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. She lives in London with her husband and two daughters.

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.

Sarah F. B.ED. O.C.T.

Assistant Director

Sarah graduated Cum Laude from Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and also completed her Bachelor of Education there.  She taught and tutored in Sudbury for a year before moving to London.  She has a passion for encouraging reading and writing skills in her students.  In her spare time, Sarah enjoys reading, hiking, and playing hockey.

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

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 walking, running, yoga and Pilates.

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

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.

Emily W. B. A.

Teacher

Emily has fond memories of attending Sylvan when she was a teen! She went on to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Music and English at Western and is now at Althouse with the goal of teaching high school English and Music. Her interests include reading, playing music, and volunteering.

Kareemat O.

Teacher

Kareemat is studying Health Sciences at the University of Western Ontario. She finds Math especially fun! In her spare time, you will find her reading fictional stories and playing the double bass.

Kelsey Z. B.A. B.ED. O.C.T.

Teacher

As a child, Kelsey attended Sylvan. She went on to graduate from Queen’s University in Sociology. She completed her Bachelor of Education at the University of Windsor. In her spare time, you will find her playing ringette and traveling.

Sheza M.

Teacher

During the pandemic, Sheza honed her online tutoring skills with students in elementary school. As a Medical Science student at Western, she is also an expert tutor of high school Math and Science courses. Her interests include reading, baking, and enjoying movies with friends and family.

Nicole C. B.A.

Teacher

Nicole holds an English degree from the University of Guelph with a minor in Family and Child Studies. She has several years of tutoring experience and is currently completing her Bachelor of Education at Western University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, snowboarding, and spending time with friends and family.

Luke L. B. A. M. A.

Teacher

Luke completed his undergraduate degree in English at Western and did his Masters in English Literature in the U.K. He is now at Althouse completing his Teaching degree. He is the recipient of several Academic awards and is fluent in French. In his spare time he enjoys acting in community theatre productions and playing with his Yorkie, Honey!

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. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys walking her dog Louis in the park.

Sam Urbano, C.Y.W.

Teacher

Samuel Urbano is an Educational Assistant in London, Ontario. He is positive, welcoming and enjoys working with children. Sam studied Child and Youth Care at Fanshawe College and graduated in 2020, with the ultimate goal to become a teacher. When Sam isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him playing video games, spending time with his bunnies, and watching soccer!

Emily Coyne, B.A. F.S. and Soc.

Teacher

Emily is a recent graduate of Brescia University College, where she obtained an Honours Specialization in Family Studies and a Major in Sociology. She is now working towards her Bachelor of Education at Western University here in London, Ontario. Emily has previous experience tutoring, where she helped students with English and ESL. She has also volunteered as a Program Assistant at the London Children’s Museum and has helped to facilitate children’s summer day camps for the past three years. When Emily isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her making art, trying new recipes, and spending time with her family and friends.

Mackenzie Desa BA, B. Ed

Tutor

Mackenzie studied at King’s University College finishing with a BA in English Language and Literature and Catholic Studies. She is now getting her B.Ed at Althouse to pursue her dream of teaching. Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and puppies, being at the beach, or watching her favourite shows.