Meet Our Team

Adria Bondanza

Director

As the Owner and Director of Education, Adria leads the instructor training and instructional programs at Sylvan Learning of North Wilmington. Adria has a Bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in Biology Education, a Master’s in Education from Villanova University and completed coursework in Curriculum and Instruction at University of Massachusetts Lowell. A high school science teacher since 2001, Adria is excited for this new venture as a Sylvan franchise owner. “I have seen how students struggle in high school when they do not have the proper foundations in reading and math. I love that I have this opportunity to help students reach their potential and get the most out of their education. Education is everything!” Adria prides herself on her positive, can-do attitude and her ability to bring out the best in her students and staff. In her free time Adria enjoys traveling, attending plays and concerts, cooking, being outdoors, working out, and spending time with Michael and their dog Roxy and cat Holly. 

Michael Walters

Director

As the Owner and Center Director, Michael is in charge of all of the daily operations and working with our families at Sylvan Learning of North Wilmington. He helps to guide families in selecting the right program for their child, scheduling their sessions, and monitoring their progress. Michael previously served in the Navy submarine force and has worked in sales and management for over 20 years. Most importantly, Michael is a parent. His son Mac is currently attending University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Watching his son progress through his schooling, Michael has witnessed firsthand the value of education. “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” Michael prides himself on his resilience. After surviving an almost fatal car accident in 2022, Michael had to learn to walk again. The experience inspired him to make a positive change in his community by helping children to further their education. In his free time Michael enjoys traveling, reading, playing pool, and spending time with Adria, their dog Roxy and their cat Holly. 

Lisa Dustin

Instructor

Miss Lisa was a teacher for 32 years, both in the classroom and in the resource room. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College of Maryland and a combined Master’s degree in Elementary Reading and Science. She retired but currently works at Carrcroft Elementary as a building substitute. Miss Lisa loves to work with kids and build relationships and trust. “Meeting kids where they are is a great foundation for getting them to take educational risks. When they take risks and see positive growth, it makes them determined to be successful.” In her free time, Miss Lisa likes to work in her garden, play with her dogs, and travel to visit family and friends.

Tyah Fuller

Instructor

Miss Tyah has been an elementary teacher at Chester Community Charter School for four years. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. One of her greatest strengths is her endless patience with her students.

Sue Friedrich

Instructor

Miss Sue has been teaching for 24 years and is currently at Oberle Elementary School.  This is her 3rd year teaching in the Dual Language Immersion Program.  She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Minor in Elementary Education from Gettysburg College.  She also has a Master’s in Reading from Wilmington University.  She loves seeing her students master math, reading, and writing in two languages: English and Spanish. Miss Sue prides herself on her strong classroom management skills, engaging her students, and increasing rigor in her classroom.  “We have to believe in our students and their strengths…if we set our expectations high, they will rise to the challenge.”  In her free time, Miss Sue loves to travel, read, walk her dogs, and spend time with her 3 children.

Walter Mingo

Instuctor

Mr. Walter is a retired state auditor. He holds a degree in Accounting and worked in the Auditing field for over 25 years. For the past two years, he has tutored students in math and reading, specializing in tutoring algebra and basic math operations. Walter has a passion for helping students become better in their academic pursuits.  When he is not teaching, he enjoys walking, hiking, traveling, and contemporary jazz.

Kierra Hunt

Instructor

Miss Kierra graduated in 2024 from Widener University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. She is currently a second-grade teacher at Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy in Wilmington and previously worked for the YMCA in child care for four years. Kierra takes pride in creating a positive, inclusive classroom where students feel empowered to learn and grow. “Seeing students gain confidence as they take on challenges and succeed is the most rewarding part of teaching for me.” In her free time, she enjoys karaoke and spending time with her pets.

Tasha Moore

Instructor

Miss Tasha has been teaching for over 20 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She currently works as a reading and math specialist at Carrcroft Elementary. Tasha loves helping students reach their highest potential. “It brings me great joy when a student learns something new or finally understands a skill that they haven’t been able to grasp.” Tasha prides herself on making her classroom fun and engaging for her students. In her free time she loves to travel and explore new places with her kids and dog. She also loves crafting and making things with her Cricut machine. 

Jason Pappalardo

Instructor

Mr. Jason has taught both 6th and 8th grade math. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Simulation and Game Design and a Master’s degree in Teaching Middle Grade Mathematics. Jason enjoys breaking down the fundamentals of math for students to give them the skills to understand current content and any future concepts in their math classes. “I love helping students make the connections between content so they can see the relationships within math.” He is an avid gamer and loves to discuss current games with students. He also enjoys watching the Phillies and New York Giants play.

Melinda Roche

Instructor

Ms. Melinda has a Master’s degree in Education with a primary focus on Elementary and Special Education. She currently works at P.S duPont Middle School. Melinda’s favorite part about being a teacher is helping children achieve their academic goals and identify their own personal strengths. Her best asset as an educator is her ability to bring out the very best qualities in students by treating the learning process as a journey where everyone can grasp concepts at their own pace. Melinda has an appreciation for different cultures and likes learning how to say phrases or words in other languages. When she is not teaching, she enjoys bowling, playing skeeball, and miniature golf. I also like murder mysteries.

Gabrielle Tucker

Instructor

Miss Gabby recently graduated from Widener University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Secondary Education. She is beginning her teaching career as a middle school science teacher, where she strives to bring her passion for hands-on, engaging learning experiences into the classroom. She prides herself on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students feel supported and encouraged to grow. “What I love most about teaching is seeing students gain confidence as they make connections, ask questions, and discover how science and other subjects relate to their everyday lives.” In her free time, she enjoys hiking local trails and spending time with her family, friends, and cats.