Meet Our Team

Deborah DeJesus

Executive Director/Owner

As Center Director/Owner, Deborah leads the Sylvan centers in Newport News and Williamsburg. She has been with Sylvan for 17 years.

Deborah graduated from Lancaster University with a Bachelor of Education degree. A former classroom teacher, Deborah chose a career in the tutoring business because she loves the personalized programs and personal attention to each student.

When Deborah isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her enjoying time with her family and dogs. She enjoys hiking, gardening, and theater. Deborah is married to Juan, a U.S. Air Force veteran. They have a daughter who graduated from the University of Virginia and Georgetown and a son who recently graduated from the Air Force​ Academy.

Sarah Hall

Director of Enrollment

Sarah joined the Sylvan team in October 2022. Sarah graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education Integrated Studies: English. She holds additional certification for teaching Middle School students.

At Sylvan, Sarah meets with new families to share assessment results and program recommendation for each child. She monitors student progress and communicates with parents.

When Sarah isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys baking and cooking, creative crafts, and DIY projects. Sarah is an avid singer in her local church and is particularly fond of Disney songs. She also likes to explore new places and spend time with her family, friends, and puppy Louie.

Marissa Gray

Director of Education

Marissa joined the Sylvan team in December 2022.  Marissa graduated from the California University of Pennsylvania with a Post-Baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education.

Marissa is a former teacher in WJCC Schools.  At Sylvan, Marissa manages student progress and program development. She assesses students and personalizes their Sylvan learning plans.

When Marissa isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys reading, running, and biking.

Kevin O'Brien

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Kevin joined the Sylvan team in 2011. He teaches many Sylvan programs including all levels of math, college preparation, and study skills. He also enjoys teaching Physics to high school students.

Kevin graduated from Longwood University with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Business from the University of Phoenix.

When Kevin isn’t teaching at Sylvan of Williamsburg he enjoys playing the guitar and doing Origami.

Lois Winter

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Lois joined the Sylvan team in 2004. She is a graduate of American University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science and later graduated from William and Mary with a Master’s degree in Education.

Lois enjoys teaching Sylvan students because the programs are designed to meet each student’s personal needs. She teaches early literacy, writing, and math.

When Lois isn’t teaching, she enjoys singing in the Virginia Choral Society and giving Yorktown history tours.

Christopher Companion

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Christopher joined the Sylvan team in June 2018. He graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master of Arts (Education and Professional Writing).

Christopher currently teaches high school English in the public school sector. Christopher enjoys teaching Sylvan students in Reading, Writing, Study Skills and SAT preparation.

When Christopher isn’t teaching he enjoys reading, strategy games, and spending time with his family.

Caroline Miller

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Caroline joined the Sylvan team of teachers in 2008. She graduated from Angelo State University in Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

At Sylvan, Caroline enjoys teaching students how to build skills and confidence in reading, writing and math.

When Caroline isn’t teaching, she enjoys musicals and shows and spending time with her family.

Jill David

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Jill joined the Sylvan team in March 2022. Jill graduated from Walden University with a Master of Science degree.

Jill taught in the public schools for over 20 years, including elementary level and middle school English.  At Sylvan, Jill enjoys teaching reading, writing, study skills and math.

When Jill isn’t teaching, she enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her grandchildren.

Erica Reichard

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Erica joined the Sylvan team in January 2025. Erica graduated from The Union Institute and University (Ohio) with a Master of Arts in Special Education.

Currently, Erica teaches Science in the Gloucester County Public Schools. At Sylvan, Erica teaches students in reading, writing, math and study skills.

When Erica isn’t teaching, she enjoys walking, knitting, coloring, photography, and painting.

Tiffany Brakefield

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Tiffany joined the Sylvan team in January 2025. Tiffany graduated from the College of William and Mary with a Master’s Degree in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership and holds a Master’s degree in Reading Instruction.

Currently, Tiffany teaches students in Science and Technology at Hampton Roads Academy.

At Sylvan, Tiffany teaches students in reading, math, and writing. When Tiffany isn’t teaching, she enjoys  camping and hiking.

Tayla Edge

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Tayla joined the Sylvan team in January 2025. Tayla graduated from Regent University with a Master’s in Education in Instruction and Curriculum.

Tayla has taught in the Newport News and Portsmouth Public Schools.

At Sylvan, Tayla teaches students in reading, writing, math and study skills. When Tayla isn’t teaching, she enjoys travelling, exploring walking trails with my dog, reading and trying out different restaurants