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 where 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.

Leangie Mumphrey

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Leangie graduated from North Lake College in Business Administration. When not at Sylvan, she loves to sing and enjoy time with friends and family. She has been with Sylvan since 2019 and loves to see her kiddos progress academically. As a Director of education, Leangie works close with the students, staff, and parents to ensure all students get the best education they need in every subject.

Sally White

CERTIFIED TUTOR

Sally is a tutor at Sylvan. She is a retired teacher with over 44 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education MR from McNeese State University. Her certifications are in Elementary, LLD, MR, and History. At Sylvan, Sally enjoys teaching Elementary Reading, Language Arts, and Math. When not at Sylvan, Sally enjoys sightseeing and shopping. Sally is also an avid handbag collector.

Melinda Garrett

CERTIFIED TUTOR

Melinda is a tutor at Sylvan of Cedar Hill with 21 years of teaching experience. She holds a BS in Psychology from SMU and a Master’s in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. She holds certifications in SPED, EC-4, and ESL. At Sylvan, Melinda enjoys teaching Elementary Reading and Elementary Math. When Melinda is not at Sylvan, you will find her hanging out with her grandson, reading novels, binge-watching Netflix, and traveling.

Austin (Brad) Forehand

CERTIFIED TUTOR

Brad is a tutor at Sylvan of Cedar Hill. He brings a rich teaching experience of over 17 years. He holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Tarleton, and Educational Leadership from Tarleton and currently pursuing a degree in Special Education from the University of North Texas. He holds certifications in Music Generalist, Math, FSL Supplemental, Principal, and Special Education. At Sylvan, Brad enjoys teaching Math, Reading, and Science. When not at Sylvan, he enjoys playing music, watching star wars, spending time with his family, and watching movies.

Juna is a tutor at Sylvan of Cedar Hill. She has a very rich background of 34 years of teaching at the Dallas ISD. She holds a BS and an M.Ed. from East Texas State University. She also holds her certifications in Elementary Self-Contained Generic and Special Education. She enjoys teaching all subjects at Sylvan. When not at Sylvan, Juna enjoys reading, watching TV, watching movies, and singing.

Tayla Frizell

CERTIFIED TUTOR

Tayla is a tutor at Sylvan of Cedar Hill. She holds a B.S. in Mathematics from MS Valley State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from MS Valley State University. She holds her certifications in Special Education EC-12, Special Education K-12, and Mathematics 7-12. At Sylvan, she enjoys teaching Mathematics. When not at Sylvan, you will find Tayla making Tik Tok videos.

Shantel Wright

Tutor

Shantel is a tutor at Sylvan of Cedar Hill. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Bowie State University. At Sylvan, Shantel enjoys teaching Reading and Science. When not at Sylvan, Shantel enjoys spending time with her family.

Glory is a tutor at Sylvan of Cedar Hill. She graduated from Bennett College with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. At Sylvan, Glory enjoys teaching Math. While not at Sylvan, Glory enjoys journaling, shopping, eating, drawing, and reading.