Meet Our Team

Dave Smith

Owner

Hailing from Fircrest, WA and a graduate of Wilson High School, Dave takes great pride in owning and operating Sylvan of Puyallup, WA.  Holding a B.S. in Economics from Willamette University where he played football as an Academic All-American, Dave enjoys working in an industry that helps students succeed at every level. Dave has served on the boards of Boys & Girls Clubs, Greater Lakes Mental Health and the Sylvan Franchise Owner’s Association.  He has also enjoyed coaching middle school basketball over the years.    

Gail Smith

Owner

Gail feels privileged to help lead an amazing team of educators and support staff along with her husband, Dave. A former Public Relations manager and Elementary Classroom Teacher, Gail finds great joy and fun in working with students and teachers. As the parent of two college athletes, she is excited about helping student-athletes realize their full academic potential and options for college and beyond. She holds a degree in Public Relations from WSU and went on to Seattle Pacific University for her K-8 teaching endorsement and Master’s work in Special Education. Gail has also served a 3-year term on the national Franchise Owner’s Association board for Sylvan Learning.

Donna Helgessen

Instructor

An exceptional reading, writing and math instructor at Puyallup Sylvan, Donna is a favorite with her students.  She has a double major in Special Education and English and a Master’s Degree in Education.  She loves watching her students learn and progress through her efforts and influence.  Donna is an avid golfer and shopper.  She has a high green belt in martial arts and is only two belts away from a black belt.

Sandy James

Instructor

Sandy has a BA in music and teaching all grades from K-12.  She has been a substitute teacher since 1993.  At Sylvan of Puyallup, Sandy works with students to improve their skills at reading, math, writing and preparing for the SAT.  When asked what she likes most about teaching, Sandy replied, “I like helping students learn and understand more about their world.”  Sandy grew up on a farm in Iowa and has 5 grandchildren.

Melanie Hedden

Instructor

Melanie received her teaching certification from Pacific Lutheran University.  She has taught history and social studies in the schools and loves to work with students in all areas here at Sylvan.  Melanie has been to Kuwait, Iraq, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Korea, and the Azores.  She has a 6 year old dog and a 24 year old daughter.  When Melanie isn’t at Sylvan of Puyallup you will find her reading a good book or playing with her dog.

Nancy comes to Sylvan of Puyallup with 17 years of teaching experience.  She has a BA in Education and a loves getting to know students and helping them learn so they can be successful.  She has traveled to 46 states in the US and extensively through the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada.  She enjoys scrap booking and traveling and helping her family.

Kim comes to Sylvan with a wealth of experience teaching in the Puyallup, Bethel, and Franklin Pierce school districts.  She has her degree in Geology with a teaching certificate in elementary and special education.  She has a true gift in helping her students see the “light bulb” when they finally understand new concepts.  Kim is an ex Air Force mechanic and is currently working at Brookdale Elementary.

Lori specializes in working with our younger students at Puyallup Sylvan.  She has her BA in Special Education and is currently working on her MBA.  She loves working with the kids directly and seeing them really grasp new material.  She has been participating in a medieval reenactment education group for the last 20 years.  When not at Sylvan, Lori enjoys time with her family and playing with her two puggles and 1 terrier.