Meet Our Team

Rebecca Johnson

Executive Director

Rebecca has been with Sylvan Learning Center for over 25 years. She graduated with a dual degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. Her role as teacher and Director evolved into Business Franchisee Owner. Rebecca believes in the quality of Sylvan’s programs. She chooses teachers that share her pride in Sylvan’s personalized approach. Over the course of her career, she has been privy to countless triumphs over academic challenges. She has observed students of all ages reach their fullest potential and improve their love of learning. In addition to her role at Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling!

Erin S.

Director of Education

Erin graduated cum laude from RIC where she received a B.A. in English. She completed the Teacher Certification Program at PC. Erin began working as a tester in 2007 and began teaching at Sylvan in 2010. She is responsible for creating and managing programs for all students, as well as administering diagnostic and progress tests. Erin’s favorite part of teaching is witnessing her students grow academically and confidently. She gains the most enjoyment out of seeing students who are struggling succeed and seeing the joy that results from their successes. Erin teaches Reading, Math, Writing, Study Skills, STEM, Accelerated Reading, and SAT/ACT Test Prep.

Kendal B

Center Admin

Kendal is currently studying Communicative Disorders at URI. For Kendal, working at Sylvan has been a rewarding experience as it has given her so many opportunities. Sylvan has provided her with exposure to working with families and children. One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a member of the team is getting to meet new students and testing them. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch their confidence grow during their time at Sylvan. Her favorite things to do, outside of the center, are going to the beach, spending time with friends, and shopping second hand.

Stephen M

Instructor

Steve has taught at Sylvan for 17 years! He received a Bachelors and a Masters in English from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Steve is highly enthusiastic and knowledgeable—both qualities are shared with his students. He is passionate about the learning material and loves teaching in an environment that eliminates common stressors for students. Steve loves sports (mainly basketball, baseball, and football,) writing, and exploring mountains and beaches.

Tracey W

Instructor

Tracy has been with Sylvan Learning since October 2021. She graduated from Rhode Island College with a Master’s in the Art of Teaching. Prior to tutoring at Sylvan, Tracy taught Elementary education for 8 years in Coventry, RI. She is passionate about student success and connection; Tracy loves Sylvan as she has a front-row seat to observe her student’s amazing progress achieved through determination and practice. When not tutoring, you may find Tracy in her garden, doing crafts, or spending time with her dog, Jasper.

Cathy P

Instructor

Cathy holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Special Education. Before Sylvan, Cathy worked at The Fogarty Center for 40 years. Additionally, she was responsible for overseeing two child care programs that served infants to school-age children. Cathy says that the most rewarding aspect of teaching is seeing her students reach their maximum potential. Throughout her time working at Sylvan, Cathy has enjoyed the positive environment created by staff, as well as watching students’ confidence flourish. In her free time, Cathy enjoys spending time with her family, working with adults with challenges, and advocating for children in need.

Ally B

Instructor

Ally holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Library Science. Additionally, she has six years of experience teaching math and science to middle schoolers. A-ha moments are what make Ally love teaching. Sylvan was appealing to her since the small group structure allows her to build relationships with students. Reading, writing, and crafting are some of Ally’s favorite activities. Family time outdoors is also a favorite pastime for her.

Jade C

Instructor

Jade holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Here was where she experienced first hand just how influential learning from an instructor in a small group setting can be. Forming strong relationships with instructors was crucial to her success throughout her academic career and now she finds joy in being able to pass down that same experience at Sylvan by helping students build their confidence, while helping them succeed academically. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy in Ocean Engineering at the University of Rhode Island while working as both a research assistant and teaching assistant on the side. On the rare occasion that she isn’t working or conducting research, she loves to read historical fiction novels, watch video essays on Youtube, or go to the beach.