Meet our Lafayette Tutoring Staff

Christy received her B.A. in English in 1992 and taught 5th to 8th grade English at First Baptist Christian School for two and a half years. She also taught 9th and 10th grade reading and 11th and 12th grade study skills at St. Thomas More. In October of 1996, Christy joined Sylvan as a Director of Education and in October of 1997, she bought Sylvan and became Executive Director. Christy enjoys spending time with her 2 beautiful children.

To contact Christy via email, christysharon@sylvanacadiana.com

After graduating from UL in 1993, Troy began teaching and coaching at St. Martinville Sr. High. For several years, Troy worked at Sylvan after school and during the summer break from school. In 2004, he joined the Sylvan staff full time, assuming the role of Center Director. Troy enjoys introducing new families to Sylvan and keeping them informed of their student's progress throughout their program. On Saturday afternoons, you will find Troy and his family enjoying UL Ragin Cajun tailgating.

To contact Troy via email, troysharon@sylvanacadiana.com

Tracy oversees the educational integrity of our programs in Lafayette, Broussard and New Iberia. She has been a leader at Sylvan since 2008. She brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan of Acadiana. She has a gift of connecting with our students, allowing her to instill lifelong skills. She devotes her energy into making sure the students succeed 100%! When Tracy isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her spending time with her son, Marshall!

Cynthia received her B.S. in Home Economics and taught for one year at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (currently University of Louisiana) in the Department of Human Resources. She did substitute teaching in both local public and private schools and at Lafayette Regional Institute. She began her Sylvan career in 1992. Cynthia enjoys working directly with the schools to help ensure the success of all her Sylvan students.

Kelsey received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Northwestern State University in 2015. She has experience teaching first, second and third grades across Louisiana. Kelsey also has a master's degree in Environmental Policy and Management. She enjoys tutoring students in reading, math, writing, and study skills as well as providing homework support. Kelsey works with students at the Lafayette and Broussard centers.

In addition to her work at Sylvan, Melinda Clardy is a mathematics professor at SLCC and has had a life-long desire to teach and make a difference. With a master's degree in applied mathematics, a bachelor's in pure mathematics, and experience with common core math, it's the best combination to reach a wide range of learners. When not working, Mrs. Melinda hangs out with her cats, reads excessively, and plays video games with her husband.

Michaela received her B.A. in Mathematics and Physics from Berea College in Kentucky and a M.S. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.Michaela held a math/science lecturer position at Kapi'olani Community College (KCC) in Hawaii. While at KCC Michaela taught classes such as Elemental Algebra, Fundamental Algebra, and Statistics. Prior to teaching at KCC, Micahela gained much experience tutoring both privately and professionally, as well as briefly teaching with the Upward Bound Program. She has been a Sylvan tutor at the Lafayette location since 2013 and loves working with students who are so eager to learn, especially in math and science!

Wendi has a Master's Degree in Education from LSU. She has 30 years of classroom teaching experience and specializes in English/ Language Arts, Writing, American History, World History, and Civics. Wendi is married with 2 sons. Wendi's undergraduate degree in Political Science and English. When she is not teaching, she enjoys politics.

Chantel is a native of St. Martin Parish and a graduate of both UL and NSU. She has over 15 years of teaching experience in the areas of regular education, special education, academic specialist, and tutor. Chantel's favorite quote is: "Our prime purpose in this life is to help others, and if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." - Dalai Lama

Destini began working at our Lafayette Center in 2018. She is finishing her senior year at UL and will join our Sylvan Team full-time after graduation. Destini's favorite thing about working at Sylvan is, “Getting to know both the teachers and the kids. It makes me very happy to be able to inspire and encourage kids to feel confident in their studies as well as feel comfortable at Sylvan!” In her free time, you can find Destini spending time with family and friends or studying.

Ashley has been a part of the Sylvan Support Staff since October of 2012. You can find Ashley assisting Sylvan Students at all 3 locations in Acadiana! She loves to read and travel. She makes a fantastic connection to students of all ages and loves to help them achieve success!

Michael studied at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana Lafayette), where he earned his B.A. and M.A. in English. He started with Sylvan at the New Iberia Center in 2013 and subsequently began tutoring at the Broussard Center as well. When tutors were needed for special programs at the Lafayette Center, he volunteered and currently divides his time between all three centers.