylvan Learning Center, where she enjoyed her role as Director of Education. Tammy has taught elementary grades 2-4 in the classroom and has tutored all grades in Sylvan’s Beginning and Academic Reading programs. She enjoys spending time with her three grown children and her 7-year-old granddaughter.

Katrina Courts

Center Director

I moved to Florida from Ohio in 2006 when I began my teaching career. I have eight years of teaching experience with 2nd, 4th and 5th grade students in the public school setting as well as the charter school setting. The last four additional years I worked in administration as both an Assistant Principal and Principal. I obtained a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida in 2015. I am excited to continue working with students and families at Sylvan Learning of Saint Petersburg as the Center Director. My hobbies include walking, biking, writing, and spending time on the beach when I am not working in real estate. 

Becky Haskell

Sylvan Teacher (since 2006)

Becky graduated from the University of Maine, Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a M.A. and CAS in school administration.  Becky taught Special Education K-8 for 4 years. For 10 years she was a Special Education Director and then a School Superintendent. Becky joined Sylvan Learning in St. Petersburg to continue using her teaching talents by tutoring Sylvan students in reading, math. and writing. Becky also teaches SAT/ACT Prep.  Becky enjoys spending time horseback riding with her daughter and granddaughter (her horse’s name is Divinity Fudge), reading gardening and swimming.   

Dana Haskell

Sylvan Teacher (since 2006)

Dana graduated from the University of Maine with degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education. He received a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and worked for the Caribou School Department for 28 years as the Director of Psychoeducational Services. Dana is a certified special education teacher with a gift for tutoring students of all ages.  Dana tutors reading, math and algebra students – but especially likes helping students develop and use strong study skills.

Miriam Holso

Sylvan Teacher (since 2006)

Miriam Holso has a M.S. in Mathematics, B.S. in Mathematics, and B.Ed. in middle and senior level Math. She is a “math person” who has taught Math at the University of South Florida and St. Petersburg College while residing in the beautiful St. Petersburg coast since 1997. Tutoring at the friendly learning environment at St. Petersburg Sylvan Center suits her, and allows her time to visit grand children in California and Australia.

Beulah McHale

Sylvan Teacher (since 2001)

Beulah graduated from the highly regarded Ravishankar University in India, with a Masters Degree in Economics.  In 1999, Beulah moved to St. Petersburg and taught at Gulf Coast and St. Petersburg Christian Schools before deciding to return to school. She holds certifications in Reading K-12, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) K-12, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) K-12, and General Education K-6. Beulah currently teaches 6th grade math at Pinellas Park Middle School.  Beulah tutors all subjects at Sylvan in St. Petersburg.  Beulah returns to India each year to share her talents.

Megan Bakenhaster

Sylvan Teacher (since 2005)

Megan graduated from the University of Tampa with a BS in Marine Science and Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. While at UT, Megan worked for two years as a peer tutor in UT’s Academic Center for Excellence, tutoring students in algebra, physical science, and chemistry.  Megan began tutoring at Sylvan in 2005. She enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for math and science with her students. Megan finds that tutoring at Sylvan in St. Petersburg lets her keep learning too!

Salima Jan

Director of Educaiton

Hello!!! My name is Salima Jan and I am the Director of Education for Sylvan Learning Center. I very strongly believe that education is a lifelong process and one should never cease to learn because we live in the time where knowledge is abundant and learning is constant. I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education and Curriculum Designing from St. Kate’s University. Completing my Masters has only given me more tools and confidence to work and shape these young minds. I bring teaching experience of more than a decade, and continue to cherish every moment of it. Following my passion in the Education industry, my husband Sam & I decided to take the ownership of Sylvan Learning Center in the Birmingham territory (Cities of Hoover & Trussville) and St. Pete, Florida. Why Sylvan? Sylvan’s personalized approach helps students strengthen the specific area of need and makes them more confident within the subject matter. In leisure time, I like to spend time with my two sweet daughters, listen to music or create craft projects.

Annie Freihofer

Sylvan Teacher (since 2004)

Annie has worked in education for over twenty years. Her career began in NY where she received her Masters in Education. Annie taught Early Childhood and Elementary Education to a diverse group of students. Annie also worked in counseling and also assisted therapists at the Dan Marino Children’s Hospital for autistic and special needs students.  She enjoys tutoring at Sylvan in St. Petersburg because she feels it provides a family environment for its staff. “It’s wonderful to join professionals who genuinely care about the progress of each student.” Annie tutors Sylvan students in reading, math, writing, and study skills.