W. Blaine Dowler

Centre Director / District Manager

I began my post secondary career studying physics, and learned that I enjoyed teaching the subject far more than I enjoyed researching it. I decided to switch to education.

I started working at Sylvan in 2003, in what I thought would be a summer job. I soon learned to love the unique approach to education and decided to stay. I've seen how efficient and effective the programs here are, and I know I'll never find this level of job satisfaction anywhere else.

Jennifer Todd

Head Teacher

As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a teacher. After receiving my Degree, I found myself at Sylvan. As the months went by, I soon realized that I could not picture myself anywhere else. The most rewarding part about working at Sylvan Learning Centre is the personal and academic growth I see in each and every student that walks through our doors. I have always believed that when students have confidence in themselves, the sky is the limit of what they can achieve, in school and in life.

Carmen Bibby

Teacher

I grew up on a farm north of Edmonton.
I have always liked helping others learn and believe that learning is a life long process.

I taught elementary school for 10 years and now have gone back to University.
I am working towards getting my Speech Pathology Degree.

I really enjoy teaching at Sylvan and giving the children the extra boost they need.

Vonne Boisvert

Teacher

I have worked at Sylvan since April 2010, and truly enjoy coming to work every day. The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to spend the quality time with each individual student and focus on their weaknesses and build on their strengths. It is amazing to see students gaining confidence by being able to work in a positive, relaxed, learning atmosphere. I look forward to meeting more students over the years, and helping them achieve their personal best.

Jane Cooper

Teacher

Heather de Boer

Teacher

I began working at Sylvan in May 2010, and have enjoyed coming to work each day since. What I like best about Sylvan is the individually tailored programs for each students needs, that way we work on skills they need for their success! The low student teacher ratios mean I can get to know my students far better than I could in the traditional classroom, and use that knowledge as I teach them. The most rewarding part of Sylvan is seeing a student succeed when he or she didn’t think it was possible!

Seath Dvorkon

Teacher

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy."
-Norman Vincent Peale

Positive environmental influences in life are crucial elements needed to build
self-esteem and success for every child. By assisting our students to learn how to set realistic goals and accomplish them, we, as educators, give them the tools to improve quality of life. Education - life long acquisition of knowledge - is the key that opens doors, so dreams come to fruition. The combination of determination and these beliefs becomes a motivating force which can lead to success.

My objective as a teacher/facilitator is to empower each student, so as to be unafraid to set high expectations and goals in a safe environment, and to assist them as they take their initial steps along the road to success.

Nikita Seymour

Teacher

Kimberly Tiong

Teacher

I began my teaching career at Sylvan Learning Centre in 2004. I saw many wonderful things happen with children that had one on one time with such dedicated teachers. Since then, I have taught elementary and junior high students in all subjects.

I'm coming back to Sylvan because I want to see more individual progress and success. I know this program is effective because of all the positive feedback we get as a teachers at Sylvan. I believe every child will experience success given the opportunity and the drive to learn.

Brittany Zinyk

Teacher

I love working at Sylvan because I truly appreciate and enjoy the various unique personalities of all the students we have the privilege of working with. I believe that every person has unique gifts and talents, and at Sylvan, I like to promote a comfortable environment where students can express themselves and be themselves. Every day is an interesting day at Sylvan.

I am also a food fanatic and a Chicago Blackhawks fan, much to the dismay of some of our students.