Meet Our Team

Great Teachers Inspire
Our tutors and staff in Lafayette consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Lafayette know how to engage and motivate each child in a personal way—building confidence and smiles, as well as skills and better scores. We selectively choose tutors who know local curriculum and can link Sylvan lessons to what’s being taught in school.
Get to know our tutors and staff in Lafayette!

Christy Sharon
Executive Director
Director
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, [email protected]

Troy Sharon
Center Director
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, [email protected]

Destini' Broussard
Assistant Center Director
Destini’ began working at our Lafayette Center in 2018 as a classroom assistant. After graduating from UL, Destini was hired full-time and has recently been promoted to Assistant Center Director. Destini’s favorite thing about working at Sylvan is having the opportunity to inspire and encourage kids to feel confident in their studies and feel comfortable at Sylvan. In her free time, you can find Destini spending time with family and friends.

Cynthia Bishop
Assistant Center Director (part time)
Cynthia received her Bachelor of Science 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.
Julie Ortego
After graduating from McNeese State University in 1997, Julie taught English Language Arts at the middle school level in Acadia, Cameron, and Calcasieu Parishes. She relocated to the Lafayette area from Lake Charles in 2020 and began working at Sylvan in the fall of 2023. At Sylvan, Julie oversees students’ learning programs and communicates students’ progress to their families. At home, Julie enjoys gardening and watching her favorite ladies, The Golden Girls.

Melinda Clardy
Instructor
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.

Kristina Dixon
Instructor
Kristina Dixon currently teaches a variety of levels and subjects at Sylvan, from PreK Reading & K ESL to high school algebra, geometry, and ACT prep. Kristina’s love of teaching and travel has led her to work with students both in Lafayette and abroad, specifically in India and China. Kristina has undergraduate degrees in both Mathematics and English, with a master’s degree in Mathematics and a Graduate Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking and traveling the world.

Wendi Broussard
Instructor
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.
Ashley
Support Staff
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 Durand
Instructor
Michael studied at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana Lafayette), where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English. He started with Sylvan at the New Iberia Center in 2013 and currently divides his time between all three centers. Mr. Michael is an active member of the Iberia Performing Arts League and can often be found acting, directing and serving on committees.

Cindy Luna
Instructor
Cindy has 27 years of experience teaching and has worked at several Sylvan Learning centers in Louisiana. Cindy finds joy in seeing kids faces light up when they learn a new task, “Helping students to gain confidence and self-esteem is very important!” In her spare time, you might see Cindy playing tennis, golf, doing yoga and hiking.

Renee Harelson
Instructor
L. Renee’ Harelson – Teacher for 23 years, Certified in Secondary English, Speech and Theatre with a focus for the last 11 years teaching HISET Adult Education, as well as, Alternative Students in grades K-12 with behavioral or emotional developmental risks.
She has a passion for learning and get excited when students find their learning bug. A firm believer in the power of kindness, communication and fun means results and most any solution can be achieved. My philosophy has always been, “I don’t teach a subject, I teach a student and sometimes they teach me.” When not working, she can usually be found with a book or watching movies (historical dramas, and I don’t mind reading subtitles). My favorite moments are times with my family, cooking, eating, watching football, and always laughing.

Matsie Lalonde
Instructor
Matsie Lalonde is a retired teacher and school librarian. She says that one of the reasons she chose to work as a tutor is because she misses the interaction of the students that Sylvan’s allows. Seeing their expressions when they complete a lesson makes it all worthwhile. Matsie enjoys spending time with her two grandsons, traveling with Viking River Cruises in Europe, and experiencing new cuisine at all the restaurants in the area.
Start your child on the path to academic success today
Give us a call at (337) 901-6089 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.