Meet our Frisco Tutoring Staff

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Great Teachers Inspire

Our tutors and staff in Frisco & McKinney consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Frisco 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 Frisco & McKinney!

  • 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 with 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 is.
  • 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 for 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.
  • Katherine Becker, CENTER DIRECTOR

    Katherine Becker

    CENTER DIRECTOR

    Katherine is our Center Director of Sylvan Learning of Frisco & McKinney. She graduated from Iowa State University with her degree in Spanish as well as her teaching certificate. Katherine worked at a Sylvan in Iowa as a tutor and also taught high school Spanish. While not at Sylvan, Katherine enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dog and cat, watching movies, reading, and crafting. 
  • Savannah Howell, Director of Education

    Savannah Howell

    Director of Education

    Savannah is our Director of Education and oversees the academic integrity of our programs. She graduated from The University of Texas at Tyler with her Bachelors degree and teaching certificate. Savannah has 4 years experience of literacy tutoring and taught high school history in East Texas for several years before joining Sylvan. While not at Sylvan, she enjoys baking, gardening, spending time with her pets, and traveling to different states and countries. 
  • Mary Wright, Certified Tutor

    Mary Wright

    Certified Tutor

    Mary is a teacher at Sylvan Learning of Frisco & McKinney. She has experience teaching reading and writing. She has her BS in Education with focus on psychology, special education, and elementary education as well as her Masters in Special Education from University of North Texas. Mary was retired but, during the pandemic, was pulled back into teaching by helping a neighborhood girl. At that point, she went in search of Sylvan to get back into teaching. Mary says the children here have given her back her joy, there was a need, but this time, it was hers.
  • Shay Westlake, Certified Tutor

    Shay Westlake

    Certified Tutor

    Shay is a tutor at Sylvan Learning of Carrollton & Lewisville. Shay holds a B.S. in Social Studies Composite from Texas Wesleyan University and an M.Ed in Second Education from the University of North Texas. She also holds her certification in Social Studies. At Sylvan, Shay teaches Social Studies, Reading, and Writing.
  • Joe Ross, Certified Tutor

    Joe Ross

    Certified Tutor

    Joe is a teacher at Sylvan Learning of Frisco & McKinney. He has 15 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher, 5 years as a Sylvan instructor, and 3 years teaching English to adult learners. He has his BS in Business Administration and a Master’s in Special Education. Joe’s favorite subject to teach at Sylvan is math! While not at Sylvan, Joe enjoys playing and watching sports and reading.
  • Sharna Rhone, CERTIFIED TUTOR

    Sharna Rhone

    CERTIFIED TUTOR

    Sharna is a tutor at Sylvan of Frisco. She brings a rich background of over 20 years in Education.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master's of School Leadership. She also holds her certification in ESL and is Gifted and Talented. At Sylvan, Sharna enjoys teaching Math and Reading. When not at Sylvan, Sharna enjoys DIY crafts, gardening, reading, and going to the movies.
  • Jamie Lewis, CERTIFIED TUTOR

    Jamie Lewis

    CERTIFIED TUTOR

    Jamie is a tutor at Sylvan of Frisco & McKinney. She holds a Bachelor's in Education and a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction. She is certified in 4th-8th Math & Science. At Sylvan, Jamie enjoys teaching Mathematics and Science. When not at Sylvan, she enjoys hanging out with her puppy and going for walks.
  • Ann Cervantez, TUTOR

    Ann Cervantez

    TUTOR

    Ann is a tutor at Sylvan of Frisco & McKinney. She has 22 years teaching Computer Systems at Collin College and 8 years teaching Mathematics at Jr High level. She holds a BS in Mathematics, MS in Teaching, MS in Information Systems, and Ph.D. in Higher Education. At Sylvan, Ann enjoys teaching Mathematics, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. When not at Sylvan, Ann enjoys working out and running.
  • Chiko Ugwunze, Tutor

    Chiko Ugwunze

    Tutor

    Chiko is a tutor at Sylvan of Frisco & McKinney. She holds a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. At Sylvan, Chiki enjoys teaching Math, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. When not at Sylvan, she enjoys baking, watching tv, and trying new things.
  • Isabella Gonzales, Tutor

    Isabella Gonzales

    Tutor

    Isabella is a tutor at Sylvan of Frisco & McKinney. She has been a volunteer teacher in children’s ministry at her church. At Sylvan, Isabella enjoys teaching Math, Physics, and Calculus. When not at Sylvan, she enjoys volunteering at her church, writing, drawing, and reading.