Contact Information
| New Students: | (813) 782-8219 |
| Current Families: | (813) 782-8219 |
| Fax: | (813) 782-8471 |
| Monday: | 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | Closed |
| Saturday: | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Meet the Tutors
Our Sylvan trained and certified tutors are dedicated to your child’s success. Working together with you, we will:
- Pinpoint your child’s learning needs using the Sylvan Skills Assessment®
- Develop a personalized learning plan based on your child’s goals
- Offer unique insights about what will work for your child
- Teach each lesson the way your child learns best
- Build a relationship with your child to provide learning that’s fun, engaging and rewarding
Marie A. Austin, M.S.
Center Director
I grew up in Central New York along Lake Ontario and taught English and Social Studies. After teaching in the public schools for several years, I decided to move to the college environment and work in the College of Education at Syracuse University (SU) as the Assistant to the Associate Dean. While completing my Masters in Higher Education Administration, I coordinated the Freshman Forum Program for the College of Arts and Sciences at SU. In 1999, I relocated to Tampa to direct a freshmen program at the University of South Florida, designed specifically to help USF students make the transition from High School into college life.
Also while in New York, I directed the First Year Program at a small liberal arts institution, Marist College, located along the Hudson River. While there, I also served as an adjunct professor for the School of Communication and Art. After two years in the cold winters, my husband and I returned back to Tampa for a visit and decided to make Tampa our home.
In 2005, Dr. Johnson recruited me to direct the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) program for the Sylvan Centers for Hillsborough and Pasco counties. However, once the opportunity to direct my own learning center became available, I was thrilled. It is a pleasure to have such a wonderful group of dedicated faculty on my team. You have my commitment that we will offer your son or daughter the opportunity to improve their academic success to become "life long learners."
Jillian Brown
Lead Teacher
I attended Worcester State College and graduated with a Bachelor in Elementary Education, a Bachelor in Psychology, and a minor in Communication Disorders. I continued my education at Anna Maria College where I obtained my Masters in Education.
I began teaching English at a therapeutic, residential school in my home town. I was able to work with students who were having a very difficult time in many aspects of life. Many of the students that I worked with had severe behavioral problems that were impeding their growth. I was able to work with these students to show them they were able to gain knowledge from school, as well as grow into adults with positive goals. I worked at this school for five years. I enjoy working at Sylvan because it allows me to help students build skills and confidence.
Corey J. Poole, B.A
Teaches SAT/ACT Prep, College/University Writing, FCAT Prep, Study Skills, Writing and Reading
My primary emphasis here at Sylvan is SAT Preparation and College/University Writing. When I am not teaching these programs, I teach FCAT Preparation, Study Skills, Writing, and Reading Skills. I graduated in 2003 from Florida Southern College in Lakeland with a Bachelors of Art in Humanities. The three primary areas of emphasis I studied while in college were Music Performance, Technical Theatre, and English/ Literature. Since graduation, I have worked with Middle and High School students in the Polk County School system teaching Honors and Advanced Placement English and Literature. From 2006-2010, I taught Choral Performance, Theatre Arts, and Advance Placement Music Theory at Bartow Senior High School. In the fall of 2010, I began teaching Choral Performance and TV Productions at Liberty Middle School in Hillsborough County. In past summers, I have taught FCAT Reading Workshops with Polk County. Recent summers have been spent teaching at Sylvan.
Virginia Villadelgado, B.A. and B.S.
Teaches Reading, Writing, and Upper Level Math
I taught for 35 years teaching the subjects of Science (Grades 5-10) and Reading/English (Grades 6-8). Previous schools that I have taught at include Thomas E. Weightman Middle School and Brent International School. I graduated from the College of the Holy Spirit with an AB-BSE in Biology and English. I enjoy teaching students because of the fun interaction a teacher can make each new time we set off on a new adventure, each new day.
Rosemary Le Van, M.Ed.
Teaches Reading, Math, and Writing, Adult/Ed (GED)
I have been teaching at Sylvan since 2000. I earned my Bachelor's and Master's of Education degrees at the Ohio State University. My career in education has included classroom teacher and instructional supervisor.
I have taught for over 25 years in the school system working with GED students to Special Education to adult students.
Allison Brewer B.A.
Teaches Beginning Reading, Writing, Math and Study Skills
I attended Indiana State University where I received my degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. Upon graudation, I taught Special Education for 2 years at James A. Allison Elementary in Speedway, Indiana. When I was not teaching at school, I was working at a local Sylvan Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. There are many reasons why I decided to become a teacher, but I think that the most importnat for me is the reason that I want to inspire kids to be the best they can be. I also think that it it very important that I be a role model for my students in these changing times.
Marcia Hewlett
Teaches all Divisions of Reading as well as Spanish for Homework support
I was born in San Jose, Costa Rica and majored in Theology and minored in Education at Crown College. Currently, I teach seventh grade English, Math and High School Spanish I & II as well as Physical Education.