Meet the Lafayette team

Troy Sharon has dedicated his career to educating, encouraging, and supporting students and their families. After graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1993, Troy began his career as a teacher and coach at St. Martinville Senior High School. During that time, he also worked at Sylvan after school and throughout the summer, gaining valuable experience helping students strengthen their skills and confidence. In 2004, Troy joined Sylvan Learning of Acadiana full time as Center Director. He takes pride in welcoming new families, helping them find the right educational support, and keeping parents informed and encouraged as their children progress through their programs. His approachable nature and commitment to personal service help families feel supported from their first conversation through every milestone achieved. Outside of Sylvan, Troy enjoys spending time with his family. On Saturday afternoons, you can often find them tailgating and cheering on the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. To contact Troy via email, tsharon@cox.net

Destini began her career with Sylvan Learning of Acadiana in 2018 as a classroom assistant at the Lafayette Center. After graduating from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she joined the team full time and was promoted to Assistant Center Director. Today, Destini plays an important role in keeping all three Sylvan Learning of Acadiana locations running smoothly. She coordinates staff scheduling, supports daily center operations, and helps ensure that every family receives a welcoming and positive Sylvan experience. What Destini loves most about her work is the opportunity to inspire and encourage students, helping them feel more confident in their abilities and comfortable at Sylvan. In her free time, Destini enjoys spending time with her husband and their beautiful baby girl.

Vicki brings more than 25 years of experience in education, leadership, and school improvement to Sylvan. Her career has included serving as a classroom teacher, curriculum facilitator, elementary principal, Title I School Improvement Coordinator, and Distinguished Educator with the Louisiana Department of Education. Vicki holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education and a specialist degree in Supervision and Administration, along with certifications as an Elementary Principal and Student Teaching Coordinator. Her extensive experience gives her a unique understanding of both the academic needs of students and the importance of supporting teachers and families. A Vermilion Parish resident, Vicki enjoys traveling, reading, quilting, and gardening. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a genuine commitment to helping students grow and succeed.

After graduating from McNeese State University in 1997, Julie began her career teaching middle school English Language Arts in Acadia, Cameron, and Calcasieu Parishes. She relocated from Lake Charles to the Lafayette area in 2020 and joined the Sylvan Learning of Acadiana team in the fall of 2023. At Sylvan, Julie oversees students’ personalized learning programs and keeps families informed about their children’s progress. She is dedicated to ensuring that every student receives the best possible Sylvan experience and feels supported, encouraged, and celebrated along the way. Julie is truly the life of the center, spreading joy, laughter, and positive energy wherever she goes. Her warmth and enthusiasm help make Sylvan a place where students feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn. At home, Julie enjoys gardening and spending time with her favorite ladies, The Golden Girls.

Grace’s connection to Sylvan began as a student at the center, where she developed a love of learning and a deep appreciation for the impact of a strong education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a minor in Sociology from Ouachita Baptist University and began building her career in marketing in Arkansas. After returning to Louisiana, Grace brought her journey full circle by combining her marketing experience with her passion for education. She now helps connect families with the personalized support and opportunities Sylvan provides. A favorite among students and families, Grace takes pride in building genuine, personal connections with everyone she meets. Her warm personality and welcoming presence help make families feel at home and students feel encouraged from the moment they walk through the door. Outside of work, Grace enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Ashley has been an invaluable member of the Sylvan Learning of Acadiana team since October 2012. Throughout her years of service, she has supported students and families at all three Acadiana locations and has taken on nearly every role imaginable. Known as our go-to expert on all things Sylvan, Ashley brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and dedication to the team. She has a natural ability to connect with students of all ages and loves helping them build confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve success. Ashley’s willingness to step in wherever she is needed makes her an essential part of the Sylvan family. Simply put, we are not sure what we would do without her! Outside of Sylvan, Ashley enjoys reading and traveling.

Cynthia earned her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and taught in the Department of Human Resources at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She also served as a substitute teacher in local public and private schools and at Lafayette Regional Institute before beginning her Sylvan career in 1992. Throughout her many years at Sylvan, Cynthia worked closely with schools and families to help ensure that every student received the support needed to succeed. Her dedication, compassion, and genuine love for students have touched hundreds of lives, and the impact she has made on Sylvan families is truly immeasurable. Although Cynthia is now retired, she will always be the heart of Sylvan. She continues to take care of the team by spoiling everyone with her homemade cookies and beautiful flowers from her garden. Her kindness and presence remain a treasured part of the Sylvan family.

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 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 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.

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.

Jerome currently teaches Reading at Sylvan. He has more than twenty years teaching in the public school system where he has taught social studies and career and technical education classes. Jerome has a degree from LSU in political science. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling and reading.

Angela is a retired teacher and military veteran. She spent twenty years in the Navy and La Air National Guard. After retiring from the military, she attended UL of Lafayette and received her Bachelors' degree. She is certified to teach middle school and high school mathematics. She also pursued a Master's Degree specializing in reading K-12 and currently volunteers assisting a first grade classroom tutoring math and reading. She enjoys spending time with family, cross stitching, reading and traveling.

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.

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.

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