Contact Information

Phone: (763) 712-1118
Fax: (763) 712-1190
Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Sunday: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Get $100 off a Sylvan Individualized program.

Sylvan's tutoring programs are individualized to meet the specific learning objectives of your child. Enroll your child in his own personalized Sylvan tutoring program and you'll receive $100 off tuition.

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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
Put years of educational experience to work for your family. Contact our center to find out how we can help today!

Center Director, Coon Rapids tutoring

Vanessa Johnsen

Center Director

Vanessa is in charge of the overall operation of the center. She obtained a B.S. in Elementary Education from Saint Cloud State University in 2004. She started working as a teacher at Sylvan in Coon Rapids in 2006. Her favorite things about working at Sylvan include the opportunities to work with families and students of all ages, while watching them become confident, successful learners.

Director of Education, Coon Rapids tutoring

Jillian Knudson

Director of Education

Jillian is responsible for maintaining a high quality of education in our center. She graduated from Winona State University in 2002 with her B.A. in Elementary Education with a specialization in General Science. She began working part-time at the Coon Rapids Sylvan as a teacher in 2004. Jill began work as the Director of Education in 2006. Her favorite things about Sylvan are getting to know all of the families and watching students grow throughout the learning process.

Kelly Phillips

Lead Teacher

Kelly Phillips was born in Pierre, South Dakota. She received a degree in Elementary Education from Nothern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Kelly's favorite aspect of working at Sylvan is that she can work with students of all ages. Kelly enjoys outings with her husband and two children, as well as gardening, reading, and scrapbooking.

Kasey Miller

Lead Teacher

Kasey Miller's hometown is Coon Rapids, Minnesota. She received her degree in Elementary Education from Winona State University. She has worked at New Horizon Child Care Center, as a substitute in Anoka Hennepin School District, and currently at Sylvan Learning Center. Kasey teaches Advanced Math, Writing, Reading, Study Skills, and more at Sylvan. A fun fact about Kasey is she has many cherished teddies!

Valarie Phillips

Lead Teacher

Valarie Phillips is originally from Minneapolis - Robbinsdale, Minnesota. With her degree in Education, she has worked in pre-kindergarten programs as well as teaching all grades in a K-6 Montessori School. At Sylvan, Valarie teaches Beginning, Academic and Advanced Reading, Mathematics, Study Skills, and ACT/SAT Prep. Her hobbies include reading and sewing.

Julie Dowd

Teacher

Julie Dowd grew up in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She obtained a degree in Elementary Education from Winona State University. She has taught preschool in Spring Lake Park for 18 years and worked at Sylvan Learning Center for eight years teaching reading and math. She loves the variety of students and staff at Sylvan. Julie enjoys music, playing the piano, and scrapbooking.

Myles Wagner

Teacher

Myles Wagner was born in South St. Paul. He attended Bemidji State University to continue figure skating. Myles obtained a degree in Spanish and English, and minored in Russian, Philosophy, and Social Studies. He has a Master's Degree in American Humanities. For many years, he taught and coached debate at Coon Rapids High School. At Sylvan, he teaches writing, reading, math, and study skills. Myles loves the individualized programs and the opportunity for success that Sylvan offers to its students. For leisure, Myles goes to the cabin, makes quilts, and gardens.

Jerry Kind

Teacher

Jerry Kind is from Sauk Centre, Minnesota. He has a Bachelor's degree in Language Arts and Music Education. He has taught Junior High and High School English and Music, elementary music programs, and piano lessons. At Sylvan, Jerry teaches reading, writing, arithmetic, study skills, and helps with homework support. His hobbies include music, reading, gardening, and scuba diving!

Walter Erickson

Teacher

Walter Erickson is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. Walter has taught for thirty years and brings all of his knowledge and experience to Sylvan. Walter teaches almost every program offered at Sylvan, and is especially valued for his excellence in teaching all levels of math. In his spare time, Walter enjoys gardening, music, cooking, and "building things."

Sheri York

Teacher

Sheri York is from Columbia Heights, Minnesota. She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She taught third grade in New Jersey before becoming a stay-at-home mom. At Sylvan, Sheri teaches reading and study skills. An interesting fact about Sheri is that she lived in London for two years when she was a child.

Jenni Martin

Teacher

Jennifer Martin grew up in Blaine, Minnesota and now resides in Andover. She received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a K-12 license from Bethel University. She has worked as a substitute teacher, and as an extended day and after school math program coordinator. At Sylvan, she teaches reading and mathematics. In her spare time, Jenni enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing piano, and traveling.