Contact Information
| Phone: | (423) 894-8333 |
| Fax: | (423) 894-1891 |
| Monday: | 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Tuesday: | 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Wednesday: | 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Thursday: | 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Friday: | By Appointment |
| Saturday: | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Meet the Tutors
Chattanooga is marked for its high concentration of public and private schools, providing the area with a wealth of available teacher talent. Sylvan Learning of Chattanooga is privileged to be able to select local, talented educators, many of whom also serve in the schools your student attends. We are highly selective when building our team- looking for educators with talent that spans a single discipline or age group. Our instructors have experience teaching reading, writing, and math programs to a variety of ages and are given the freedom to reach each student with a teacher's heart.
Jason Isaacs
Center Director
Using his Sylvan experience and a “hands on” approach, Jason likes to be involved with each step of the student's Sylvan experience. He is driven to demonstrate measurable academic growth in each student and ensure every family receives exceptional service with their educational investment by creating and communicating clear expectations. Since joining Sylvan, he has served as an instructor, test administrator, lead instructor, and program manager before his latest role as center director.
Sylvan team member since 2005
John Peoples, M. Ed.
Director of Education
Attention to detail and an empathic disposition have distinguished John as an excellent and longstanding director with Sylvan. He manages each student's program and truly understands how students develop in their reading and math skills over the course of their education. His drive for interdisciplinary studies have led him to receive a B.S. in Political Science from UTC and a M. Ed. in Secondary Education with additional graduate work in mathematics; John is an educator who will discuss nearly any topic with alacrity and make students feel like they have learned alongside him.
Sylvan team member since 2004
Laura Cline, M. Ed.
Instructor
Laura teaches English at Ooltewah High School; her love for language is evident in the care she gives to each student- whether the student is preparing for the ACT, mastering difficult reading passages, or learning to express his or her thoughts in an essay. Laura also enjoys introducing students to brand new math concepts and helping students develop lasting study skills. She enjoys sharing her enthusiasm with students when they have the “Aha!” moment and celebrating newly mastered skills.
Sylvan team member since 2004
Marilyn Heckman, M. S.
Instructor
Marilyn is known for her relaxed and patient poise. As a high school math teacher at Hixson High School for many years, Marilyn brings a wealth of math education and experience to the Sylvan staff. Her reading and math students are often overheard commenting, “she explains things in a way I can understand them!” Marilyn is an invaluable member of her team who can never be replaced, and is always remembered by her previous students who often come back just to say “hello!”
Sylvan team member since 2000
Jean Kelly, M. S.
Instructor/ Test Administrator
Jean was first exposed to Sylvan as a parent. Seeing her child grow tremendously since attending Sylvan has made Jean an understanding partner with parents and a great student advocate. Jean sees the “long view” with each of her students; she is committed to seeing each student master the foundational skills they need to be independent in the classroom today and watch them develop into successful students beyond the years of the classroom. She believes the habits children develop today influence the adults they will become.
Sylvan team member since 1996
Amy Kimberly
Instructor
After teaching for a year in Africa and graduating from Southern Adventist University, Amy joined the staff at Sylvan. Amy also brings experience of providing individual care for students with disabilities and teaching multigrade classrooms. Amy quickly makes student feel “at home” and comfortable in new environments and knows how to brighten students' day!
Sylvan team member since 2011
José Sánchez, M. Ed.
Instructor
Whether teaching advanced reading skills or the foundations of mathematics, José's calm and gentle spirit is evident to his students. José has taught for over 30 years at local schools, including Chattanooga State, Tennessee Temple University, and Central High School. In addition to being the chair of the Foreign Language Department at Central High School, José finds time to pursue singing and percussion as a member of a Latin praise band.
Sylvan team member since 2000
Alan Schide
Instructor/ Test Administrator
After pursing studies at Vanderbilt and a career in the US Navy, Alan pursued additional education at UTC for Elementary Education. Known for having the heart and commitment of a teacher, Alan sees each student as an individual with untapped potential and passionately develops a love for learning in each child. Carrying over his experience teaching in the local schools, Alan really enjoys meeting and developing a partner relationship with parents.
Sylvan team member since 2002
Briana Vastano, M. Ed.
Instructor/ Test Administrator
An alumni of GPS and UTC, Briana has recently joined our Sylvan staff. Blending her degree in Elementary Education with coursework rich in the sciences has provided her with an opportunity to teach a variety of programs. Briana still finds time to pursue ballet and training in physical therapy when she is not teaching.
Sylvan team member since 2011