Contact Information
| New Students: | (253) 582-2229 |
| Current Families: | (253) 582-2000 |
| Fax: | (253) 582-2233 |
| Monday: | 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM |
| Tuesday: | 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM |
| Wednesday: | 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM |
| Thursday: | 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM |
| Friday: | By Appointment |
| Saturday: | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Now Serving The Lakewood Community!
The world-class Sylvan program you have heard about is now conveniently located in Lakewood!
Click here for details.
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
Gail & Dave Smith
Owners of South Puget Sound Sylvan Learning Centers
Local Owners Gail and Dave Smith reside in Lakewood and are busy raising their teenage son and daughter, and spoiling their two male Scottish Terriers (Walter and Teddy.) Gail holds a Washington State teaching certificate, as well as a degree in Public Relations from Washington State University. She is an expert at vintage Fisher Price toys and 1980s pop music! Dave holds a degree in Economics from Willamette University, has coached boys and girls basketball, and currently serves on the Boys and Girls Club South Sound Board of Directors.
Janean Howard
Admissions Director
Janean Howard, was born in Tacoma and has lived in Lakewood for the past twelve years. She is proud mom to a daughter who attends Lakes High School. Janean holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and has taught at the primary level in both public and private schools. Our multi-talented Janean also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Choral Music and directs her church choir.
Renee Brewer
Center Director
Renee grew up in Eatonville, Washington. She graduated from Concordia
University in Portland, Oregon with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood
/ Elementary Education. Renee believes learning is a gift to enjoy all
life long and wishes to share that experience with the people around her.
In her spare time Renee enjoys reading, quilting, walking her dog and
spending time with her husband.
Valerie Adams
Test Administrator/Teacher
Valerie graduated form the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in
Special Education. Being in a military family, she has taught in 3 states
and 2 countries. She teaches Reading, Writing, and Study Skills at all
levels, as well as SAT Prep. She loves to pass on her knowledge and wants
all kids to be just as excited about learning as she is about teaching.
Valerie's personal philosophy is "There are no problem children, only
children with problems." When she isn't teaching, she enjoys reading,
needlework, and being with her family.
Nancy Clarke
Teacher
Nancy graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a B.A. in Social Science with endorsements in Elementary Education K-8 and Social Studies 4-12. She loves working with elementary students and spent twenty-one years teaching at Life Christian School. Nancy began working with Sylvan students in 2009 and substitutes in the Tacoma School District and the University Place School District. Her strong passion is to make a difference in a student's life giving them the opportunity to experience real success. She is married and has three wonderful, adult children. In her spare time she loves to travel, garden and spend time with her grandchildren.
Katie Maruska
Teacher
Hi, I'm Katie. I started teaching at Sylvan in September of 2008. I currently teach Beginning and Academic Reading, Math essentials and Academic Writing. I graduated from Central Washington University in the Spring of 2000 with a BA in Education. My fields of study were Art Education and Special Education. I now substitute teach in two local school districts. When I'm not teaching, I like to travel to different areas of Washington with my family and enjoy the sights.
Mark Orr
Teacher
Hi! I'm Mark Orr. I've been a public school teacher for 11 years. I grew up in Texas and got my degree in Elementary Education from the University of Houston. I like working at Sylvan because it is very rewarding to work with students in small groups. I feel I can make a real difference! I come from a very musical family, and in my spare time I sing, compose and play guitar.
Amy
Reception/Bookpuller
Amy is a Junior at Lakes High School. She has worked for Sylvan since she was a freshman. She has also been a student and enjoyed her Sylvan programs. Amy enjoys spending time with her friends.
Jonathan
Bookpuller
Jonathan is a Junior at Harrison Preparatory School. He has worked for Sylvan since his Sophmore year and has also been a student. He enjoys working with computers and gaming with his friends.