Meet Our Team
Great Teachers Inspire
Our tutors and staff in Ames consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Ames 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 Ames!
April Samp
Co-Owner
April Samp is the proud Co-Owner of all four Sylvan Learning of Iowa Centers. April is a graduate of Iowa State University and invested many years into the communities where she lived by covering and investigating meaningful stories as a journalist and News Director. April worked in TV News/Marketing and Advertising for 25 years at stations like WOI-TV, KGAN/KFXA, KWQC and WHO in Iowa, KCTV and WDAF in Kansas City, WAVY/WVBT in Virginia and KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City. April’s love of education and everything it does for a person started very early. Both of her parents were educators. April and her son Cale live in Waukee and cheer loudly for the Cyclones and play golf whenever possible!
Jody Simpson
Regional Director
Jody has been with Sylvan for over 20 years. Jody conducts conferences, assists families with their needs and ensures that our center is always upholding the Sylvan Pledge! She loves to build relationships with families and create life long partnerships. In her spare time (ha!) she volunteers at Van Meter schools, plays with her three kids, dog and husband!
Natalya Breski
Center Director
As Center Director, Natalya leads family communication, staff oversight, and community outreach for Sylvan of Ames. As a former Director for Sylvan of Cedar Rapids, she has a great appreciation for the positive impact Sylvan can have on families. Natalya studied Elementary Education and Cross Categorical Special Education at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She is also currently pursuing additional education and research opportunities through UNI. When Natalya is not at Sylvan you can find her soaking up time outdoors, scouting new coffee shops or curled up with her cats and a good book.
Andrew O'Haver
Sylvan Certified Tutor-Lead Teacher
Andrew is the lead teacher at Sylvan of Ames. He earned his teaching degree at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. In the years hence, he worked with students in the classroom, at a boarding school, as a private tutor, and at Sylvan. He has worked for Sylvan at various times since 2005, in Indiana, Illinois, Texas, and now, Iowa. In his spare time, he reads to keep up on current events, science, and culture.
Evan Burley
Sylvan Certified Tutor
Evan is a reading and writing tutor in Ames, Iowa with a passion for building confidence in kids. Evan studied at Simpson College. When he isn’t at Sylvan, Evan enjoys reading just about anything, listening to punk and goth music, playing video games, and watching thriller movies.
Hunter Fullem
Sylvan Certified Tutor
Hunter is a tutor in Ames, IA with a gift for working with kids. While Hunter has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. He studied at Pennsylvania Western University. When Hunter isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him rooting for his Steel City teams: Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. He is a very big sports fan in general, though. Usually, you can find me spending time with my family and friends.
Emily Krstulic
Sylvan Certified Tutor
Emily Krstulic is a new tutor for Sylvan of Ames. She is a teacher by trade, with experience as an 8th-12th grade English teacher. She works full time as the 7th-12th school counselor at South Hamilton Middle/High School in Jewell, IA. She earned her Bachelors and Masters from Drake University. When she’s not working with kids, she is enjoying time with her cat and dog or doing something crafty.
Alyssa Fick
Sylvan Certified Tutor
Alyssa is a tutor in Ames, IA with a gift for working with kids. While Alyssa has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She is studying elementary education at Iowa State University and will graduate in May of 2025. When Alyssa isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her going on a run, spending time with her cat, Gus, or watching her favorite movie, Top Gun Maverick!
Sarah Auid
Sylvan Certified Tutor
Sarah is a tutor in Ames, IA, and loves to teach reading. She studied at Gustavus Adolphus College in MN and has taught elementary reading for more than 10 years. When not Sylvan, Sarah is a stay-at-home mom to three young children.
Kaitlyn Forney
Sylvan Certified Tutor
Kaitlyn Forney is a tutor in Ames, Iowa who loves working with kids. While Kaitlyn has many tutoring talents, she finds that her greatest joy is in literacy tutoring. Kaitlyn currently studies at Iowa State University. When Kaitlyn isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading a nice book or going on a run!
Gabe Staudt
Sylvan Certified Tutor
Gabe is a tutor in Ames, IA with a gift for working with kids. While Gabe has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. He studied at the University of Northern Iowa. When Gabe isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him playing pickleball or some board games with his friends.
Jaden Werling
Sylvan Certified Tutor
Jaden is a tutor in Ames, IA with a gift for working with kids. While Jaden has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in elementary phonics and literacy tutoring. She is currently studying Elementary Education at Iowa State University. When Jaden isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, learning something new, or cooking/baking.
Start your child on the path to academic success today
Give us a call at (515) 817-1865 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.
