Jennifer Greene

Center Director

Jennifer is in charge of the overall operation of the center. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Minor in Psychology from the University of St. Thomas, and a Master of Arts from Middlesex University in London, England. She worked in the non-profit sector for over seven years before joining Sylvan in March, 2011. Her favorite thing about Sylvan is working with families to reach their goals for academic growth and success. Jen enjoys summers in Minnesota, yoga, Indian food (yum!) and spending time with friends and family.

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.

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, and is currently a substitute teacher in Anoka Hennepin School District, along with teaching 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, and Study Skills. Her hobbies include reading and sewing.

Jenni Martin

Lead 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. Jenni is also a reading specialist. She has worked as a substitute teacher, and as an extended day and after school math program coordinator. At Sylvan, she teaches Beginning, Academic, and Advanced Reading, Study Skills, and Math Essentials. In her spare time, Jenni enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing piano, and traveling.

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!

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.

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."

Anita Herberg

Teacher

Anita's hometown is Orange, MA! She attended the University of Mary and the University of North Dakota where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education. At Sylvan, Anita likes to see students gain confidence as they work through the learning process. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and scrapbooking!

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.

Susan Liebrecht

Lead Teacher

Susan grew up in Coon Rapids and went to Northdale Middle School and Coon Rapids High School. She attended the University of Minnesota and obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Psychology. She then attended the College of St. Scholastica and received her Minnesota Teaching License. Currently, she is working on her Master of Science in Teaching. Her favorite things about teaching at Sylvan are interacting with students of all ages and seeing their excitement when concepts click! She enjoys making a difference daily with the students she works with. Susan enjoys nature walks, music festivals, camping and bike riding.

Jennifer Brueske

Lead Teacher

Jennifer grew up in Princeton, Minnesota and went to Princeton schools. She attended Anoka Ramsey Community College and St. Cloud State University and obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics Education. Her favorite things about teaching at Sylvan are the awesome staff and the awesome students! Jennifer has 3 kids of her own, and loves spending time with her family. Her hobbies include sewing, reading, gaming and laughing with her kids every chance she gets!

Katelyn Foley

Teaching Assistant

Katelyn grew up in Fridley, Minnesota. When she was 7 years old she moved to Ramsey. She is currently a senior at Anoka High School. After she graduates she plans on attending St. Cloud State University or Minnesota State- Mankato to major in special education and minor in physical education. She loves Sylvan and is so glad she gets to work with the students and staff. Her hobbies include spending time with my family, being with friends, reading, sports and singing.

Shelley Luzaich

Community Outreach Coordinator

Shelley considers herself to be a lifelong learner and bookworm bum. She’s such an avid and voracious reader that she has sat down in a bookstore to “check out” a book before buying it and read the entire book in one sitting! She wishes there was a BookAdventure.com for adults so she could earn rewards for all that reading! Shelley graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. She has taken numerous courses on several topics mostly related to copywriting, sales and marketing, and is constantly studying up on the ‘net. Shelley works in the community and online promoting Sylvan, particularly focusing on special needs children.

Jackie Rodman

Lead Teacher

Karn Matthews

Teacher

Sara Kittelson

Admin/SES Coordinator

Linda Herman

Teacher

Miranda Frank

Teacher

Scott McQuiston

Teacher

Scott grew up in Burnsville until 3rd grade when he moved to Shoreview and graduated from Mounds View High School. Right after he graduated from high school he moved to Coon Rapids and started attending St. Cloud State University. In May of 2010 he graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics Education. He is currently a substitute teacher in the Anoka-Hennepin school district as well as a teacher at Sylvan. He enjoys watching movies, working on puzzles, and riding his bicycle. He loves being able to be a positive role model for today's youth.