Meet the Anderson team

Missy Castle holds Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education, along with a Master’s degree in Reading. Her passion for helping students began in high school, when she volunteered in Special Education classrooms and discovered how much she enjoyed supporting students in their learning. Missy loves teaching because she gets to help students grow academically while also building their confidence and feeling better about themselves. She believes every student has the ability to learn and succeed! Fun Fact: Missy says she’s “old,” but she definitely doesn’t act like it—or feel like it!

Gage Laston brings 8 years of high school basketball coaching experience and 4 years of experience substituting in the school system. He loves teaching because he wants to be a positive leader both inside and outside the classroom—someone his students can look up to and always feel safe around. Gage treats his students like family and is passionate about helping them grow and succeed. Outside of teaching, Gage enjoys listening to music, creating art, spending time with his wife, and attending church. Fun Fact: His friends call him “The Claw!”

Shelby Weldon holds a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Science and is certified to teach both Art and Agriculture in Texas and South Carolina. Her passion for teaching comes from wanting to be the person she needed when she was in school. She strives to make sure every student feels loved, supported, and seen. Shelby says her experience at Sylvan is helping her grow as an educator and expand her teaching skills in ways that reach beyond the classroom and into all parts of her life. Fun Fact: Shelby lived in Guatemala for 7 years!

Luke Trudeau is certified in Middle Level English Language Arts and Social Studies, with endorsements in Read 2 Succeed and Gifted and Talented Education. He enjoys teaching because he loves having fun while learning and helping students discover and understand new things.

Jessica Slavett holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Communication and is currently working toward her Master’s Degree in English and Creative Writing. She also brings 6 years of experience as a Sunday School teacher, where she has enjoyed helping students learn and grow. Jessica is passionate about education and looks forward to bringing her experience, creativity, and love of learning to her students at Sylvan. Fun Fact: Jessica previously worked for Sylvan in another state!

Darron is originally from Rhode Island and has called South Carolina home since moving here in 2006. He attended Clemson University, where he continued building his passion for learning and personal growth. Outside of Sylvan, Darron enjoys a variety of hobbies, including playing video games, rock climbing, and weightlifting. Whether he’s tackling a challenging climb or working toward a new fitness goal, Darron brings that same determination and positive energy to everything he does.

Jennifer is originally from Nicholasville, Kentucky, and recently moved to South Carolina in October 2026. She holds a degree in Business with a concentration in Marketing, along with a teaching certificate. Jennifer brings a unique blend of business and education experience to the Sylvan team, with 15 years of professional business experience and six years of teaching experience in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. Her diverse background gives her a valuable perspective and a passion for helping students grow and succeed. Outside of the classroom, Jennifer enjoys vintage shopping, spending time outdoors, and participating in community and church events.

Melissa Deloach joined the Sylvan team in May 2019. By day she’s the Director of the Scholar’s Academy for Spartanburg County, but in the evenings and on Sundays, she manages our college prep program, including SAT/ACT prep and College Reading Strategies. Melissa holds degrees from Clemson University and Converse College. When she isn’t helping teens prepare for college either here or at the Scholar’s Academy, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Dr. Jeff, as his Sylvan students call him, graduated from Furman University in 1995. He then held a variety of college-level roles as a graduate student, program coordinator, and instructor for the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College while also serving as a zookeeper at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia. With a focus on genetics and ecology, Dr. French finished his graduate work in biology and currently serves as Chair of Biology and Assistant Dean of Science and Math at North Greenville University. In his “free time”, he enjoys preparing students for the SAT and ACT as a LIVE, online instructor for Sylvan. Give us a call at (864) 259-3438 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals. * Indicates required field Loading testimonials… Call us today: (888) 338-2283 Find a Location Call us today: {{phone}} Your Center: {{marketing_name}} Change Location Your Center: {{marketing_name}} Discover, book, and track classes, camps, and parties; keep the whole family’s schedule in one place; and celebrate every milestone along the way. Download the app to get started: Tutoring by Topic Home Office (888) 338-2283