Meet Our Team

Kristen Brekelmans, RECE BA Psych (Hons)

Center Director/Owner

Kristen is a RECE with a degree in Child Psychology from York University. She has more than 10 years of experience working with children in London. Kristen is passionate about education and working with families to meet their academic goals.  She lives just outside of London with her husband, daughter, and 2 rescue dogs and cat.

Andrea Diezyn H.B.A.

Assistant Director

Andrea is a graduate of the Ivey Business School at Western University in London. She has over 25 years of experience working at Sylvan of South London. She enjoys helping each of our students experience success through personal learning.

Cheri Foskett B. ED.

Director of Education

Cheri oversees the educational integrity of our programs. She manages and trains our team of tutors in London. Cheri holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Western and a Bachelor of Education degree from Nipissing University. She is a Sylvan expert, having worked as Education Director for over 20 years. She has additional qualifications in Special Education and is especially knowledgeable in teaching math, language and SAT/ACT Prep. When Cheri is not at Sylvan you’ll find her relaxing by reading mystery novels.

Kim V. B. ED. O.C.T.

Lead Teacher

Kim came to Sylvan with over 15 years of tutoring experience with students of all ages.  She has many years of experience as a classroom and resource teacher.  She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Brock University and a Bachelor of Arts in Child Studies from Concordia University.  In her spare time Kim enjoys doing Jazzercise and gardening.

Chris P. B.A. B. Ed. O.C.T.

Satellite Teacher

Chris completed a Bachelor of Arts at Trent University and a Bachelor of Education at OISE at the University of Toronto. She has experience teaching in Toronto, Moose Factory, Guelph, China, Kapuskasing and London. In her free time Chris enjoys reading, hiking, travelling, writing, baking and photography.

Amanda N.B. A. M. A.

Teacher

Amanda holds a B.A. In Creative Writing and Philosophy from The University of Guelph and an M.A. In Philosophy from Western. She has many years of experience as a library volunteer and was a Teaching Assistant at Western.  A Sylvan she enjoys tutoring her students online.   In her spare time, Amanda enjoys walking her dog Louis in the park.

Alicia H. H. B. Kin., B. Ed. O.C.T.

Teacher

Alicia holds a Bachelor of Education Degree in the Primary/Junior/Intermediate division and has several years of teaching experience.  She has additional qualifications in Special Education and enjoys helping students feel success in Reading, Writing and Math.  In her free time, you will find Alicia figure skating, practicing yoga and playing soccer.  

Gillianne N.

Teacher

With a positive outlook and a lifelong interest in working with children, Gillianne enjoys teaching language and math to students at Sylvan of London.  She is currently studying Education at Western University.  Her interests include swimming, writing and art.  

Abbey B. B. A.

Teacher

Abbey is a qualified Early Childhood Educator.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies and is completing a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Pedagogy.  She has experience working with children of all ages.  In her spare time, you will find Abbey reading and spending time with her dog Saoirse. 

Vanessa has always been inspired by the teachers and professors who shaped her educational journey, and she strives to have that same positive impact on her students while tutoring at Sylvan. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and is currently pursuing a second degree in Computer Science. Vanessa is passionate about helping students build confidence, strengthen their skills, and achieve success in school. In her spare time, she enjoys playing piano, pilates and going to the gym.  

Sam brings many years of experience supporting children in his roles as a youth worker, and Educational Assistant. He holds a Child and Youth Care Diploma from Fanshawe College with plans to attend Teacher’s College in the future. Sam is passionate about helping young people grow, learn, and thrive. In his free time, he enjoys being with his rabbits, soccer and Pokémon. 

Jenny L.

Teacher

Jenny is dedicated to helping students build confidence and a strong understanding of foundational skills. She loves tutoring both Math and Science to elementary and high school learners, tailoring her support to each student’s needs. Jenny is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Health Science at Western University with plans to specialize in Medical Science. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading books. Baking and Coding. 

Sakshi holds a master’s degree in chemistry and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, with minors in Mathematics and Physics. She has experience tutoring students at elementary, high school, and university levels in both math and science. Sakshi enjoys using real-world examples to make math concepts more engaging and relatable for her students. In her free time, you will find Sakshi hiking, shopping, and spending time with her family.  

Claudia holds an undergraduate degree in Biology from Western University, as well as a diploma in Business Marketing. She has several years of experience mentoring students of various ages and has taught and managed STEM programs, including online tutoring initiatives. Claudia is currently working toward a certificate in instructional design. Her interests include biking, hiking, baking, playing with her dog, and traveling to new places.