Meet Our Team

Angela Jones

Owner/Center Director

Angela Jones is the Owner and Center Director of Sylvan of Altoona. After 24 years as a Marketing/Sales/Advertising Professional, Angela chose a career in education because she is passionate about helping students succeed and excel. She studied at The University of Northern Iowa. When Angela isn’t at Sylvan, you will find her cheering on her daughter at dance competitions and traveling with her husband of 17 years.

Leah Johnson

Center Assistant & Sylvan Certified Teacher

Leah graduated with her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Iowa State University in 2021. Since, she has worked a variety of jobs, but finds that her favorite thing to do is help people learn! From working as a kindergarten zoo camp counselor, to being a college chemistry TA, she loves teaching people about the world around them— no matter the level. In her free time you can probably find her singing along to Taylor Swift, or hanging out with her friends and her cat, Snickers! She is so excited to be a part of the team at Sylvan!

Paula Lureman

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Paula has taught 40+ years in Newton and retired this past year. She missed teaching, so she sought out Sylvan to continue with her profession. Teaching children to grow as learners is her passion. Her biggest reward is seeing students’ faces when they start to make growth and build confidence. Paula lives with her husband and five dogs in Bondurant. Reading is her favorite pastime!

Jennifer Suhr

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Jennifer has worked with elementary age students for 30+years in a variety of settings since graduating with her BA in Social Work from Luther College.  She directed a before & after school enrichment program for 14+years, worked as the program coordinator for Kids Café and is currently in her 7th year as a substitute teacher for Southeast Polk elementary schools.  Her favorite teaching experiences are the longterm assignments when she gets to know students well over many weeks and gets to walk alongside them as they grow and learn. Jennifer loves to learn and is excited to share her love of learning with students at Sylvan.  In her free time Jennifer loves to read, workout and scrapbook.  She lives in Altoona with her husband  Matt and has two adult children.

Ben Hukvari

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Ben graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Mathematics. While there, he discovered a passion and talent for helping people with tough courses. When he’s not at Sylvan, Ben can be found hanging out with his two cats at home, playing games or watching his favorite TV shows. 

Brittany Weber

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Brittany has been teaching for 8 years in a variety of grade levels including kindergarten, 1st, 4th, and 6th-8th grade. She currently teaches at Des Moines Public Schools. She has a BA in Elementary Education K-6 with endorsements in Reading and Language Arts. She also has a MAE in Educational Psychology with a focus on student learning and well-being from Missouri. Brittany and her husband reside in Colfax with their new baby boy Jackson and 4 dogs. When she’s not busy with students, Brittany enjoys watching her New Orleans Saints, traveling, fishing, playing with her wiener dogs, and spending time with her family.

Jackie Aguiniga

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Jackie has been teaching K-6 Elementary Education with Des Moines Public Schools for 20+ years. She earned her BA from Grand View University in 2001 with endorsements in Reading, Language Arts and Social Studies. Jackie also earned her master’s degree from Viterbo University in 2005. She has lived in Altoona all her life, is married to Rick, and is mom to three amazing children: Jalen (23), Jace (21), and Joci (17). Jackie loves animals, summertime, being outdoors, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

Mary Lynn Carvour

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Mary Lynn has been teaching and tutoring for 40+ years. She earned a BA from Michigan State University’s Elementary Intern Program with an emphasis in reading and fine art and was licensed to teach in grades K-8. Mary Lynn has lived in Iowa for 43 years, teaching in preschool – 8th grade.  When she is not tutoring, she loves to work/sit outdoors, read, write, travel, create learning activities, and explore interesting nature or historical sites. Her home is in Altoona with her husband, Mickey, and she is Mom to 2 grown children and Mama to 2 Cockapoos and one cat.

Aaron Poock

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Aaron graduated from Iowa State University with an Education degree and a minor in mathematics.  He taught for 23 years in junior high and high school.  Since leaving the classroom, he works as a data analyst.  When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children, wood working, and being outside.