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SyllaSense is small, but mighty!

Most people are surprised to learn that SyllaSense is owned and operated by the dynamic duo, Lee-Ann and Rolf Lear. While SyllaSense started as a home-based business in 2016, it has grown into a vibrant, spirited company with 10 employees.

  • Tailored Customer Service, you are more than just a number to us.
  • Written and Produced in Canada, featuring North American content
  • Created by a classroom educator who saw a need and filled it! You can call our office and learn about our Scope and Sequence by speaking directly with the author.
  • Books have engaging stories and photos, and are printed on high-quality coated paper to ensure durability.

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Meet Lee-Ann Lear – Founder

Author, educator, and the heart behind SyllaSense!

Lee-Ann started writing decodable books when she saw a need in her classroom. Teaching reading has always been a passion for Lee-Ann. That passion is now channeled into the creation of quality educational resources to support reading instruction, which is the driving force behind SyllaSense.

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Meet Rolf Lear – CEO

Rolf is Lee-Ann’s husband, business partner, and cheerleader.

SyllaSense would not be where it is today without Rolf’s unwavering support. When Lee-Ann started writing decodables, Rolf was all in. Today, as the CEO of SyllaSense, Rolf is still all in. His technology, financial, and business background is invaluable, and has helped to shape SyllaSense into the company it is today.

Meet the Rest of the Team!

  • Sue – VP Operations

    Sue is a shy introvert turned enthusiastic career changer, now having more fun at work than she ever thought possible. After surviving her first career (and perhaps accumulating a few too many stress-induced grey hairs along the way), she decided to switch gears and dive into what she truly enjoys—namely, riding the entrepreneurial rollercoaster that is SyllaSense. It’s a thrilling, unpredictable journey, but Sue wouldn’t have it any other way.

    Sue brings a unique blend of style, humor (often at her own expense), and plenty of overthinking to every project—because why just think outside the box when you can also wonder how the box got there in the first place? Constantly reading up to keep pace with her brilliant coworkers, Sue is inspired daily by the amazing team around her (though it often makes her feel like she should probably stop scrolling through Insta quite as much).

  • Jack – Software Engineer

    Jack graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering and has used that to further learn about the connections between the virtual and physical world. He has brought his skills to his role to help implement solutions and identify business needs that could be addressed with software.

    As a Jack of all trades, he doesn’t just sit behind his desk but is happy to help wherever he’s needed, whether it’s troubleshooting a tech problem, unloading a delivery of fresh books, or setting up a Christmas tree for the office.

    In his free time, Jack loves rooting for the Toronto Raptors and Blue Jays, trying new foods, and watching Jeopardy, where he hopes his training will one day be complete and he will be able to take down Ken Jennings on the Alex Trebek stage.

  • Anna – Sales

    Anna is the sales powerhouse who answers the phone with a smile—and you can almost hear it through the line. Whether it’s a new customer or a loyal client, Anna knows how to make every call feel like a conversation with an old friend. Her secret? She truly believes in the power of a friendly hello and a genuine “How can I help?”

    When she’s not picking up the phone faster than you can say “order processed,” Anna is working her magic behind the scenes—handling orders with the precision of a seasoned pro and ensuring everything gets where it needs to go. Her attention to detail makes sure that no order is ever missed, and no customer leaves without a positive experience.

    When she’s not processing orders and spreading joy over the phone, Anna enjoys spending time with her family, training for marathons, and chasing down the best lunch spots in town. She’s always ready to bring a little more light into the day—whether it’s through a perfectly timed bubble tea or her endless optimism.

  • Rico – Shipping/Receiving Manager

    Rico is the Shipping and Receiving Manager who makes sure everything arrives and leaves on time—and always knows where the lost package is (it’s hiding in plain sight, obviously). When he’s not overseeing shipments, he’s expertly operating the reach truck like it’s his favorite dance partner—smooth, graceful, and somehow always in sync with the rhythm of the warehouse floor.

    Known for his ability to juggle shipping labels, inventory spreadsheets, and last-minute requests, Rico handles it all with the precision of a seasoned pro and the enthusiasm of someone who’s never met a forklift they didn’t like. He has an uncanny knack for organizing chaos—whether it’s getting an entire warehouse organized just-so, or making sure his team knows where the bubble wrap is stored.

    When he’s not ensuring the smooth flow of goods, Rico enjoys spending his free time planning his future as a mango farmer, community activist, and all-around good guy. He’s always ready for a challenge—whether it’s managing logistics or just figuring out how to open the industrial-size bag of pistachios under his desk.

  • Alanna – Graphic Designer

    Alanna is the graphic designer at SyllaSense and a fan of anything creative. She earned her Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design from Centennial College, but her real qualifications include years of perfecting the art of doodling during class and taking every possible art course as a kid.

    When she’s not designing, you’ll find her with her nose in a book—probably a thriller or mystery novel. She also has a soft spot for Christmas movies like Love, Actually and The Holiday. And if there’s music playing, it’s probably Hozier, Noah Kahan, or Taylor Swift.

    Also, she might be shopping. Or adding something to her cart. (It’s a creative process, okay?)

  • Cathy – Educational Consultant

    After retiring from a rewarding teaching career in primary education, Cathy joined SyllaSense in 2022. Now, instead of chasing crayons and lost mittens, she works part-time on projects that combine her love of teaching and personal knowledge of early literacy.

    Being part of a team that is as obsessed with graphemes and phonemes as she is, and finding the perfect coffee-to-quiet-ratio in the morning is incredibly satisfying.

    SyllaSense has not only allowed Cathy to sharpen her professional skills, but it’s also given her new personal goals – like remembering what her password is and how to use fancy new tech without accidentally hitting “Reply All” in an email chain.

    When she’s not working hard analyzing orthographic conventions, you can find Cathy going for nature walks, trying new recipes, and of course, reading books.

  • Bonnie – Finance Lead

    After a successful career as a Senior Financial Operations Manager in a global corporate environment, Bonnie decided it was time for a change. Eager to work more closely with people, in person, and in her local community, she sought a role that would allow her to apply her extensive financial expertise while having fun along the way.

    Not in a rush, she took the time to find the right fit for her next career chapter. As the saying goes, “Timing is everything.” A good friend recommended she apply for an open position at SyllaSense, and within a week, she was in her new office, immersing herself in the numbers and the company’s mission.

    Now, she looks forward to coming into the office each day, enjoying the challenges of her role, and, most importantly, collaborating with the talented SyllaSense team. Reflecting on her journey so far, she couldn’t be happier. She’s excited to be part of a business that makes a real impact—helping students unlock the power of reading and improving lives along the way.

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