Meet Our Team

Ryan Smith

Director

As a Director at Sylvan of Muskegon, Ryan Smith oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors and day-to-day operations. A former Academic Program Site Director serving Grand Rapids Public Schools through The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. Ryan chose to grow her career with Sylvan because of her passion to provide students the tools they need to develop into autonomous members of their community; forming personalized goals and values and leading a responsible and productive lifestyle. Ryan studied at Grand Valley State University with a degree in Non-Profit Organization with an emphasis in Youth and Community Development. When Ryan isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her hiking the State parks, swimming in Lake Michigan, and road-tripping around Northern Michigan with her husband, Spencer, and daughter, Brooklyn.

Nellie Mick

Lead Teacher

Nellie is a lead teacher in Muskegon, MI with a gift for working with kids. While Nellie has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in helping students find tools or strategies that increase their understanding and confidence. She studied at Cedarville University and has degrees in elementary and special education grades prek-12. When Nellie isn’t at Sylvan, you may find her at the lake or trails with her husband and pugs or volunteering with families who foster/adopt.

Jenn Koenes

Director of Community Engagement

As the Director of Community Engagement at Sylvan, Jenn oversees the educational integrity of Sylvan programs and works directly with schools and organizations to provide high-quality educational assistance to local students. A former associate editor, Jenn chose a career in the tutoring business because her greatest joy is helping students succeed in their dreams. She studied Spanish, English, and ancient literature at Oral Roberts University and Wheaton College, and her dream has always been to have a full-time career in education. When Jenn isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her salsa dancing with her husband, baking, and sampling every type of coffee she can get her hands on.

Emily West

Director of Community Engagement

As the Community Engagement Director, Emily leads Sylvan of West Michigan with starting community partnerships. As a former Director of Sylvan Traverse City, Emily has expanded her expertise to support all of West Michigan. When Emily isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her husband and two boys, hiking, traveling or experiencing her new hometown.