Meet Our Team

Angela Jones

Owner/Center Director

Angela Jones is the Owner and Center Director of the NEW Sylvan of Altoona. After 24 years as a Marketing/Sales/Advertising Professional, Angela chose a career in education because she is passionate about helping students succeed and excel. She studied at The University of Northern Iowa. When Angela isn’t at Sylvan, you will find her cheering on her daughter at dance competitions and traveling with her husband of 15 years.

Kenzie Oliver

Director of Education

Kenzie is our new Director of Education at Sylvan of Altoona.  She recently graduated from DMACC with an Early Childhood Education degree and a certificate in Program Administration. She has been working in the early childhood field for the past 7 years. When not at Sylvan, you can find her hanging out with her family and snuggling her Goldendoodle!

Paula Lureman

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Paula has taught 40+ years in Newton and retired this past year. She missed teaching, so she sought out Sylvan to continue with her profession. Teaching children to grow as learners is her passion. Her biggest reward is seeing students’ faces when they start to make growth and build confidence. Paula lives with her husband and five dogs in Bondurant. Reading is her favorite pastime!

Jennifer Suhr

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Jennifer has worked with elementary age students for 30+years in a variety of settings since graduating with her BA in Social Work from Luther College.  She directed a before & after school enrichment program for 14+years, worked as the program coordinator for Kids Café and is currently in her 7th year as a substitute teacher for Southeast Polk elementary schools.  Her favorite teaching experiences are the longterm assignments when she gets to know students well over many weeks and gets to walk alongside them as they grow and learn. Jennifer loves to learn and is excited to share her love of learning with students at Sylvan.  In her free time Jennifer loves to read, workout and scrapbook.  She lives in Altoona with her husband  Matt and has two adult children.

Kelli Denning

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Kelli graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with her BA in Elementary Education and endorsements in Reading (K-8), English/Language Arts (K-8), and Social Studies (K-8). She currently teaches 4th grade for Southeast Polk. Kelli and her husband Kyle live in Altoona with their two daughters. In her free time, Kelli enjoys spending time with her family, attending concerts, and reading. 

Amy Schneider

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Amy has been a substitute teacher for the Southeast Polk school district for four year.  Before becoming a substitute teacher, Amy spent 12+ years teaching preschool.  Teaching students and watching them grow, learn and become their own unique individual is her passion.  When not working with students, she loves to spend time with her husband, daughter and four dogs!

Ben Hukvari

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Ben graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Mathematics. While there, he discovered a passion and talent for helping people with tough courses. When he’s not at Sylvan, Ben can be found hanging out with his two cats at home, playing games or watching his favorite TV shows. 

Danielle O'Connor

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Danielle graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Elementary Education and endorsements in TESOL (K-12), and Reading/Language Arts (K-8). Danielle teaches first grade in Des Moines Public Schools. She lives in Altoona with her fiancé, Trysten, and their dog, Teddy. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside, reading, and spending time with family. Danielle loves to watch her students learn and grow, and she is excited to see students progress in a unique learning atmosphere!

Leah Johnson

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Leah graduated with her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Iowa State University in 2021. Since, she has worked a variety of jobs, but finds that her favorite thing to do is help people learn! From working as a kindergarten zoo camp counselor, to being a college chemistry TA, she loves teaching people about the world around them— no matter the level. In her free time you can probably find her singing along to Taylor Swift, or hanging out with her friends and her cat, Snickers! She is so excited to be a part of the team here at Sylvan!

Mary Lynn Carvour

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Mary Lynn has been teaching and tutoring for 40+ years. She earned a BA from Michigan State University’s Elementary Intern Program with an emphasis in reading and fine art and was licensed to teach in grades K-8. Mary Lynn has lived in Iowa for 43 years, teaching in preschool – 8th grade.  When she is not tutoring, she loves to work/sit outdoors, read, write, travel, create learning activities, and explore interesting nature or historical sites. Her home is in Altoona with her husband, Mickey, and she is Mom to 2 grown children and Mama to 2 Cockapoos and one cat.

Morgan Page

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Morgan has been teaching for the last 5 years. She attended UNI for her undergrad and she most recently graduated with her masters from Drake University. She has taught in Eddyville, Iowa, for the DMPS, and next year will teach for the Carlisle CSD. She loves to help students find their passions through learning. In her free time she loves to go on walks, runs, and to spend time with her husband and 1 year old daughter. She is excited to be at Sylvan to continue to help students grow in their learning in such a welcoming atmosphere!

Ashley Allen

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Ashley is currently a Strat I Special Education Teacher at Bondurant-Farrar High School. Ashley graduated from Simpson College with both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Along with teaching, Ashley coaches softball and volleyball. When she is not teaching or coaching, she loves spending time with family and friends and watching anything sports related, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes!