Meet Our Team

Stephany Zapata

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Stephany works closely with the Center Directors to ensure all students get the best education possible. Stephany is a graduate of Baylor University with a Math Major in Secondary Education. Stephany also holds a certification in 8-12 Mathematics. Stephany has over 10 years of experience with supplemental education. When Stephany isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her playing with her son and dog, cooking, and traveling to the beach.

DANNY RAFAJKO

Center Director

Danny oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors. Danny holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from TSU and a M. Ed. in Educational Leadership from UTSA. Danny also holds certifications in EC-4 Generalist, ESL and Principal. When Danny isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him spending time with his family, volunteering, reading, cooking and hiking.

Maya Herzog

Director of Education

Maya oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors at Sylvan of Arlington & Mansfield. She holds a Ph.D. in Quantitative Biology from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has served as a professor at Texas Women’s College. She teaches Upper-Level Math and STEM at Sylvan. When not at Sylvan, Maya enjoys spending time with her son and nature walks.

LaShunya Sanders

CERTIFIED TUTOR

LaShunya Sanders is a STAAR Reading and English instructor for Arlington Independent School District with a gift for working with kids. Before coming to Sylvan, LaShunya taught for nine years in the Dallas Independent School District and completed her studies at The University of Mississippi and Mississippi Valley State University. LaShunya came to Sylvan to make a difference with one-on-one support for students in need of academic assistance. When LaShunya isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading and trying new foods.

Rene Garcia

CERTIFIED TUTOR

Rene is a tutor at Sylvan of Arlington and Mansfield. He has been a teacher for 8 years in Arlington ISD and 3 years substitute, interventionist, and on-campus suspension for Arlington ISD. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in University Studies with a minor in Education from UTA. He also holds a certification in Elementary K-6. Rene teaches upper math and all elementary subjects at Sylvan. When not at Sylvan, Rene enjoys watching sports, spending time with family, and hiking.

Shannon Connors

CERTIFIED TUTOR

Shannon is a tutor at Sylvan Learning of Arlington and Mansfield. She has been a teacher for 10 years. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in English from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. She is certified in PreK – 8th Grade. At Sylvan, Shannon teaches ELAR and Science. When not at Sylvan, Shannon enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Dawn Wilburn

Tutor

Dawn is a tutor at Sylvan of Arlington and Mansfield with 11 years of experience in education as an infant teacher, substitute teacher, test scorer, and district math tutor. She is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in Health Sciences. She enjoys teaching Upper-Level Math and STEM at Sylvan. When not at Sylvan, Dawn enjoys spending time with her family and spending time outdoors.

Emily Hickman

Tutor

Emily is a tutor at Sylvan of Arlington & Mansfield. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Texas at Arlington. At Sylvan, Emily teaches Upper-Level Math, SAT, and Early Literacy. When not at Sylvan, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling.

Alaina Dougall

Tutor

Alaina is a tutor at Sylvan of Arlington & Mansfield with 3 years of tutoring experience with students ages 4 through college. She holds a double major in Biology and Mathematics from Texas Lutheran University and a Master’s degree in Data Science from the University of Texas at Arlington. She enjoys teaching Math, Science, and SAT Prep at Sylvan. When not at Sylvan, Alaina enjoys spending time with her family and watching TV.

Alexxis Abad

Tutor

Alexxis is a Tutor at Sylvan of Arlington & Mansfield. Alexxis has been an elementary school substitute teacher and tutor for 3 years. She holds a BS in English from Texas A&M University and enjoys teaching Early Literacy at Sylvan. When not at Sylvan, Alexxis enjoys spending time with family and playing with her cat.

Mercedes Jaramillo

Tutor

Mercedes is a Tutor at Sylvan of Arlington & Mansfield. She holds a BS in Political Science from the University of Texas at Arlington. At Sylvan, Mercedes enjoys teaching Early Literacy, Reading, and Writing. When not at Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with her family and reading.