Meet Our Team

Tutor Doctor Knoxville

Dr. Joel Vance

Dr. Joel Vance

Owner

Hi, my name is Joel. I am the Education Consultant for Tutor Doctor Knoxville. Since 1993, I have taught part-time at several different colleges and currently am an Associate Professor with a Doctorate degree in Business. During this time period, I have seen so many students come to college lacking some of the educational skills and concepts crucial for achievement. This is one of the reasons that I chose Tutor Doctor.

Since 2017, we have helped numerous students go from Fs to As and Bs. Our tutors have helped students receive scholarships and increase the ones that they had already received. It is a good feeling to see these things happen. My main role with Tutor Doctor Knoxville is to facilitate pairing your child with the tutor that will help them get to where you want them to go.

Kristen Bjarnason

Kristen Bjarnason

Hi, I am Kristen I have two roles at Tutor Doctor Knoxville as I am the Marketing Manager and a professional tutor. In my role as the Marketing Manager, I help create partnerships with local schools, arrange events, post on social media, network, and provide client care to the wonderful families we serve.

I started with Tutor Doctor Knoxville as a tutor in 2017 and was promoted to Marketing Manager in 2019. I have several years of teaching experience starting with an environmental non-profit, working in a local school for a year, and providing tutoring to several students in elementary, middle, and high school. My favorite areas to teach are Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, and Spanish.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tusculum College in 2014 with a B.A. in Field Guide/Naturalist- one that teaches environmental education/outdoor education.

Crystal Webster

Crystal Webster

Hello, my name is Crystal. I am a certified teacher who has taught at several schools including Webb School of Knoxville. After graduating with honors from UT in English education and a minor in speech, I started my teaching career. Over several years, I received several honors and awards and have numerous professional development certifications. In addition, I have a highly qualified status in reading for K-6. At Tutor Doctor Knoxville, I have tutored ELA, reading, and math.

Barbara Steele

Barbara Steele

Hi, my name is Barbara. I am a certified teacher and have taught at all levels from elementary school to college including public, private, and home-school. My educational background includes a BS degree and graduate courses in mathematics and special education. I can teach most subjects including math, science, reading, and ELA. In addition, I can teach ACT Test Prep. For Tutor Doctor Knoxville, I have tutored ELA, reading, and math including Algebra.

Rose Sexton

Rose Sexton

Hi, I am Rose. My background started in engineering as I have a degree in Chemical Engineering. After my engineering career, I taught Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry at Knox County Schools. At Loudon County schools, I taught middle school math both regular and honors where I received a teacher effectiveness score 5 out of 5 as measured by the State of Tennessee. Other positions I have held are High School mentor teacher and numeracy coach. In addition, I can tutor all levels of the ACT Prep Exam.

I have tutored for Tutor Doctor Knoxville since 2017, Courses that I have tutored include ACT Prep, Math, Algebra, 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus. For Tutor Doctor Knoxville, I have tutored in groups, but mainly one-on-one both online and face to face.

Teleza McElhenney

Teleza McElhenney

Hello, I am Teleza. I am a Middle School teacher with 25 years of experience. I have taught Biology, Middle School Science, Pre-Algebra, Latin, World and American History, Literature, Speech, and Mythology. I also graduated Summa Cum Laude from Johnson (Bible College) University with a Bachelor of Education degree and have been inducted into Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. My tutoring experience with Tutor Doctor started in 2018. I truly enjoy working with middle schoolers and helping them reach their own level of success.

Dr. Brittany Clawson

Dr. Brittany Clawson

Hi, my name is Brittany I am excited about tutoring! I am a highly qualified, certified high school science teacher in Jefferson County, TN. I hold a BS in Nutrition, an MA in Education, an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, and an EdD in Administrative Leadership. My tutoring experience with Tutor Doctor Knoxville started in 2018. For Tutor Doctor, I have tutored Algebra 1, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Biology.

Dr. Jami Garner

Dr. Jami Garner

Hi, I am Jami. I am a lifelong learner who has found a passion for mathematics education. I currently work as a K-8 Math Curriculum Coordinator where I enjoy working with teachers and students to promote high quality math instruction and learning. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, attending Lady Vols softball games, reading and watching movies. I have tutored for Tutor Doctor Knoxville since 2018.

Wyatt Smith

Wyatt Smith

Hi, I am Wyatt. Currently I am finishing a double major in Mathematics and Physics as well as a minor in French at the University of Tennessee.

In high school, I Graduated with a 4.60 GPA, taking 13 AP classes as well as a dual enrollment class, bringing in college credit for numerous courses including Differential Equations, Calculus I & II, Fundamentals of Physics: Mechanics and E&M, Statistics, and more.

I have Volunteered afterschool as tutor of Mathematics (from Algebra I to AP Calculus BC), Physics (AP Physics I, AP Physics C : Mechanics/ E&M), Chemistry (I & II), and French (French I through AP French). Volunteering in the school’s tutoring center showed me how to effectively teach my peers new topics or recapitulate and practice what they have learned in class, particularly in mathematics—a problem area for many students. I have been with Tutor Doctor Knoxville since 2018 and have tutored Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Calculus, and Chemistry.

Emily Ward

Emily Ward

Hello! My name is Emily Ward! I went to Lincoln Memorial University and majored in elementary education K-6. I currently have been teaching 1st grade for four years! I have always wanted to be a teacher since I could remember, and it is a dream that I get to live every day! I have tutored in the past and have worked with many different grade-levels. I have tutored for Tutor Doctor Knoxville since 2019.

I worked as a camp counselor at Camp Tanasi (Girl Scouts) for 8 years, which really helped prepare me for a career with children. While working at camp it taught me to be flexible and fun. I worked with ages 5-13, and it taught me about how amazing every age group could be!

I love books and I am constantly reading, and keep a huge classroom library. I have 2 dogs that I am crazy about, and I try to take them on my outdoor activities. I implement patience, flexibility, engagement, and mostly importantly, individualization in my instruction. One of the most important things to me is knowing that every child learns at their own pace, and in their own way. I love exploring ways to help students grow. It is important for me to create a fun and inviting environment for students to reach their academic and personal goals!

Annette Robbins

Annette Robbins

Hi, everyone! My name is Annette and I am a graduate student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville studying Medical Physics. I am also an avid rower and an assistant coach for the L&N Stem rowing team. I have been tutoring high school students and college students in Algebra, Calculus, and Physics for over two years, and I am excited to have the chance to tutor your students! I specialize in one on one tutoring to help students achieve their goals while giving them the tools they need to find their full potential!

Courtney Beard

Courtney Beard

Hi, my name is Courtney. I live in Knoxville, TN and attended college in Clarksville, TN at Austin Peay State University, and received my bachelor’s degree in history in 2015. Currently I am working on finishing my master’s degree in military history.

I have several years of experience tutoring history, reading comprehension, organizational skills, and English, and am a CRLA certified master-level tutor. While attending college, I was the coordinator of our Full-Spectrum Learning program, also known as the Autism Initiative Program, to give students all the tools necessary to succeed and excel.

Tutoring is my passion, and I will do anything I can to help students reach their full potential!

Kathy Allen

Kathy Allen

Hi! I’m Kathy Allen. I have Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, with a minor in English. I have been tutoring for over 12 years. I have been with Tutor Doctor Knoxville since 2017. For Tutor Doctor I have tutored ACT Prep, Elementary and Middle School Math, Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, reading, social studies, and ELA.

In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband, our cat and dogs, volunteering with my church, and volunteering with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and Fantasy of Trees.

Suzanne Pebley

Suzanne Pebley

Hello, I am Suzanne Pebley. I am a new resident to Knoxville. I taught in the Baltimore County Public School system, for 25 years. My certification is in Elementary/Special education, but I am accredited to teach many specific subjects, based on experience. My last 15 years of teaching were at the high school level. I enjoy teaching, at all levels of human development, and look forward to getting to know some Knoxville students. I have tutored for Tutor Doctor Knoxville since 2020.

Tom Wytiaz

Tom Wytiaz

Hi, I am Tom. I have been tutoring for many years. I have advanced degrees in business administration and social science and enjoy tutoring a wide range of subjects. What I love most about tutoring is watching students overcome challenges and succeed. I am motivated by the thought that something we practiced can be a valuable, lifelong tool that someone will remember long from now. When I taught English to Chinese students, I was energized by the thought that my methods helped children across the world and years later many of them will still remember our lessons, as will I.

Kala Downey

Kala Downey

Hi, my name is Kala Downey. I hold a Bachelor’s, a Master’s, and a Ph.D. in Biology with a focus in Ecology and Genetics. I taught a wide range of biology classes for 10 years while obtaining my degrees. My tutoring preferences include all Biological sciences, elementary Math through to Geometry, Reading, English Literature, and General and Organic Chemistry. The majority of my teaching experience involves college-aged students, but I spent several summers working with elementary, middle, and high-school children on reading and science through various volunteer programs. In addition, I also have a background in ACT, SAT, GRE, and ASVAB prep. I started working with Tutor Doctor in the summer of 2022. Courses I have tutored include ACT prep, elementary Reading and Math, Pre-Algebra, and Physical Science.

Aubrey Doll

Aubrey Doll

Aubrey is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from the University of Tennessee. She holds a B.S. in Neuroscience with a minor in Business Administration. She has experience working with students of all ages and is skilled at helping students with attention issues and other special needs. Aubrey thinks helping students reach their educational goals is extremely fulfilling work. She loves watching as her students grow into more proficient learners.

Samantha Turner

Samantha Turner

Hi, my name is Samantha Turner. Tutoring holds a special place in my heart. It’s a truly rewarding and humbling experience being able to help students develop methods/habits that make learning more enjoyable, engaging, and rewarding. Watching students build their confidence and change their outlooks towards school/learning is really what drives my passion. Tutoring allows me to make a positive impact on my students’ lives, even if small, and that’s really what it’s all about for me. I graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and am skilled in mathematics, computer science, and teaching English as a second language.

Claire Murray

Claire Murray

Hello, I enjoy tutoring because it allows me to connect with students who need help. Building a relationship and supporting a love of learning bring me joy and it’s what I work for. I have a BS in Elementary Education from Montana State University. I’ve taught independent lessons, assisted students with social emotional learning, designed lessons and assisted with activities for speech students under the direction of a speech pathologist.