Meet Our Team

Courtney Wright

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Courtney manages day to day business  for Sylvan of Fort Smith and Sylvan of Rogers. A former teacher of grades K-6 , Courtney chose a career in the tutoring business because she felt she could make a difference . Courtney studied at the University of Arkansans in Fayetteville, receiving her Masters in Education. When Courtney isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her two sons, 6 year old Easton and 14 year old Clayton, and her husband, Kevin at the local ball field, school and church activities.

Carol Baldridge

Center Director

Carol has serviced Sylvan for over 16 years. She has instructed students, proctored tests, and worked as a center admin. She is currently the Center Director. She brings to Sylvan many years of experience, from teaching in a classroom and managing a daycare. She loves working with students to see their glowing faces when they carry out a struggling task or skill. Carol’s education background includes her degree in SPED K-12 for Mildly Handicapped, and her Elementary degree grades 1-6, received from the University of Central Arkansas. Family is especially important to Carol. She loves spending time with her husband of 35 years, walking on the beach at sunrise, and cruising.

Natalie Coleman

Center Director

Natalie serves as a Center Director at Sylvan. She has been with us for over 6 years. She brings her experience from 3 years at Montessori as a teacher’s assistant and managerial duties from working in a medical group. Her education background comes from graduating from Alma Public Schools and receiving her degree from Harding University in 2010. When asked why Sylvan, Natalie says “I love the personalized attention given to each student. I deeply appreciate Sylvan’s philosophy that all students are different, and that learning should be personal. I was so glad to find a place where all my interest and experience came together in such perfect harmony.” Married for over ten years, Natalie has three beautiful children, one of which currently attends Sylvan. Natalie loves trivia and spending time with her family playing, watching TV, and movies.

Joan Davis

Certified Teacher

Joan is a retired teacher at Fort Smith Public Schools. She currently teaches reading and math at Sylvan. When asked why teaching? She replied, “I want to help kids become their best, and feel good about themselves.” Joan has received her degree from the University of Arkansas. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, reading an enjoyable book, working on puzzles, and traveling.

Karen Malone

Certified Special Education Teacher

Karen wears many hats at Sylvan. She teaches reading and math, as well as proctoring our tests and other admin duties. She brings her ability to Sylvan through her many years in the classroom teaching special education for 39 years. She has been with us here at Sylvan for over 20 years. When asked why Sylvan? She replied, “increase self-confidence, help students increase or maintain their current level of performance, academic growth, and working with great teachers.” Karen has a BSE in SPED and 12 hours towards her master’s in education. Her accomplishments and awards include the Lula Malone award for teaching SPED. Her pastimes include spending time with family, especially her granddaughter, playing tennis, and rocking on her front porch. She volunteers at her church and works with children doing activities such as vacation bible school and other extra-curricular events.

Joyce Cross

Certified Reading Teacher

Joyce teaches reading at Sylvan. She has been with us for over 21 years. When asked why she enjoys working at Sylvan she replied, “I enjoy seeing kids progress and enjoy learning.” Now retired, Joyce brings 39 years of ability to the classroom using her degree from John Brown University. When Joyce is not at Sylvan, she likes to walk at the mall, read, play with her dog, Rusty, and go places with her husband as well as visit with her grandchildren.

Nancy Lowrey

Certified Advanced Math Teacher

Nancy teaches reading, all levels of math (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Calculus, Trigonometry, College level math) writing, study skills and SAT and ACT prep at Sylvan. While Nancy has many talents, she enjoys math and ACT prep the most. She brings 10 years of experience as a CPA and many more years as a teacher. She loves the small group instruction at Sylvan. Her accomplishments include making 2nd in the state on her CPA exam. Her favorite pastimes include attending Broadway shows and road trips with her daughter and reading a delightful book.

Sharon Day

Certified Teacher

Sharon teaches reading, math, and writing at Sylvan. She has been with us for over 5 years. She brings 25 years of classroom experience with her. When asked why she enjoys working at Sylvan she replied, “Children are our future.” She got her BSE from Arkansas Tech University. Her accomplishments are being a sister, mother of two, and a teacher. She loves to read, work puzzles, and spend time with her girls and grandchildren.

Allison Daniels

Sylvan Certified Tutor

Allison is a math and writing teacher at Sylvan. She has taught at Sylvan for 4 years and counting. When asked why she chooses to work at Sylvan she says, “I love individual educational plans and watching the students learn.” Allison has a B.S degree in Chemistry, from the University of the Ozarks. Her pastime includes reading, watching tv, and entertaining her adopted cat, Chandler.

Patrick McClelland

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Patrick is a reading, math, and writing teacher here at Sylvan. He has a gift for working with our students, in addition to being a very good teacher, he is entertaining and makes learning and education fun. Patrick says, “Because Sylvan is the best and I am only interested in teaching with the best. I want the students to learn, have fun, and want to come back.” He studied at U of A Fayetteville and Arkansas Tech receiving a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Education. When Patrick isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him watching movies, listening to music, reading, and painting.