FOUNDER

With degrees from Swarthmore College and Brown University, Sylvia is a dedicated educator with a wealth of experience in both K-12 and adult education. She founded ContinuEDU to ensure that people have access to quality yet affordable individualized educational support.

Outside of her professional life, Sylvia enjoys solving puzzles, a hobby that helps her unwind and stay mentally sharp. Sylvia also values her time with family, especially when she’s hanging out with her nephews.

COACH and TUTOR

Courtney joins ContinuEDU as an Executive Functioning Coach, with a passion for assisting others with organization, strategic planning, and well being. She holds a Masters of Science in Education Improvement and Transformation from Drexel University (2016) and was an educator for 9 years. 

She decided to make a full career pivot in 2022 and now works in Business Development and Client Relations with prolific financial services firms. She is currently working towards a Masters of Science in Behavior and Decision Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania (2025). 

When not at work or coaching, she enjoys playing with her cat, baking, and reading modern feminist literature.

TUTOR and INSTRUCTOR

Karol, or ‘Ms. D’ as her students call her, has dedicated over 40 years to education, teaching at every level from preschool to college. Her journey began with a passion for nurturing young minds, and over the decades, she has guided students of all ages toward knowledge and self-discovery.

Karol believes that the key to education is not just delivering information but inspiring students to want to learn. She fosters curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning in every classroom she enters.

Even after four decades, her enthusiasm and ability to inspire her students remains unwavering. Whether teaching toddlers their first letters or mentoring college students on their career paths, she continues to light the way for future generations.

TUTOR and HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM CO-MANAGER

Ashia Troiano is an educator and organizer from Harlem, New York and the Co-Founder + Executive Director for At the Table. Previously, she served as the Tutor Manager for the Dorm Project at the New York Foundling, taught Social Studies to high schoolers and middle schoolers, and wrote curriculum for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Ashia received a Bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College, with a major in Education and History and a minor in Black Studies, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University. 

ESL TUTOR

Faten Silfies is a dedicated, multilingual ESL instructor (beginning and intermediate level) with extensive experience teaching English to diverse learners in classroom, online, and community settings. In addition to working with ContinuEDU, she currently is an ESL civics instructor at Lehigh Carbon Community College and ESL instructor at The Literacy Center of Allentown.

Faten also holds a masters degree in Ancient Egyptian History, a post graduate diploma in Tourism & English language proficiency, and multiple Pennsylvania Department of Education ESL/EFL certifications.