Meet Our Team

Patti McGrath

Owner / Director of Education

Patti received her BS in Elementary Education and Masters in Reading and Language Arts from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh PA. She was a public and private school teacher for 15 years. Patti has been tutoring at Sylvan since 2010. She loves teaching the students at Sylvan because everyday is a new chance to help each child learn unique ways to achieve personal success. On Dec. 1st of 2017 Patti and her husband Ray became owners of the Mt Pleasant Sylvan Learning Center.

Hermine Nelson

Teacher

Hermine is a native Charlestonian and a graduate of Burke High School. She attended Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia and The Citadel, here in Charleston and has a BS degree in History, Education and Master of Education in Learning Disabilities. Hermine retired from teaching special education after 35 years, but has also taught various levels of math, reading, science and social studies during her teaching career, as well as adult GED classes at Fayetteville Technical Community College in North Carolina. Hermine has been a Sylvan teacher for almost 20 years and really enjoys being able to teach the individual learning plans designed for each student.  

Valerie graduated with a BS in Mathematics and Physical Science from Arkansas Tech and a MS in Math from the University of Kentucky. She likes to teach high school Math; Algebra, Geometry, Probability and Statistics and SAT/ ACT Prep.  Valerie retired from a 28 year IT career at Proctor and Gamble, has taught college algebra and business calculus at University of Kentucky and college Algebra and Probability and Statistics at Southeastern University.  Some of Valerie’s favorite activities outside of teaching include traveling, the beach and her kids activities.  

Amy attended College of Mount St. Joseph and Xavier University and earned Bachelor’s Master’s degree in Elementary Education.  She taught 4th and 5th grade math, language arts, science and socials studies for 19 years. Amy also spent 4 years teaching computer/technology for grades K-8. Amy enjoys working with math and language arts students at Sylvan.  In her spare time, Amy likes to travel, explore the outdoors, read, solve puzzles, cook, learn about history and spend as much time as possible with her nieces and nephews. 

Ms Kat has 40+ years of experience teaching CD, K, 2nd, and 3rd grade in Charleston County.  She has been a team member since Feb 0f 2005!  She most enjoys connecting with the kids in a small group environment. 

Ms. Emily has a Bachelor’s degree from Clemson and a Master of Arts in Teaching from The Citadel. She has been a member of the team since September of 2022.  She most enjoys getting to work with the students in a small group setting.  Ms. Emily mainly works with our English SAT Prep students.  She has been a English teacher at Wando High School for 20 years.

Kristen has a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Winthrop University, a Master’s degree in Literacy from Charleston Southern University, and a Master’s degree in Professional Writing and Rhetoric from Bowling Green State University.  She has been a member of the team since 2018.  She enjoys working with students in a small group setting and getting to know them as individuals.

Ms. Maureen has 20+ years of teaching experience.  She has a Master’s in Special Ed and Reading.  She has been a member of the Mount Pleasant team since August 2021.  She enjoys the small group work at Sylvan and connecting with the individual students.

Ms. Beth has been a member of the team since March 2021.  She has a bachelor’s from the College of Charleston in Elementary and Special Education.  She most enjoys helping the children improve their knowledge and abilities. Ms. Beth says, “I think math is fun!”

Niko attended Mercer College.  He became a member of our team in June of 2022.Niko enjoys teaching math to the students while reinforcing his his own understanding at the same time.

Dr. Russo has Bachelor’s degree in Math, an Master’s degree in Math Statistics, and a PHD in Research and Evaluation. He has been a member of the team since 2019. Dr. Russo most enjoys working with students as they expand their academic skills.

Nicole is a  tutor in Mt Pleasant, SC with a gift for working with children. While Nicole has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in early childhood education.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  She most enjoys working with students in the small group setting that Sylvan provides.  Nicole has been with us since June 2022.