Meet Our Team
Great Teachers Inspire
Our tutors and staff in Peoria consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Peoria 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 Peoria!
Shawna Stewart
CENTER DIRECTOR/OWNER
Director
Vanessa Ross
CENTER DIRECTOR/OWNER
As Center Director, Vanessa leads operations for Sylvan of Springfield. A Project Manager by trade, Vanessa chose a career in the tutoring business because she wanted to help families and kids build confidence and knowledge. Vanessa studied at Truman State University, and UIS-Springfield, earning her M.B.A. When Vanessa isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her family, her husband Phil, and two kids, Flynn and Oliver Ross.
Phil Ross
CENTER DIRECTOR/OWNER
As an Owner, Phil leads operations for Sylvan of Springfield. An RF engineer by trade, Phil chose a career in the tutoring business because he wanted to help our families and kids in the community gain knowledge and confidence. He studied at The University of Missouri-Rolla, and UIS-Springfield, earning his M.B.A. When Phil isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him spending time with his wife, Vanessa, and two kids, Flynn and Oliver Ross.
Samantha Baumgartner
Tutor
Samantha is a teacher in Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Samantha has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studied at Illinois State University. When Samantha isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading novels or watching musicals.
Mike Halford
Tutor
Mike is a Science teacher in the Peoria, IL area with a gift for working with kids. While Mike has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in Math tutoring. He studied at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. When Mike isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him playing basketball and working on home improvement projects.
Nancy Streitmatter
Tutor
Nancy Streitmatter is a 5th grade and junior high teacher in Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Nancy has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in English tutoring. She studied at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. When Nancy isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her hanging out with her six pups.
Rachel Bloch
Tutor
Rachel is a teacher in Marquette Heights, IL, with a gift for working with kids. While Rachel has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading and math tutoring. She studied at Indiana State University for her bachelor’s degree, Saint Xavier University for her master’s degree, and Northern Illinois University for additional graduate certification. When Rachel isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her attending various activities for her kids.
Emily VanBruwaene
Tutor
Emily is a student teacher in Chillicothe, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Emily has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She studies at University of Illinois Springfield. When Emily isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her at local coffee shops or at home with her cat!
Ariana Scaglione
Tutor
Ariana is a tutor is Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Ariana has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in Reading tutoring. She studies at Bradley University. When Ariana isn’t at Sylan, you’ll find her at a coffee shop or spending time with friends and family.
Colleen Connelly
Tutor
Colleen is a tutor in Peoria, IL with a gift of working with kids. While Colleen has many talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studies at Bradley University. When Colleen isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her playing tennis or reading a book!
Start your child on the path to academic success today
Give us a call at (309) 423-3496 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.
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