Gilley Spaude

Owner/Director of Education

Emily Nelson

Director of Education

Emily began working at Sylvan of Ocala in 1999!  Emily is highly trained in our academic programs, with her knowledge and experience she enhances our students programs every step of the way.  Currently Emily is teaching our Highschool level students in Math, Reading, Writing, Accelerated Reading and all areas of College Prep.  Over the years countless college bound students in our county have increased their college entrance scores due in part to Miss Emily.  One of Emily's favorite quotes is "Teachers teach students; not subjects. I enjoy teaching students."  Why does Emily choose to work at Sylvan? . . . "I like working at Sylvan because of the students. Those "ah-ha" moments when students understand the topic is priceless. I enjoy making learning fun and interesting."

Derek Murray

Tutor

Derek has been a Sylvan tutor since 2004. He is an Alumni of Vanguard High school and received his education in Math and Computer Science from CFC and University of Florida. In his many years at Sylvan of Ocala, Derek has taught all levels of Math including foundational skills, all levels of Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry and Calculus. He is also highly trained to teach our Study Skills program, SAT and ACT prep classes, and has helped many students of all ages prepare for college entrance exams. Derek enjoys helping students understand “hard” math problems and is thrilled when his students report back on their positive test scores.

Jessica Funk

Director/Tutor

Nancy Lane

Tutor

Nancy has been tutoring our students at Sylvan of Ocala since 2007. Her favorive subjects include Reading and Math for students in Kg - 6th grade. Before moving to Florida, Nancy taught in a small school district in Tennesse for 30 years!!  During that time she worked with students that were eligible for learning disabled programs ranging from grades 1 - 6.  Why did Nancy choose to work at Sylvan? . . . "I choose Sylvan as a place to work after having one of my students successfully complete a reading program with Sylvan. The Sylvan program motivated the student so much that he was no longer eligible for the learning disabled program."

Annie Freihofer

Tutor

Annie began teaching at Sylvan in 1999 in Plantation, FL and move to the Ocala Sylvan in 2004!  Annie's favorite subjects to teach include Beginning Reading, Elementary Reading and Math.  She is a retired Elementary school teacher and has experience working with autistic children. Why does Annie choose to work at Sylvan? . . . "I truly enjoy working with young people, not only to help them build a strong academic foundation but also to help them do better at school and in life. I find it a thrill to share in the progress they make at Sylvan. I like to see first hand how they progress and build on the skills they learn here."

Evan Landrum

Tutor

Evan began tutoring at Sylvan in 2008, after "retiring" from teaching with the Marion County School system for 30 years!!  Evan has many years experience teaching Science, Math, Reading, History, Social Studies, Geography, and Government. His favorite subjects to teach at Sylvan are Math, Reading, and Homework Support!  Because of his long history with the county, quite often Evan discovers that he has taught the parents of some of our Sylvan students!

Stephanie Loyd

Tutor

Stephanie began teaching at Sylvan of Ocala in 2006!  Her favorite subjects to teach at our center include English/Language, Reading and Writing.  Stephanie began her teaching career outside of Chicago where most of her students were bilingual. Early on she learned the value of making the classroom a fun and enjoyable place as well as an educational experience.  Why does Stephanie chose to work at Sylvan? . . . "Sylvan offers an environment where learning can be a lot of fun, this is one of my favorite things about working in this establishment."

Linda Bishoff

Director

Linda is enjoying her new role as director and is looking forward to making the difference in the lives of children!