Meet the Altoona team

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 18 years.

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 taught for 40+ years in Newton and retired recently. 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 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 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.

Jackie has been teaching K-6 Elementary Education 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 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 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.

Suzanne has been an educator for 30+ years. She is a K-5 Talented and Gifted teacher. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Elementary Education. She is married to Jason and they have two children, Octave (22) and Jackson (20). Suzanne enjoys reading and doing embroidery in her free time.

Kara graduated from Briar Cliff University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education and from Northwestern College with a Master’s in Early Childhood. She has been teaching preschool and then kindergarten for the last 15 years. She lives in Bondurant with her husband, 2 daughters, and dog. In her free time, she loves to be outside, read, and support her girls in all their activities.

G'day All, I am Justin "Rudy". I have been teaching for 15+ years in all different realms from General Education to Special Education to Social Emotional Behavior Mental Health (SEBMH). I believe in personal growth physically, mentally and spiritually at least 1% each day. I am passionate about reading, coaching, and being involved in not only my boys’ activities, but the community as well. Glad to be aboard the Sylvan Learning Center!

Brittany has been teaching for 9 years in a variety of grade levels including kindergarten, 1st, 4th, and 6th-8th grade. 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 son 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.

Kayla graduated from Central College with a degree in Social Sciences and Secondary Education. While initially teaching social studies and at-risk reading, she realized her passion was working with students with a variety of learning needs. She transitioned into special education and earned her Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching Special Education from Morningside University. She currently teaches special education math. In her free time she enjoys reading, going for walks, and spending time with her family and friends.

Hadleigh has been a high school English teacher for 3 years now. She graduated with her BA in English and Secondary Education from Simpson College in 2023. She loves to help students build confidence in themselves as learners and achievers. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and hanging out with her friends.