Our Staff
Ellen F Cook
Center Director
Ellen has extensive experience in the field of education that includes 12 years of classroom experience and over 18 years of experience in the field of supplemental educational services. Ellen has taught grades K-4 and has also directed a pull-out reading program for students in grades K-6. Ellen joined Sylvan Learning Centers when her son, Sam, entered first grade. Ellen and her son, now a freshman at Elon University, are avid Yankee fans and enjoy traveling and white water rafting.
Marilyn Eliason
Director of Education
Marilyn has been a member of the Brookfield team since the center opened in 1997. She earned her B.S. in Education from the University of Connecticut and her M.S. in Education from Western Connecticut State University. Her teaching experience includes over 20 years in the Brookfield School system. In 1991, Marilyn was honored with the Superintendent's Award for Excellence for her work in the area of cooperative learning and staff development. In her spare time, Marilyn enjoys reading and attending local theater and hockey games with her husband, Dennis. They have two children, Tom and Jill. They currently have one cat and are feverishly looking for kittens to adopt.
Marissa Mayes
Teacher
Marissa has been a part-time teacher for Academic Reading and Homework Help since January 2008. She received a B.S. degree from WCSU, Danbury, CT and is currently working on her M.S. degree in Education/Reading Options at WCSU, Danbury, CT. Marissa is a Literacy Teacher in Brookfield, CT. In her spare time, Marissa is planning her October 2008 wedding. She also enjoys teaching, dancing, playing with her puppy and walking/thinking in the fresh air.
Staci Edgerton
Teacher
Staci teaches all of the main subject areas, including Algebra. Staci obtained a B.S. from SUNY Oswego, NY and an M.S. from WCSU, Danbury, CT in education. She also corrects and administers tests to students, including SAT practice tests. In her spare time, Staci enjoys spending time with her family and friends, shopping, reading and exercising.
Rick Roos
Teacher
Rick has been with Sylvan since November 2007, teaching part time in Math Essentials and Academic Reading. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT. He currently is a fifth grade teacher in Danbury, CT. In his spare time, he enjoys time with his family, gardening and golfing.
Melissa Mercado-Bernadez
Teacher
Melissa has been with Sylvan since March 2003, teaching Academic Reading, Math Essentials, Study Skills and Academic Writing. She received her B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology and her M.S. in Instructional Technology from WCSU, Danbury, CT. Currently, she is a first grade teacher in Hartford, CT. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her two dogs, Vegas and a Chocolate Lab, Luke. Melissa also has two cats, Enzo and Wrangler. She travels with her husband when she gets the chance and both will venture to Alaska this summer, 2008.
Ruth Purdie
Teacher
Ruth has been a part-time teacher at Sylvan for 7 years, teacing Beginning Reading, Academic Reading and Math Essentials. She obtained her B.S. from WCSU, Danbury, CT and M.S. in Education from the University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT. She enjoys gardening, reading and shopping. She and her husband are avid race car fans.
Barbara Hess
Teacher
Barbara has been with Sylvan intermittently since 1998, teaching Beginning Reading, Math Essentials, Academic Writing and Study Skills. Her past teaching experience includes nine years as a first grade teacher at a private school in Danbury, CT. Currently, she is an Educational Assistant in Newtown, CT. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys reading, puzzles and baking.
Bill Jacquemin
Teacher
Bill has been with Sylvan since July 2000, teaching Math Essentials, Algebra, Geometry and SAT Math. He obtained both B.A. and M.A. degrees from WCSU, Danbury, CT. In his free time, he enjoys landscaping, fixing computers and winter skiing. Bill is also our local meteorologist in Danbury. He owns and operates the website www.ctweather.com/.
Melissa Meyer
Teacher
Melissa has been with Sylvan for a year, teaching Beginning Reading, Academic Reading, Academic Writing, Study Skills and Math Essentials. Melissa earned both a B.S. and M.A. from the University of Connecticut. Presently, she is completing a long-term substitute position in fifth grade in New Fairfield, CT. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys reading, softball and shopping.
Debbie Heckman
Teacher
Debbie has been with Sylvan for 4 years, teaching Math Essentials, Algebra, Geometry, Study Skills and SAT Prep. Debbie enjoys playing keyboards for a rock band, meetings with book clubs and training her dogs, both Bouviers.
Diane Bossers
Teacher
Diane has been with Sylvan since 2003, teaching Math Essentials, Algebra, Geometry, Beginning Reading, Academic Reading and Study Skills. Diane obtained her B.S. degree from the University of Connecticut and an M.S. from SCSU in Library Science. Diane enjoys reading, walking and crafting.
Salvatore Sidoti
Teacher
Sal has been with Sylvan since November of 2004. He teaches every subject Sylvan offers, but specializes in upper-level mathematics instruction and SAT Prep. He obtained both a B.S. and M.A. from WCSU and is currently working on a second master’s degree, this time at CCSU in pure mathematics. Sal enjoys spending time with his wife, Maggie and five-year-old son, Gabriel and exploring mathematics through computer programs such as Maple.
Cristelle Doolittle
Teacher Assistant
Cristelle is in 10th grade and has been with Sylvan for 6 months as a Teacher Assistant. She is also a Math Essentials Student at our center. Cristelle enjoys spending time with family and friends and having a good time.
