Meet Our Team

Stacey McCoy

Executive Director and Franchise Owner (she/her)

Stacey is the Executive Director and Centre Owner. A graduate of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, Stacey has taught in Ontario, Quebec, the US, and France. She is passionate about education and helping students love learning, increase their confidence and achieve success.  Stacey is responsible for meeting Sylvan’s high operating standards and ensuring that our families enjoy the many benefits that Sylvan has to offer. When Stacey isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, running, traveling and spending time with her family.

Tara Koster

Centre Director (she/her)

Tara has over 15 years experience at Sylvan, first as a tutor and for many years as a Director of Education. As the Centre Director she oversees the operation of Sylvan in Oakville and ensures the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors. A former classroom teacher, Tara has a wealth of knowledge combined with passion to see every student achieve their academic potential. Tara graduated from McMaster University and The University of Calgary and has worked for Sylvan in both Alberta and in a number of locations in Ontario.  When Tara isn’t at work, you will find her spending time with her two daughters, reading and enjoying the outdoors.

Cecil is a recent graduate of York University’s Bachelor of Education program and has an English degree. They have teaching certification at the I/S divisions and are working toward getting a Specialist certification in Guidance and Career Education, and Special Education to focus their career on assisting and supporting students with varying educational and social-emotional needs. They are now working with PDSB. Outside of teaching, Cecil is a self-proclaimed nerd who enjoys playing video games, watching anime, and going to conventions. When using their wheelchair at Sylvan, students can see their many stickers on the back to see what new things Cecil has gotten into.

Braden Clarke

Teacher (he/him)

Braden lives in Oakville and is excited to help you learn. Currently, Braden attends McMaster University, enrolled in his fourth year in Mechanical Engineering and Business Management Degree. He teaches all levels of our Math Program, Physics and Sciences, and Chemistry. Always ready for the challenge, Braden is eager to help you with any difficult question or problem. Braden aims to take the concepts learned in class and simplify them so they are understandable and digestible. Outside of teaching, Braden enjoys hikes, hockey, volleyball, snowboarding and rock climbing.

Cameron Clarke

Teacher (he/him)

Cameron is currently enrolled at McMaster University, pursuing a degree in Psychology and Neuroscience with a Specialization in Mental Health. He teaches all levels of our Math and Biology Program. Cameron finds joy in interacting with students and learning about their unique stories so that he can support them in achieving their wildest dreams and overcoming particular challenges. He hopes to make school less stressful and more enjoyable for his students. When he is not teaching, Cameron enjoys activities like snowboarding, volleyball, and hanging out with his friends and family, including his 170-pound Newfoundland dog.

Gill Layfield

Teacher (she/her)

Gill came to Sylvan after retiring from a 28-year career as a high school English teacher with the Waterloo Region District School Board. She took six months to relax after retirement and then returned as a supply teacher. She loved her supply work because it kept her connected to the kids at the school. It was the best of both worlds! Then COVID struck. Teaching online part-time with Sylvan was the perfect answer for Gill. She missed the classroom too much not to be teaching kids and helping them learn. There’s nothing like seeing your students make progress! After COVID, Gill returned to the classroom and continues to supply teach at her old school. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her reading, cooking, gardening, or playing with her two cats, Daphne and Dora.

Bhagatinder Longia

Teacher (he/him)

Bhagatinder is currently a student at the University of Toronto, Mississauga, pursuing a degree in Statistics, Geographical Systems, and Computer Science. He became a tutor because he loves helping others understand new concepts, especially tough math problems, and he also enjoys learning a lot in the process. Outside of tutoring, you can find Bhagatinder reading wherever he goes. He is currently a big fan of the Lee Child Jack Reacher novels.

Vivek Ramakrishnan

Teacher (he/him)

Vivek completed his undergraduate degree in French at the University of Waterloo and then completed Teacher’s College at Nipissing University. He then continued his studies, receiving his masters and PhD in French Renaissance Literature. He now teaches French at Walden International School in Oakville. Vivek likes tutoring because he finds it rewarding and enjoys helping students learn. When he is not tutoring, you can find Vivek travelling and spending time with his family.

Heelai has been tutoring students since she was 18 years old, and is now also a teacher in Halton. She has always been passionate to teach and connect with others through education. She is currently a teacher with the Halton and Peel District School Boards. When she is not teaching, expect to see her hanging out with her friends at the mall, at a restaurant, or outside on a walk!