Meet Our Team

Larry Finkemeier

Owner

Larry is a graduate from University of Missouri, Columbia. Larry owns Chief Heating & Cooling in Lee’s Summit and he and his daughter Tricia became Sylvan Co-0wners in 2007 and have many years of Sylvan experience. Larry is a loyal MU TIGER fan and he enjoys spending time with his wife Bea, 3 daughters and their families.

Tricia Crego

Center Director

Tricia has worked for Sylvan since 1994. She received her bachelors in Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia.  She has worked as a teacher, Director of Education, Territory Director, Owner and Center Director.  When not at Sylvan she loves playing golf with her husband. She is a proud parent of two grown children, 2 bonus children, and 4 grandchildren. Stop by and say hi!

Melissa Patton

Director of Education

Melissa is so excited to be at Sylvan! She is a Lee’s Summit local that is ready to give back to the community by working with students and families. As Director of Education, she works directly with the team in center and manages student programs since 2020. When Melissa isn’t working she likes to nerd-out playing table top games or cosplaying.

Terri Hardy

Tutor

Terri has taught at Sylvan Learning in Lee’s Summit, MO since October of 2013. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Louisiana Tech University, her Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Arkansas, and her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from William Woods University. Terri taught math instruction for thirty-one years before retiring. She now teaches ACT math prep, Algebra, and provides math homework help to our Sylvan students. When Terri is not at Sylvan, she is most likely knitting, sewing, crocheting, basket weaving, or playing the organ.

Dorene Peel

College Prep/Tutor

Dorene has worked for Sylvan Learning of Lee’s Summit, MO since August of 1995. Dorene has her Master’s degree in Behavior Management and Curriculum Development. As an expert in College Prep, Dorene teaches ACT Prep courses, Speed Reading, Study Skills, Academic Reading, Math Essentials, and Writing. Dorene also enjoys traveling, quilting, sewing, scrapbooking, crafts, and reading.  Her best friend Louise is her 4-legged friend and you can find them walking on sunny days enjoying the outdoors.

Corinne Zager

Tutor

Corinne is new to Sylvan, but she is not new to teaching. She earned her Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Tennessee.  She has also earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Mathematics Education from the University of Missouri.  She has her Math Specialist Certification, and is currently wrapping up her LETRS certification.  She has taught each grade level from Kindergarten to sixth grade, and enjoys every minute of teaching.  When she is not working in a classroom, you will see Corinne reading, exercising, or spending time with her husband, son, and two cats.

Kim has been teaching at Sylvan of Lee’s Summit since 2020. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and her Educational Specialist Degree in Elementary Leadership from Central Missouri State. She earned her Master of Arts in Elementary Leadership from Webster University. In the 35 years that she has been teaching, Kim has taught various grades in the Kansas City MO Public Schools, Kansas City KS Public Schools, and in the United Arab Emirates! She now teaches Special Education in Kansas City. In her spare time, Kim loves to be with family, travel, and shop!

Randy is a well-rounded teacher that has been with Sylvan for 19 years! He loves that Sylvan helps students grow as learners. Randy is a graduate of Truman State University and loves being a teacher in the classroom as well as at the Sylvan table!

Alicia is excited to tutor with the students and staff at Sylvan! A graduate of UCM and educator in the Lee’s Summit district, Alicia has been working at Sylvan since 2021. When not working with students, she enjoys reading, singing, and baking!

Kim is an amazing tutor from the Lee’s Summt/Blue Springs area. She has special expertise in reading, writing and study skills tutoring. Friendly and kind, Kim has a background in working with special needs students. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her family in Nebraska.

Tracy is happy to join the team in LS! Tracy wants to show her love of reading and writing to the students that come through the doors at Sylvan. When she isn’t working with the Lee’s Summit school district or Sylvan, Tracy enjoys spending time with her kids.