Meet Our Team

As Centre Director, Derek leads the amazing teaching team at Sylvan of Sherwood Park, as well as overseeing the operations of the centre. Derek is passionate about helping students achieve their maximum potential, building a growth mindset, and having fun. Derek has been working with Sylvan Learning since 2022 — first as a teacher, and most recently as the director at the West Edmonton Sylvan. When Derek isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find them playing variant sudoku and strategy games.

Inspired from an early age to be a teacher, Cole is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education at the University of Alberta. Having been faced with different learning challenges in her youth, Cole understands what it feels like to struggle with academic success. Using a unique, empathetic approach, Cole aims to inspire in her students a love for learning, a passion for literature, and a sense of confidence in their studies. Outside of school and teaching, you might find Cole watching films or attending different literary events around the city.

Michelle is a former classroom teacher. She is passionate about education and always holds her students to the highest standards, enabling them to achieve their best selves. Outside of Sylvan, you’ll find Michelle spending time with her family.

Kennedy is an aspiring teacher who just finished her first year at the University of Alberta. Kennedy has experience working with a variety of learning challenges and styles and adapts her approach to each students needs. With a passion for making students excited to learn, she focuses on connecting the students learning to their own interests. Outside of school and Sylvan, Kennedy spends time with her friends playing plenty of board games and watching movies!

Jamie has a strong passion for neurology, development, and learning, and is currently working on a Psychology degree at Macewan. They care deeply about ensuring that their students’ hard work is both rewarding and enjoyable and, using their knowledge in psychology, they cater to each student’s unique mindset and style of learning. Outside of Sylvan, Jamie finds joy in various forms of art, often engaging in painting and drawing at home.