Meet Our Team

VANITY BARR-LITTLE, PHD

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Dr. Vanity Barr-Little leads Sylvan Learning of Apollo Beach and Riverview. 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.

ERIN MESSANO

Center Director

Erin Messano is the Center Director for Sylvan Learning of Apollo Beach and Riverview. 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 her experience as a teacher, a mother of three adult children, and community liaison to Sylvan Learning. When Ms. Erin isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her learning something new and spending time with her family.

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.

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.

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).

Artemis Floyd

Tutor

Ms. Floyd attends the College of the Florida Keys and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. In addition to her love for marine environmental science and technology, she also loves to help people understand math. Ms. Floyd says, “math helps us understand the real world and its patterns.” When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find Ms. Floyd volunteering as a coral restoration diver, or playing video games with friends.