Our Staff
Vanessa Johnsen
Center Director
Vanessa is in charge of the overall operation of the center. She obtained a BS in Elementary Education from Saint Cloud State University in 2004. She started working as a teacher at Sylvan in Coon Rapids in 2006. Her favorite things about working at Sylvan are the opportunity to work with students of all ages while watching them become confident, successful learners.
Jillian Knudson
Director of Education
Jillian is responsible for maintaining a high quality of education in our center. She graduated from Winona State University in 2002 with her B.A. in Elementary Education with a specialization in General Science. She began working part-time at the Coon Rapids Sylvan as a teacher in 2004. Jill began work as the Director of Education in 2006. Her favorite things about Sylvan are getting to know all of the families and watching students grow throughout the learning process.
Becky Nelson
Lead Teacher
Becky is originally from Duluth, Minnesota but has lived in many other cities and states as well. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Superior with a degree in Elementary Education. At Sylvan, Becky teaches reading, math, and study skills. What she loves about Sylvan are the different personalities of the students, watching them progress, and working with other knowledgeable teachers and staff. In her spare time, Becky enjoys scrapbooking, playing the flute, and the outdoors.
Ashley Hyatt
Lead Teacher
Ashley Hyatt is origianlly from Rapid City, South Dakota. She also lived in Germany for nine years. She attended Concordia Univerity in St. Paul where she obtained a degree in Secondary Math Education and Psychology. Ashley loves the environment at Sylvan and the variety of students she gets to work with. In addition to teaching at Sylvan, she is currently working on getting a Master's Degree in Counseling from St. Mary's University. Ashley enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and scrapbooking.
Kelly Phillips
Lead Teacher
Kelly Phillips was born in Pierre, South Dakota. She received a degree in Elementary Education from Nothern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Kelly's favorite aspect of working at Sylvan is that she can work with students of all ages. Kelly enjoys outings with her husband and two children, as well as gardening, reading, and scrapbooking.
Kasey Miller
Lead Teacher
Kasey Miller's hometown is Coon Rapids, Minnesota. She received her degree in Elementary Education from Winona State University. She has worked at New Horizon Child Care Center, as a substitute in Anoka Hennepin School District, and currently at Sylvan Learning Center teaching almost all subjects Sylvan offers. A fun fact about Kasey is she has many cherished teddies!
Valarie Phillips
Lead Teacher
Valarie Phillips is originally from Minneapolis - Robbinsdale, Minnesota. With her degree in Education, she has worked in pre-kindergarten programs as well as teaching all grades in a K-6 Montessori School. At Sylvan, Valarie teaches Beginning, Academic and Advanced Reading, Mathematics, Study Skills, and ACT/SAT Prep. Her hobbies include reading and sewing.
Julie Dowd
Teacher
Julie Dowd grew up in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She obtained a degree in Elementary Education from Winona State University. She has taught preschool in Spring Lake Park for 18 years and worked at Sylvan Learning Center for eight years teaching reading and math. She loves the variety of students and staff at Sylvan. Julie enjoys music, playing the piano, and scrapbooking.
Myles Wagner
Teacher
Myles Wagner was born in South St. Paul. He attended Bemidji State University to continue figure skating. Myles obtained a degree in Spanish and English, and minored in Russian, Philosophy, and Social Studies. He has a Master's Degree in American Humanities. For many years, he taught and coached debate at Coon Rapids High School. At Sylvan, he teaches reading, math, and study skills. Myles loves the individualized programs and the opportunity for success that Sylvan offers to its students. For leisure, Myles goes to the cabin, makes quilts, and gardens.
Kim Magee
Teacher
Kim Magee's hometown is Bloomington, MN. She attended the University of Minnesota where she received her Bachelor's and Master's degree in Elementary Education. In addition to teaching at Sylvan, she teaches Kindergarten, ELL courses, and is a college writing tutor. Some of Kim's passions include running and traveling.
Jerry Kind
Teacher
Jerry Kind is from Sauk Centre, Minnesota. He has a Bachelor's degree in Language Arts and Music Education. He has taught Junior High and High School English and Music, elementary music programs, and piano lessons. At Sylvan, Jerry teaches reading, writing, arithmetic, study skills, and helps with homework support. His hobbies include music, reading, gardening, and scuba diving!
Walter Erickson
Teacher
Walter Erickson is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. Walter has taught for thirty years and brings all of his knowledge and experience to Slyvan. Walter teaches almost every program offered at Sylvan, and is especially valued for his excellence in teaching all levels of math. In his spare time, Walter enjoys gardening, music, cooking, and "building things."
Sheri York
Teacher
Sheri York is from Columbia Heights, Minnesota. She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She taught third grade in New Jersey before becoming a stay-at-home mom. At Sylvan, Sheri teaches reading and study skills. An interesting fact about Sheri is that she lived in London for two years when she was a child.
Fritz Dahmus
Teacher
Fritz Dahmus was born in Mandan, South Dakota. He has a Bachlor's degree in Math and is currently in grad school pursuing a teaching certificate and coaching license. In the past, he has worked in the field of information technology. At Sylvan, Fritz teaches advanced math programs and helps with homework support.
Jenni Martin
Teacher
Jennifer Martin grew up in Blaine, Minnesota and now resides in Andover. She received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a K-12 license from Bethel University. She has worked as a substitute teacher, and as an extended day and after school math program coordinator. At Sylvan, she teaches reading and mathematics. In her spare time, Jenni enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing piano, and traveling.
Sue Lovgren
Teacher
Sue Lovgren was born and raised in Circle Pines, Minnesota. She obtained degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education from Northern Michigan University in Marquette. She now lives in Coon Rapids and teaches reading, math, and study skills at Sylvan.
Laura Knauff
Teacher
Laura Knauff is from Coon Rapids, Minnesota. She recieved her degree in Elementary Education from the Unversity of Minnesota Duluth. Laura teaches students math and reading skills at Sylvan Learning Center. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, camping, scrapbooking, watching hockey, and playing the trumpet.
