Meet Our Team

Gail Smith

Owner

Gail feels privileged to help lead an amazing team of educators and support staff along with her husband, Dave. A former Public Relations manager and Elementary Classroom Teacher, Gail finds great joy and fun in working with students and teachers. As the parent of two college athletes, she is excited about helping student-athletes realize their full academic potential and options for college and beyond. She holds a degree in Public Relations from WSU and went on to Seattle Pacific University for her K-8 teaching endorsement and Master’s work in Special Education. Gail has also served a 3-year term on the national Franchise Owner’s Association board for Sylvan Learning.

Dave Smith

Owner

Hailing from Fircrest, WA and a graduate of Wilson High School, Dave, takes great pride in owning and operating Sylvan of Olympia, WA.  Holding a B.S. in Economics from Willamette University where he played football as an Academic All-American, Dave enjoys working in an industry that helps students succeed at every level. Dave has served on the boards of Boys & Girls Clubs, Greater Lakes Mental Health and the Sylvan Franchise Owner’s Association.  He has also enjoyed coaching middle school basketball over the years.    

As Center Director, Stacia has been with Sylvan of Olympia since 2000.  A former teacher, Stacia chose a career in the tutoring business because of her passion to help students become their authentic best self. She studied at Central Washington University. Stacia is a wonderful resource for the Center and the Community.