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

Brian Kim

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Brian joined the Sylvan team in the summer of 2024. He graduated from the College of William and Mary with a Ph.D. in Marine Science. Brian has taught students in grades K-12. More specifically, he has developed lesson plans and taught 4th and 5th grade science classes. At Sylvan, Brian teaches students in reading, writing, math and study skills. When Brian isn’t teaching, he enjoys all things to do with the ocean. In his free time he likes to play tennis, go paddle-boarding on the York River, and play the cello with the York River Symphony Orchestra.

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

Meghan Sisler

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Meghan joined the Sylvan team in April 2023. Meghan graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She recently retired from teacher in the Newport News Public Schools. She has been recognized as Teacher of the Year. At Sylvan, Meghan teaches students in reading, writing and math. When Meghan isn’t teaching she enjoys learning how to do home improvements with her dad, going to sporting events with her husband and kids and playing with her dog, Josea.

Brooke Bultman

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Brooke joined the Sylvan team in June of 2024.  Brooke graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master of Science in Education and has taught students in the York County School Division. At Sylvan, Brooke teaches students in reading, math and writing. When Brooke isn’t teaching she enjoys reading, traveling to see her grandson, walking her dog and spending time at the beach.