Meet the Cumberland team

Rebecca has been with Sylvan Learning Center for over 25 years. She graduated with a dual degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. Her role as teacher and Director evolved into Business Franchisee Owner. Rebecca believes in the quality of Sylvan’s programs. She chooses teachers that share her pride in Sylvan’s personalized approach. Over the course of her career, she has been privy to countless triumphs over academic challenges. She has observed students of all ages reach their fullest potential and improve their love of learning. In addition to her role at Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling!

Erin graduated cum laude from RIC where she received a B.A. in English. She completed the Teacher Certification Program at PC. Erin began working as a tester in 2007 and began teaching at Sylvan in 2010. She is responsible for creating and managing programs for all students, as well as administering diagnostic and progress tests. Erin’s favorite part of teaching is witnessing her students grow academically and confidently. She gains the most enjoyment out of seeing students who are struggling succeed and seeing the joy that results from their successes. Erin teaches Reading, Math, Writing, Study Skills, STEM, Accelerated Reading, and SAT/ACT Test Prep.

Steve has taught at Sylvan for 17 years! He received a Bachelors and a Masters in English from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Steve is highly enthusiastic and knowledgeable—both qualities are shared with his students. He is passionate about the learning material and loves teaching in an environment that eliminates common stressors for students. Steve loves sports (mainly basketball, baseball, and football,) writing, and exploring mountains and beaches.

Cathy graduated from Rhode Island College as an Education major in 1984. Her favorite aspect of tutoring is the ability to watch her students have a “light bulb moment” when maneuvering difficult concepts. Cathy loves Sylvan because she is able to understand each student’s struggles and strengths, therefore being able to help them learn most efficiently! Cathy spends her free time experimenting with recipes, travelling, and tending to the flowers in her garden.

Chris completed a Fine Arts degree at RISD, and he is currently pursuing a second degree in Computer Engineering. He has several years of experience tutoring college math and chemistry. He works primarily with our High School students but enjoys working with children of all ages. He really enjoys giving back and helping students better understand reading and math concepts. He loves helping students make connections between abstract concepts and logical arguments. In addition to teaching, Chris also enjoys filmmaking, acting, and composing.

Owen has been with Sylvan since January of 2024. He has a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of New Haven and is currently earning his Secondary Math Education degree from Rhode Island College. Owen takes pride in watching his students gain confidence in the work they produce and tries to impart his love of math and science. He enjoys the high energy, small group environment that Sylvan provides. When he is not studying or teaching, he enjoys tennis, video games, and Dungeons and Dragons.

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