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Great Teachers Inspire

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

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Vanity Barr-Little, PhD

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Dr. Vanity Barr-Little leads Sylvan of Apollo Beach. A former Air Force veteran, Dr. Barr-Little chose a career in the tutoring business because of her experiences as a mom of three school-aged children. She studied business at Saint Leo University, public administration at Central Michigan University, and earned a doctorate degree from Capella University. When Dr. Barr-Little isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading or spending time with her family.

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Erin Messano

Center Director

Erin Messano is the Center Director for Sylvan Learning of Apollo Beach.  Ms. Messano studied liberal arts with Saint Leo University and ultimately chose a career in education because she wants to help students reach their full potential. As a former Hillsborough County School teacher, she believes very strongly that a solid education and a love for learning set children up for long-term and lifelong success. Ms. Messano brings to Sylvan Learning of Apollo Beach her experience as a teacher, a mother of three adult children, and community liaison. When Ms. Erin isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her learning something new and spending time with her family.

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Benjamin Morris

Director of Education

Mr. Ben is the Director of Education at Sylvan Learning of Apollo Beach, FL. He has over 10 years of experience in education and has a passion for education and a gift for working with kids. While Mr. Ben has many tutoring talents, he enjoys teaching reading and math the most. When Mr. Ben isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him engaged in one of his many artistic pursuits as a musician and visual artist.

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Natasha Whitaker

Tutor

Ms. Natasha studied Biology at George Washington University. She has several years of teaching experience with all grade levels in the subjects of reading and math. While Ms. Natasha has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring math. When Natasha isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her at the beach, brunch, or babysitting.

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Brenda Roggenbuck

Tutor

Ms. Brenda is a trained and experienced educator. She studied Education at Saginaw Valley State University, as well as Curriculum Design and Implementation. While she has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring reading and writing.

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Maria Figaredo Melendez

Tutor

Ms. Carmen is a retired Hillsborough County teacher. She completed her Masters in Education with the Fischler Graduate School of Education at Nova Southeastern University. In addition to her extensive K-12 teaching experience in private and public education, Ms. Carmen has also taught at Hillsborough Community College as a senior development reading and writing coach. Ms. Carmen believes that with proper instruction and guidance, students can perform and achieve their highest potential. When Ms. Carmen isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her at home enjoying time with her family.

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Kathryn Moschella

Tutor

Prior to Sylvan, Ms. Kathryn was Hillsborough County teacher and now works as a substitute teacher in our local public schools. She completed her Bachelor or Science in Public Communication at Syracuse University and Secondary English Education at the University of South Florida. Ms. Kathryn has also taught at Hillsborough Community College as a senior writing coach in the Academic Success Center. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her enjoying a swim in the pool or spending quality time with great friends.

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Diana Pidgeon

Tutor

Diana Pidgeon is a Master’s-prepared professional. She graduated from the University of Tampa, as well as the University of Phoenix. Prior to working in education, she was a public health nurse and RN case manager. Ms. Diana is adored by her students for being very engaging. She is passionate about helping children reach their full potential. When Ms. Diana isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her family.

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Myrna Francois

Tutor

Ms. Francois completed her studies at Florida State University in Tallahassee and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She has taught in HCPS and as a Sylvan teacher, she focuses on teaching to each student’s unique needs through Sylvan’s personalized learning approach. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her dabbing in entrepreneurship, reading, or working out.

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Joe Thomas

Tutor

Mr. Joe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Oregon and a Florida Teacher Certificate in social studies. As a seasoned educator with nearly 20 years of experience, Mr. Joe believes that an enlightened mind is the ultimate superpower. When he is not at Sylvan, you will find Mr. Thomas being a huge science fiction nerd.

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Shannon Wright Gayden

Tutor

Ms. Gayden holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services and has nearly 20 years of experience in school readiness, teaching beginning readers, and as an academic interventionist. Ms. Gayden is passionate about creating an emotionally responsive and supportive environment for the individual development of children. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find Ms. Gayden spending time with family and traveling.

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Emily Strickland

Tutor

Emily Strickland “Ms. Emily” graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Language and Hearing Science and a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as Dean’s Honors. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology. Prior to Sylvan, Ms. Emily was a Summer Camp Counselor. Ms. Emily’s goal at Sylvan is to inspire a love for learning and to change the lives of children. When Ms. Emily isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her at the beach or spending time with friends.

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Jordan Horwitz

Tutor

Jordan Horwitz “Ms. Jordan” graduated Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Child Development. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology. Ms. Jordan’s professional background includes diverse therapy-based work experience, and she is passionate about helping children learn and grow. When Ms. Jordan isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her going on long walks with her dog.

Wafaa Younis

Tutor

Ms. Wafaa earned a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and has tutored students of all ages and levels in the subject of math. As a seasoned math tutor, Ms. Wafaa believes that although math can be tricky sometimes, but it’s the easiest subject to master. When she is not at Sylvan, you will find Ms. Wafaa cooking, sewing, and running after her kids (lol).

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Tracy Le

Tutor

Tracy Le is a graduate of the University of South Florida (go Bulls!), earning a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. She is pursuing higher education in preparation for a career as a Physician Assistant (PA). In the meantime, Ms. Tracy is sharing her tutoring experience and talent in the subjects of K-12 language arts and math—especially math, her favorite subject. Ms. Tracy believes that passionate learners gain increased confidence and a stronger sense of purpose. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find Ms. Tracy on the pickleball/tennis court, playing piano, baking, or spending time with her family.

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Allison Braun

Tutor

Ms. Allison earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychological and Social Sciences from Pennsylvania State University, graduating cum laude. She has worked in elementary education for almost 8 years. While Ms. Allison has many tutoring talents, she most enjoys tutoring math. Ms. Allison believes that everyone could use a little bit of help every now and then. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find Ms. Allison playing Pokémon with her friends or digging into a new book.

Start your child on the path to academic success today

Give us a call at (813) 489-6397 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.

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Call us today: (888) 338-2283

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