Meet the Springfield team

Patty joined our team in October of 2021 but was a Sylvan instructor at a previous location. She holds an Associates Degree and a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. She is a licensed Daycare Director and has worked in the educational field since 1991.

Matt has been a member of the Sylvan teaching staff since August 2013. He attended Drury University and earned a bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology, as well as a Master of Arts and Teaching. At Sylvan Learning Center of Springfield, He tutors mathematics, reading, and ACT/SAT test preparation. Along with working at Sylvan, he teaches at various schools primarily in secondary mathematics and science. Matt also provides private tutoring sessions to help students of all ages learn mathematics. His hobbies include reading, listening to music, watching films, and playing sports.

Beth has recently rejoined Sylvan as an instructor. She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education grades 1-6 from Drury University and an Associates degree in Accounting from Ozarks Technical College. She is currently studying for her certification in Early Childhood Education. Beth has had experiences as a paraprofessional in elementary while working in the Special Education department. She is currently a substitute for many area schools and has taught third grade. She has had many experiences working with students who have a variety of educational abilities, including Autism, Specific Learning Disabilities, and ADHD. She enjoys working with students and discovering creative ways to help them learn. Beth is a mom of three older children: two sons and one daughter. Some of Beth's hobbies include reading books, watching movies, photography, art and traveling. Last summer Beth drove from Missouri to Colorado to watch her daughter compete in a fashion show where she designed and created her own outfit. One of Beth's philosophies is: Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their skills at different times.

Tracy has 10 years of teaching experience. She joined our team in August 2024. Tracy graduated with a degree in Science from OTC. She teaches Academic Reading, Writing, Math Essentials, and Beginning Reading at Sylvan. Tracy enjoys teaching all age ranges.

Rissa is a retired teacher who often substitutes in area schools. She began teaching for Sylvan of Springfield in the fall of 2024 because she wants to make a positive change in schools through advocacy. Rissa teaches Beginning Reading, Early Literacy, Academic Reading, Writing, and Math (K - 4). She enjoys photography and making jewelry. Rissa has 2 adult children and 2 grandchildren, and she has been married to her husband/best friend for over 30 years.

Originally from Chicago, Ashley graduated with a degree in Secondary English Education (Grades 9-12) from Illinois State University and recently joined Sylvan while substituting for surrounding districts. She has worked with grades kindergarten up to Seniors and believes, regardless of age, student interests and interactions are a big part in education. The grades she works with most are 4th grade and above. When not at Sylvan or subbing, Ashley is still working with college and high school students to refine essays and applications. When not working at all, she enjoys some tabletop games with friends, wandering the Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium, writing, playing video games with her family, friends, or fiance, or experimenting with recipes. She loves cozy vibes, curling up with a good book, a cup of tea, her shih tzu (Toby Beans Curtis), and will never stop talking about her Blue Tongue Skink (Gwyn) who has plans for world domination.

Aaron Dahl earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Missouri Columbia in 2020. He applied his knowledge in various teaching positions over the next several years, working with students from a wide variety of ages and backgrounds. Aaron continued developing his skills at the University of Illinois Springfield and in 2026, he earned a Master’s degree in Education.

My name is Ava Gutowsky. I am currently student teaching 5th grade out of Illinois State University. I love helping students feel comfortable when they’re working. I have been with Sylvan for 2 years.

Hi! My name is Amina, and I am currently studying Earth and Space Science Education at Illinois State University. I have experience working with students from kindergarten to high school through tutoring, classroom instruction, and hands-on learning activities. I am currently gaining teaching experience in both middle school and high school classrooms. I am passionate about helping students build confidence in their abilities and creating a positive, supportive learning environment. I enjoy finding different ways to explain concepts to meet each student’s individual learning needs. My goal is to make learning engaging, enjoyable, and accessible for every student!

Kal Schmitt is a remote tutor with over two years of experience working with kids of all ages. While Kal has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in math and science tutoring and ACT/SAT prep. He currently studies at The University of Iowa. When Kal isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him hiking, rock climbing, or spending time with his dogs.