Christine Turnbow, M.S.

Center Director

Christine had a year and a half of Sylvan Learning experience as a Director of Education before joining the Brighton team in February of 2011. Christine earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and psychology with secondary education certification from Albion College in 2006. She worked as a middle and high school English teacher in several different schools in Michigan. In 2011, Christine earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Walden University. As part of the Brighton Sylvan Learning Team, Christine is responsible for all activities of the center. Christine’s favorite part of being at Sylvan is “knowing that we can help every student learn the way he or she prefers in an environment that is positive and supportive.” In her free time, Christine enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, amateur photography, and expert shopping!

Rachel Buchanan

Director of Education

Rachel has been a part of the Brighton Sylvan Learning Team since June ’06 (the summer after she graduated from Calvin College). She graduated from Calvin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Her favorite part of working at Sylvan is “helping students of all ages gain confidence in themselves” and “getting to know families in our area.” Rachel is also pursuing a Master’s Degree in Children’s Literature, hoping to one day publish a children’s book with her husband as the illustrator.

Crystal

Teacher

Crystal has been with Sylvan since January of 2008. Her favorite part about working at Sylvan is "meeting and teaching all the wonderful students. It is so much fun teaching a wide age range of students!" Crystal loves reading books of all genres and influencing her love for reading to her daughter.

Nancy

Teacher

Nancy is a valuable part of the Brighton team who is requested by many of our students! She teaches a variety of subjects, especially helping those with math needs. Nancy also administers assessments and updates student programs.

Elizabeth

Teacher

Elizabeth ("Liz") has been a teacher at Sylvan since April of 2008. She enjoys teaching at Sylvan. Her favorite quote from a student is "I love Sylvan. I love you 'Lizbuth'!" Liz taught preschool for fifteen years and has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. We are glad to have her as part of the team!

Sherrill

Teacher

Sherrill has been a part of our Sylvan team since October of 2010. Her favorite part about working at Sylvan is the “very polite & cooperative students!” and the “very friendly staff.” Her educational background includes a Master’s Degree in Business Education from EMU. On her free time, she enjoys golfing, bowling, reading, and learning new computer programs.

Julie

Teacher

Carolyn

Teacher

Carolyn joined Sylva in June of 2011. She enjoys meeting all of the different students. Carolyn earned her Bachelor’s degree in education with a social studies area minor. She has additional hours in reading and math, as well. Carolyn enjoys fishing, gardening, and travel.

Richard

Teacher

Richard has been with Sylvan since March of 2011. He has two Bachelor’s degrees in Secondary Education and Art Education, and two Master’s degrees in Secondary Education and Special Education. He enjoys the kind, respectful students at Sylvan who want to improve their skills. Richard enjoys teaching, old movies and movie history, and reading.

Maggie

Teacher

Maggie has been with Sylvan since August of 2011. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Ohio State University and Secondary Education certification in math and biology from Baker College. Her favorite part of working at Sylvan is “the opportunity to see that light bulb go off as the things they are learning start to click!” Maggie enjoys reading on her Kindle, running, going to the movies, and trying new restaurants.

Kelly

Teacher

Kelly joined Sylvan in August of 2011. She thinks Sylvan students are a lot of fun to work with. Kelly graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education. She is currently pursuing a degree in English. She enjoys cross stitching, traveling, reading, and watching MSU sports.

Katheryne

Teacher

Katheryne has been with Sylvan since September of 2011. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education and a history minor and is a certified teacher for both subjects. She loves seeing students have their “AhHa moments!” Katheryne enjoys singing, board games, family gatherings, animals, and playing with her daughter.

Mary

Teacher

Mary joined the Sylvan team in August of 2011. She has a Bachelor’s degree in education and a Master’s degree in Elementary Counseling. Mary enjoys engaging with Sylvan students. She loves reading, crafts, and family events.

Emily

Teacher

Emily was Director of Education at a different Sylvan before joinging Brighton in Agust of 2011. Emily teaches and also helps administer assessments. She has her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and has certification in Elementary Education. She loves watching “students who have nearly given up on learning succeed and enjoy it!” In Emily’s free time, she enjoys knitting, scrapbooking, and jogging.