Contact Information
| Phone: | (517) 787-9180 |
| Fax: | (517) 787-9983 |
| Monday: | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday: | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Saturday: | Closed |
| 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
Steven Briggs
Center Director
Steven Briggs is the Center Director for Sylvan Learning Jackson. He graduated in May of 2006 from Central Michigan University with degrees in secondary mathematics and music education. During his undergraduate study, Steven researched and developed three new mathematical theorems, and was a winner of the Richtemeyer Mathematics Scholarship. Steven taught as a band director and math teacher at the secondary level before becoming a part of the Sylvan team in February of 2009. Steven was promoted to Director of Education at Sylvan Jackson in July of 2009 and became Center Director in March of 2010.
My passion is student success through academic achievement. I love seeing students grow and develop into confident young adults with the drive to be independent learners and successful individuals in everything they choose to become.
Nicki Lefere
Associate Director of Education
Nicki Lefere is the Associate Director of Education for Sylvan Learning Jackson. She graduate with a Bachelor of Arts from Spring Arbor University and earned her Early Childhood certification from Baker College. Nicki has worked with Sylvan since August of 2004, and prides herself on providing the best care possible for every family she works with.
I love to help students achieve their academic goals and help instill a love for learning. I also really love to show students they can do things they once thought to be impossible to achieve.
Ryan Allen
Instructor
Ryan Allen earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics as well as his Masters Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Michigan. He joined the Sylvan Jackson team in October of 2010.
I love to teach and work with kids for several reasons. I like to help students learn to problem solve on their own. I also like to help them grow and realize just how much they are capable of. Finally, I just like sharing my knowledge and experiences with them to help them grow.
Lynne Gatz
Instructor
Lynne Gatz graduated with a Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Education teaching Certificate, majoring in Social Studies from Eastern Michigan University. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Human Resource Management and minoring and General Business and Social Work, and joined the Sylvan Jackson team in December of 2009.
I enjoy experiencing the educational connection that comes when a student absorbs the material like a light bulb going on! Developing a bond with a student is a very enriching and rewarding experience, especially when the bond results in their increased success.
Kristen Herberg
Instructor
Kristen Herberg graduated from Western High School here in the Greater Jackson area in 2006. She then attended JCC for 2 years, before transferring to Spring Arbor University and graduating with a degree in Elementary Education in 2010. Kristen is proof-positive that terrific leaders and educators are developed in Jackson county.
Teaching for me is rewarding in so many ways, not just by seeing students grasp a subject, but to see students grow socially and individually. Teaching is a challenge. Each student learns so differently and as a teacher, I change and develop my style of teaching in a way that will help them learn best individually. The fact that teaching is rewarding in multiple ways and is a challenge for me is why I love teaching so much.
Jessica Holen
Instructor
Jessica Holen earned her Bachelor of Education degree from Michigan State University with Elementary Education, Language Arts, and Social Studies Certifications. She has recently earned her Masters degree from Michigan State in Curriculum and Teaching. Jessica joined the Sylvan Jackson team in August of 2011.
I love working with children and helping students discover how capable they are. Every child has the ability to achieve greatness; some just need more encouragement along the way. Meeting a student's individual needs provides that student the opportunity to feel successful and paves the way for further growth. Creating confident and educated children today makes for a brighter tomorrow for everyone.
Megan Hunt
Instructor
Megan Hunt has her degree in Education majoring in History at Olivet Nazerene University. She has been a strong instructor on our Sylvan staff since January of 2005.
I love working with kids because each student has a unique way of learning and understanding. It is a privilege for me to help students find their unique abilities and succeed in school because of them!
Jeanette Parker
Instructor
Jeanette Parker earned her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and earning her Secondary Education certification from Spring Arbor University. She joined the Sylvan Jackson team in August of 2009.
One of the most influential people in my life was my high school English teacher. I love that a teacher can play such a critical role in a child's development. I went into teaching so that I may impact a student the way I was impacted. It is so rewarding to work with a student and see the light bulb go on.
Abbey Smith
Instructor
Abbey Smith graduated from Spring Arbor University with a Bachelors in Mathematics and a minor in Chemistry. She joined the Sylvan Jackson team in August of 2009.
I love teaching because there is never a dull moment. I have so many opportunities to build relationships and then watch my students excel.
Megan Stonestreet
Instructor
Megan Stonestreet graduated from Western High School in 2006. She then furthered her education at Grand Valley State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Language Arts with a minor in Elementary Education in December of 2010. Megan joined the Sylvan Jackson team in August of 2011.
I love helping students discover new ideas, topics, and interests as well as ways to solve problems. Being a part of a child's life when they are growing both academically as well as personally is amazing. I get to help students grow and discover every day I teach.
Ali Haque
Educational Assistant
Ali Haque is a senior at Jackson High School and a Sylvan student since October 2009. He has already completed or is taking AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Government, AP Psychology, and AP English. Ali plans to take Public Health at Michigan State University and Calculus 2 at Jackson Community College this school year. With an ACT score of 31, Ali is considering Michigan State University, The University of Pennsylvania, and Northwestern for his undergraduate program.
I was given the opportunity to give back to the establishment and people that helped me to grow academically and personally. I was overjoyed to receive the opportunity to possibly help my mentors help other students like myself.
Kaitlin Pontius
Educational Assistant
Kaitlin Pontius is currently a Sophomore at Spring Arbor University, and is pursuing her degree in Special Education. Kaitlin joined the Sylvan team in February of 2011.
I believe that teachers hold a very influential position in a child's life. I love the idea that I could help a struggling student, mentor a confused individual, or even be a friend that a child needs. I enjoy the enthusiasm and curiosity that is unique to children. For me, a child's smile is enough to make my day.
©2012 Sylvan Learning. All rights reserved.
