Meet Our Team

LYNN HOAGLAND, B.A., M.A.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/FRANCHISEE

Lynn has been the franchise owner for the Troy and Utica, Michigan, Sylvan Learning Centers since 1985. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Michigan State University and a Master’s Degree with a major emphasis in reading from Oakland University. Lynn has over 15 years of classroom teaching experience in the Pontiac and Rochester school systems. She has three daughters, three sons-in-law, and five beautiful grandchildren. When Lynn isn’t working, she’s traveling between Michigan, Colorado, and California to visit her family. Little known fact: The true king of her household is Lynn’s Bishon, Duncan.

Melissa Matta

Director of Education

Melissa attended Wayne State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. She earned her Masters in the Art of Teaching and her Education Specialist degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Melissa has written curriculum for various school districts as well as piloted various ELA programs. She has been with Sylvan for nearly ten years. Melissa has taught most grades over her twenty-year career but really loves fourth and fifth grade. In her spare time, she enjoys going up north and spending time with her family.  

Kimberly Sakowsky

Tutor/Test Administratior

Ms. Kim received her bachelors in French and English from Western Michigan University and her masters in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado. She has been a teacher at Sylvan for the past two years and loves teaching and connecting with the students. When she’s not teaching, Ms. Kim is an avid traveler. She has traveled to 19 different countries and is currently learning her third language.

Amy Slater

Tutor/Test Administrator

Amy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Oakland University with a major in Language Arts and a minor in Spanish. She obtained her Master’s Degree from Saginaw Valley State University in Instructional Technology. During the week, she teaches Spanish at an online school. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her two pet rabbits, Jasper and Misty. She also volunteers with a local rabbit rescue. She loves to travel and tries to go to Florida and Mexico every year, as well as to the family cottage up north. Her favorite thing about teaching at Sylvan is that moment when students finally understand a concept and gain more confidence in themselves.

Missy Castle

Tutor

Missy has been a teacher at Sylvan for over 2 years. She works mostly with upper elementary, middle, and high school students. She has been trained to teach in three areas, which are reading, writing, and math. Missy has a double major in Elementary Ed. and Special Ed. She received her undergrad degree from U of WI-Eau Claire. She also has a Masters from Oakland University in Learning Disabilities-Reading. Missy taught for 30 years and retired in 2005. When Missy isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, doing BBQ smoking competitions with her husband, and subbing once in a while. 

Vicki Stewart

Tutor

Vicki received her Bachelor of Science with Social Studies and Early Childhood certifications from Oakland University. She retired after 20 years of teaching, and now only tutors at Sylvan! Vicki always wanted to be a teacher, because she loves helping people. She enjoys the small groups at Sylvan and especially loves teaching grades 3-6. She enjoys traveling and visiting her children in Texas and California. Although Vicki is no longer in the classroom, she can continue to make an impact on our children through her favorite way to teach, small groups!

Arlow Antieau

Tutor

Arlow is a retired secondary math and science teacher. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in education, mathematics, and unified sciences from Wayne State University. He is married with 2 children and enjoys being the lunch dad at his children’s elementary school. Arlow enjoys teaching at Sylvan because it gives him the opportunity to give back. He enjoys continuing to support students and see their academic progress. Arlow is also a part-time musician who plays the trumpet.

Hailey Miles

Tutor

Hailey is a current 2nd-grade teacher in one of our neighboring school districts. She has a gift for working with our youngest readers. Hailey obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Canyon University. She enjoys working with small groups and interacting in a 1:1 environment. 

Linda Sidorski

Tutor

Linda earned a Master of Art in Education, Adult Instruction, and Performance Technology from the University of Michigan – Dearborn. She is a current substitute teacher and paraprofessional for Macomb County Schools. Outside of Sylvan, she is a lifelong fan of the University of Michigan in all sports and enjoys spending time with her sister, brother-in-law, and nieces and nephews who mean the world to her. 

Crystal Montgomery

Tutor

Crystal loves helping students become great readers. She obtained her Master of Arts in Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University. Crystal currently substitute teaches in an area school district and also cares for her granddaughter. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and reading. Crystal is also a recent cancer survivor!