Meet Our Team
Great Teachers Inspire
Our tutors and staff in Sioux Falls consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Sioux Falls know how to engage and motivate each child in a personal way—building confidence and smiles, as well as skills and better scores. We selectively choose tutors who know local curriculum and can link Sylvan lessons to what’s being taught in school.
Get to know our tutors and staff in Sioux Falls!
Carol Hofman
EDUCATION DIRECTOR - SIOUX FALLS
Carol Hofman is the Education Director at Sylvan. She has been with Sylvan for over 20 years, starting as an instructor and eventually working full-time as the Education Director. She earned her degree from Dordt University in Elementary Education with specialties in Special Education and Language Arts. She has loved watching kids grow and change throughout the years at Sylvan and seeing the confidence develop and grow in kids of all ages. When she is not working for Sylvan, she loves spending time with her 6 grandchildren, reading, sewing, crafts, and baking.
SAMANTHA HETTINGER
Tutor - Sioux Falls
Samantha has been a part of the Sylvan team for 2 ½ years. She has a gift for working with kids of all ages. She is gifted in all areas of Reading, Writing, English, and ACT Prep. Samantha received her degree from South Dakota State and then her Master’s from the University of Florida. What Samantha loves most about working at Sylvan is the variety of work and students she is with. When not working at Sylvan, Samantha is busy at home with her family, enjoys cooking, and likes playing with her dog, Layla.
Michelle McGuckin
Co-Owner and Executive Director
Michelle is proud to be a Sylvan Owner and Sylvan parent.
Seeing firsthand the positive impact Sylvan has on kids has been wonderful! Sylvan has had a personal impact on Michelle’s children.
After being on an IEP and struggling to read, Michelle’s daughter became a strong reader with Sylvan’s help!
Michelle enjoys spending time with family, playing board games, and traveling.
TAMMY HOFER
Tutor - Sioux Falls
Tammy has been a tutor at Sylvan for several years. She works with elementary and middle school students in all areas. Tammy is a graduate of Dakota State University with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. She enjoys working with students in small group settings. It is exciting for her to see a student go from frustration to the point where they “get it”! Tammy keeps busy with her family. She enjoys hiking and camping and finding time to do some reading.
Heidi
Center Director - Brookings
Heidi is the Center Director in Brookings, SD, and is passionate about working with kids. While she has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. Heidi graduated from DSU, where she obtained a degree in K-8 Education. Heidi is also Reading Recovery trained. She says the most rewarding aspect of working with students at Sylvan is helping them build confidence and reach their fullest potential. When Heidi isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her son, Evan.
Start your child on the path to academic success today
Give us a call at (605) 301-4233 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.
