Meet Our Team

Vanessa Ross

CENTER DIRECTOR/OWNER

As Center Director, Vanessa leads operations for Sylvan of Springfield. A Project Manager by trade, Vanessa chose a career in the tutoring business because she wanted to help families and kids build confidence and knowledge. Vanessa studied at Truman State University, and UIS-Springfield, earning her M.B.A. When Vanessa isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her family, her husband Phil, and two kids, Flynn and Oliver Ross.

Phil Ross

CENTER DIRECTOR/OWNER

As an Owner, Phil leads operations for Sylvan of Springfield. An RF engineer by trade, Phil chose a career in the tutoring business because he wanted to help our families and kids in the community gain knowledge and confidence. He studied at The University of Missouri-Rolla, and UIS-Springfield, earning his M.B.A. When Phil isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him spending time with his wife, Vanessa, and two kids, Flynn and Oliver Ross.

Mike Halford

Tutor

Mike is a Science teacher in the Peoria, IL area with a gift for working with kids. While Mike has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in Math tutoring. He studied at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. When Mike isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him playing basketball and working on home improvement projects.

Emily VanBruwaene

Tutor

Emily is a teacher in Bartonville, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Emily has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She studies at University of Illinois Springfield. When Emily isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her at local coffee shops or at home with her cat!

Ariana Scaglione

Tutor

Ariana is a tutor in Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Ariana has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in Reading tutoring. She studies at Bradley University. When Ariana isn’t at Sylan, you’ll find her at a coffee shop or spending time with friends and family.

Emily Curylo

Tutor

Emily Curylo is a teacher in Morton, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Emily has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring reading. She studied at Illinois State University. When Emily isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her working out, shopping and spending time with family/friends!

Ayushi Khanna

Tutor

Ayushi is a tutor in Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Ayushi has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in English tutoring. She studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and currently is getting her masters at Bradley University. When Ayushi isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her going for a walk, crocheting, or painting!

Annalies Wettstein

Tutor

Annalies is a tutor in Peoria, IL., with a gift for working with kids. While Annalies has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studies at Bradley University. When Annalies isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her singing in choirs, biking, or reading with a cat on her lap.

Madeline Holt

Tutor

Madeline is a 5th grader teacher in Peoria, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Madeline has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She studied at Illinois State University. When Madeline isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her traveling, reading, or crafting.

Heidi Bowman

Heidi Bowman is a teacher in Peoria, IL, with a gift for working with kids. While Heidi has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She studied at Illinois State University. When Heidi isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her working on the classes she teaches at Illinois State University, reading, or snuggling with her pets.