Meet our Dallas Tutoring Staff

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Great Teachers Inspire

Our tutors and staff in Dallas & Highland Park consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Dallas know how to engage and motivate each child in a personal way—building confidence and smiles, as well as skills and better scores. We selectively choose tutors who know local curriculum and can link Sylvan lessons to what’s being taught in school. Get to know our tutors and staff in Dallas & Highland Park!

  • BRANDON ROBERTS, Executive Director

    BRANDON ROBERTS

    Executive Director

    As Executive Director, Brandon works closely with directors to ensure students get the best education possible. Brandon started working at Sylvan while attending University and decided to turn his passion of educational leadership into a career. Brandon has been a part of Sylvan since 2009. When he isn’t at Sylvan you will find him spending time with family and friends.
  • Stephany Zapata, Executive Director

    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.
  • Laura Carpenter, Director of Education

    Laura Carpenter

    Director of Education

    Laura oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors in Dallas. She holds a BA in arts and holds TEFL Certification, CELTA (Cambridge English Language Teacher of Adults) from UT Austin/Cambridge University. She has a rich background in teaching reading, writing, literature, and SAT. When Laura is not at Sylvan, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking/baking, traveling, and singing.
  • Afrah Arif, Admin Assistant / Tutor

    Afrah Arif

    Admin Assistant / Tutor

    Afrah is a tutor and an Administrative Assistant at Sylvan of Dallas. She holds a degree in Biochemistry. At Sylvan, besides supporting center operations, Afrah likes teaching Reading, Math, and Science. When not at Sylvan, Afrah enjoys reading and cooking.
  • Linda Jacobs, Certified Tutor

    Linda Jacobs

    Certified Tutor

    Linda is a teacher in DISD with a serious talent for identifying a clear path to success for each individual student  Her insight is an invaluable resource to our center; a true professional. With Linda's expertise in subjects from K-12, she is a familiar face to all of our students! When asked to name a favorite subject, she expressed her love for the complexity of geometry and algebra 2. Linda has a master's degree in special education from UTD. When Linda isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her at Scottish Rite Hospital mentoring children with disabilities, or, when she has time, enjoying Shakespeare in the Park. 
  • Lynda O'Neal, Certified Tutor

    Lynda O'Neal

    Certified Tutor

    Lynda is a retired teacher in Dallas with a true love for learning. Ms. Lynda loves working with beginning-reading students and is also a huge history buff! If we could vote for one tutor to participate in Jeopardy, Lynda would probably break a record or two. A true Texan, Lynda has mastered an impressive array of proven techniques from various educational schools of thought. Daily, she presents multiple angles of challenging topics, along with a healthy dose of Southern wit and understanding. Lynda graduated from TCU with her undergrad in Education, and SMU with a master's degree in liberal arts. In her free time, you will find her reading American literature.
  • Kem Milburn, CERTIFIED TUTOR

    Kem Milburn

    CERTIFIED TUTOR

    Kem is a certified tutor at Sylvan of Dallas & Highland Park with a cumulative teaching experience of over 35 years. She holds a B.S. in Education and is certified in 1-8 General Education/Mathematics and Pre-K/Kindergarten. At Sylvan, Kem enjoys teaching Math, Reading, and writing. When not at Sylvan, Kem enjoys reading mysteries and talking to friends and family.
  • Janice Walker, Certified Tutor

    Janice Walker

    Certified Tutor

    Janice is a tutor at Sylvan with a rich background of 25 years in teaching. She holds her degree in Elementary Education 1-8 and is certified in Special Education, Reading, and Elementary Education. At Sylvan, Janice teaches reading and language arts. When not at Sylvan, you will find Janice helping and serving the elderly.
  • Nawal Chowdhury , TUTOR

    Nawal Chowdhury

    TUTOR

    Nawal is a tutor at Sylvan of Dallas and Highland Park with a Degree in Education/Political Science. At Sylvan, Nawal enjoys teaching Math and Reading. When not at Sylvan, she enjoys crocheting, jewelry-making, and photography.