Meet the Northeast Bronx team

Meet Guy Duggins — The Strategy Behind Your Child’s Test Success As Co-Founder and Chief of Operations at Sylvan Learning of Northeast Bronx, Guy Duggins is the driving force behind our highly effective test prep programs. A Bronx native and graduate of Fordham Preparatory School, Guy understands firsthand what it takes to compete—and succeed—on high-stakes exams like the SAT, ACT, and Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT). Guy believes that success on standardized tests isn’t about memorization—it’s about strategy, precision, and understanding the nuances behind every question. That philosophy shapes the way Sylvan prepares students: teaching them how to think critically, manage time effectively, and approach each exam with confidence. Outside of Sylvan, Guy values discipline and growth through fitness and enjoys traveling with his family—bringing that same focus and balance into the way he leads and supports students. Parents choose Sylvan because of leaders like Guy—who understand the stakes, know the strategy, and deliver results. If you’re serious about your child’s test scores, now is the time to start. Let us help your child walk into their next exam prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.

Meet Ms. Veronica Straws— Turning Math Confidence into 85+ Regents Scores Ms. Veronica Straws, Vice President of Finance at Sylvan Learning of Northeast Bronx, brings precision, strategy, and a deep passion for math to every student she supports. As a certified secondary math tutor, she specializes in preparing students for the Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II Regents exams—with a clear goal: helping students score 85% and higher. Raised in the Bronx and a graduate of Aquinas High School, Ms. Veronica understands both the challenges and opportunities students face. Her background in leadership, education, and analytical thinking allows her to break down even the most complex math concepts into clear, manageable steps that students can truly understand. Her approach goes beyond memorizing formulas—she teaches students how to think critically, avoid common mistakes, and approach Regents questions with confidence and strategy. Whether a student is struggling or aiming for top scores, Ms. Veronica meets them where they are and helps them level up. Known for her patience, encouragement, and attention to detail, she creates a learning environment where students feel supported and motivated to succeed. Her love for learning—whether exploring new technology or continuously sharpening her skills—translates into dynamic, effective instruction. Parents trust Ms. Veronica because she delivers results. Students leave her sessions not just prepared—but confident and ready to perform. If your child needs to pass—or excel—on their Regents exams, now is the time to start. Let’s work together to get them to 85 and beyond.

Meet Quanesha “Ms. Q” Martin — Guiding Excellence, Supporting Every Learner At Sylvan Learning of Northeast Bronx, Ms. Q is the architect behind the high-quality instruction your child receives every day. As our Director of Education, she trains and coaches all of our teachers, tutors, and teaching assistants in Sylvan’s proven reading, writing, and math programs—ensuring every student benefits from consistent, expert instruction. A proud Harlem native, Ms. Q’s journey in education is rooted in both personal dedication and professional excellence. Her academic path began with the Upward Bound program at SUNY New Paltz and led to an Associate’s degree from Bronx Community College, a Bachelor’s in Political Science from CUNY’s Baruch College, and a Master’s in Special Education from LIU Brooklyn. Ms. Q brings a deep understanding of how to support students with diverse learning needs, including those who require additional patience, structure, and individualized strategies. She is committed to creating an environment where every child feels safe, supported, and capable of success—no matter their starting point. Her leadership ensures that Sylvan instructors are not only skilled, but also compassionate, attentive, and responsive to each child’s unique learning style. Families can feel confident knowing their children are in caring, capable hands. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Q brings warmth and creativity into everything she does—whether she’s enjoying a painting class, connecting with lifelong friends, or recharging with her favorite meals from East Harlem. That same authenticity and heart show up in how she leads and supports every Sylvan family. Parents trust Ms. Q for her expertise, professionalism, and genuine care. She sets the standard for excellence—so every child can thrive.

Meet Christiana “CeCe” Addy— Bringing Learning to Life Through Fun and Community Christiana Addy, also known as CeCe, is the creative force behind the exciting events and engaging experiences at Sylvan Learning of Northeast Bronx. A proud Bronx native from Co-op City and a graduate of CUNY’s Baruch College, CeCe blends creativity, strategy, and community spirit to make learning feel like a celebration. From our Kid-Themed Open Houses to College Carnivals and local events, CeCe designs experiences that get students excited about learning and families excited about being part of the Sylvan community. Her passion for marketing started early—creating logos and social media content—and has grown into a talent for bringing ideas to life in ways that truly connect with families. With roots in both the Bronx and Queens and a rich Ghanaian background, CeCe understands the power of community and connection. She believes opportunities are everywhere—you just have to stay engaged and open to them—and she brings that same energy into everything she creates at Sylvan. Parents love CeCe because she makes Sylvan more than a learning center—it’s a place where families feel connected, inspired, and excited to participate. Students love her events because they’re fun, memorable, and full of energy. ✨ Want to see the fun for yourself?Follow us on Instagram @sylvanbronxne and Facebook @sylvanlearningofnortheastbronx to stay updated on upcoming events, student highlights, and ways to get involved!

Meet Mariah Aviles-Torres — The Heart Behind Your Sylvan Experience Mariah Aviles-Torres, our Executive Assistant at Sylvan Learning Center in the Bronx, is often the first warm smile families see—and the steady support that keeps everything running smoothly. A proud Bronx native, Mariah brings a deep commitment to community, connection, and student success into every interaction with families. A graduate of The Manhattanville University, Mariah has always balanced creativity with academic strength. Her love for dance—refined through her time with South Bronx Kids and performances in Christian hip-hop and salsa—shines through in her energetic and welcoming personality. At the same time, her passion for English Language Arts reflects her strong communication skills and attention to detail, ensuring families feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way. Mariah understands that every child’s journey is unique. Having overcome challenges with resilience and the support of her own village, she is deeply committed to creating that same sense of encouragement and partnership for Sylvan families. She believes in the power of sharing knowledge, uplifting others, and helping students reach their highest potential. Parents appreciate Mariah for her warmth, reliability, and genuine care. She makes every family feel valued—and every visit to Sylvan feel like a step forward.

Meet Reuben Bridges— Sparking Curiosity Through STEM and Robotics Reuben Bridges, our STEM Program Coordinator at Sylvan Learning Center of the Northeast Bronx, brings energy, creativity, and hands-on innovation to every student experience. Originally from Philadelphia and raised in New York City, Reuben has a lifelong passion for building, exploring, and understanding how things work—especially when it comes to robotics. From designing his own robot projects to diving into gaming and technology, Reuben turns curiosity into action. At Sylvan, he channels that passion into engaging STEM and robotics workshops where students don’t just learn—they create, experiment, and problem-solve in real time. Reuben believes that every child can develop confidence in STEM when given the right support and opportunities. Inspired by the strong values of hard work and education instilled by his father, he is committed to helping students build not only technical skills, but also perseverance, creativity, and a growth mindset. Whether students are coding, building robots, or tackling new challenges, Reuben makes learning exciting, interactive, and meaningful. Parents love Reuben’s ability to make STEM fun and accessible. Students love getting hands-on, thinking like engineers, and discovering just how much they’re capable of. Join our STEM and Robotics programs and watch your child’s confidence—and curiosity—come to life.

Meet Ms. Ramona Mathis-Smith — A Dedicated Educator Rooted in Your Community Ms. Ramona Mathis-Smith is more than a teacher—she’s a committed member of the Co-op City community who pours her heart into helping local students succeed both in and out of the classroom. As a certified teacher at Sylvan Learning of Northeast Bronx and a middle school Social Studies teacher right here in Co-op City, she understands exactly what students need to thrive academically. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Newark, NJ, Ms. Ramona brings a rich background of experience, creativity, and passion to her work. A graduate of Mount Saint Dominic Academy, she combines her love for education with her talent as a creative writer and playwright—making her reading and writing sessions engaging, expressive, and meaningful for students. Ms. Ramona is deeply invested in her students’ growth, often dedicating her time both during the day and in the evenings to support their learning. Whether she’s helping with homework, strengthening reading skills, or building writing confidence, she meets each child with patience, encouragement, and high expectations. Living in Co-op City herself, Ms. Ramona takes pride in uplifting the very community she calls home. She believes in a simple but powerful lesson she’s learned along the way: whatever you do, be the best at it—and she inspires her students to carry that same mindset into everything they do. Parents trust Ms. Ramona because she’s not just teaching in the community—she’s invested in it. Students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow every time they work with her. At Sylvan, your child is learning from educators who truly care—right here in your neighborhood.

Meet Heather Fontaine-Youngs— Where Learning Feels Like Joy Heather Fontaine-Youngs is a certified educator and a nurturing presence in our Pre-K and Elementary programs at Sylvan Learning of the Northeast Bronx. With a Bachelor’s degree in Literacy Education from the College of New Rochelle, she brings both professional expertise and a natural gift for working with young learners. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Heather has always embraced creativity—from her early days in band, drama, and art, to the imaginative, hands-on learning experiences she creates for her students today. In her classroom, learning feels like play, curiosity is celebrated, and children are encouraged to explore, create, and grow at their own pace. As a proud mom of three (plus one very loved cat named Taco Spice), Heather understands the trust families place in educators. She treats every child with the same care, patience, and attention she would give her own—creating a safe, joyful environment where children feel confident and excited to learn. Her lessons are filled with color, creativity, and movement—so much so that children often don’t even realize how much they’re learning because they’re having so much fun. Heather believes every child is full of potential, and she is passionate about helping them build strong early skills in reading, writing, and math while developing a lifelong love of learning. Parents love Heather for her warmth, creativity, and ability to make learning magical. Children love her because every session feels like an adventure. At Sylvan, your child isn’t just learning—they’re thriving in caring, capable hands.

Meet Takeiyah Brown — Inspiring a Love for Reading, Writing, and Self-Expression Takeiyah Brown is a passionate high school English teacher and Sylvan Learning tutor who is dedicated to helping students discover the power and joy of reading and writing. Teaching at a local Bronx high school, she brings real classroom experience, strong academic expertise, and a genuine love for literature into every session. Originally from Mount Vernon, NY, Takeiyah’s journey in education began with her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Cobleskill and continued at North Carolina A&T State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English with a focus on Technical Writing. Her strong foundation allows her to support students at all levels—from building basic reading skills to developing advanced writing and critical thinking. An avid reader herself, Takeiyah believes that every child can learn to enjoy reading when they find the right support and encouragement. At Sylvan, she creates a positive and engaging environment where students build confidence, strengthen comprehension, and express themselves clearly through writing. During the summer months, Takeiyah is especially committed to helping students avoid learning loss and get ahead—turning what can be a challenging time into an opportunity for growth. Driven by a mindset of perseverance, growth, and breaking barriers, Takeiyah inspires her students to believe in their potential and push beyond their limits. Parents appreciate Takeiyah for her expertise, energy, and ability to make reading and writing meaningful. Students leave her sessions more confident, capable, and motivated to succeed. Give your child the tools to read stronger, write better, and think bigger—right here at Sylvan.

Meet Peter Djentuh— The Teacher Who Changes How Students Feel About Math If your high schooler thinks they “just aren’t a math person,” they haven’t met Peter Djentuh yet. Peter is a seasoned high school math teacher and Sylvan tutor who has a gift for breaking down even the most complex math concepts into clear, simple steps. Known for his calm, patient approach and “aha moment” teaching style, Peter helps students move from confusion to confidence—often faster than they thought possible. Originally from Ghana and a longtime Co-op City resident, Peter brings both strong academic training and real classroom experience to every session. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from CUNY’s Lehman College and has spent years helping students master challenging math topics. What sets Peter apart is his ability to teach the strategies and shortcuts students need to succeed—whether it’s Algebra, Geometry, or Algebra II. He doesn’t just show students how to solve problems—he shows them how to think through them, avoid common mistakes, and approach math with confidence. Peter’s students often come in frustrated or discouraged—and leave feeling capable, motivated, and even excited about math. Outside of teaching, Peter enjoys cheering on New York sports teams, spending time with his wife and three children, and caring for his fish aquarium. His strong values, rooted in his upbringing in Ghana, center on respect, discipline, and believing in every student’s potential. Parents trust Peter because he gets results. Students remember him because he makes math finally make sense. Don’t wait for grades to drop—give your child the support they need to succeed now. Sign up for math tutoring with Peter and watch their confidence grow.

Meet Ms. Christina Medina — Bridging Gaps, Building Confidence in English, Spanish, and Math Ms. Christina Medina is a dedicated Bronx educator who understands exactly what students need when classroom learning isn’t enough. As a bilingual instructor at Sylvan Learning of Northeast Bronx, she provides targeted support in English, Spanish, and math, helping students close learning gaps and build the confidence they need to succeed. Raised in District 11 and a graduate of Aquinas High School, Ms. Christina brings both strong academic experience and deep community roots into her work. She knows that many students fall behind not because they can’t learn—but because they need instruction that meets them where they are. That’s exactly what she delivers. In addition to working directly with students, Ms. Christina uses her school leadership experience to design and manage Sylvan’s summer learning programs, which are structured to boost achievement through consistent, daily practice in reading, writing, and math. Her approach is personalized, supportive, and results-driven—ensuring every child gets the attention they deserve. Known for her calm, nurturing presence and attention to detail, Ms. Christina creates a learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, building skills, and making real progress. Outside the classroom, she enjoys baking, cooking, and spending time with her Shih Tzu, Max—bringing that same warmth and care into every session with her students. Parents trust Ms. Christina because she sees what students need—and helps them get there. Students succeed because they finally get the support that makes learning click. If your child needs extra support in math, reading, or writing—now is the time to fill the gaps and get ahead. Let Ms. Christina help your child build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.

Meet Jada Grey Duggins — Inspiring Confidence, Creativity, and Academic Growth Jada Grey Duggins is a dedicated Sylvan Learning tutor in the Bronx who brings both heart and real-world perspective to every session. Currently a student at Vassar College studying computer science and German, Jada combines strong academic skills with creativity, discipline, and a passion for helping students reach their full potential. Jada’s journey through highly diverse educational environments—including The Professional Performing Arts School and Alvin Ailey’s Dance School in Manhattan—has given her a unique understanding that every child learns differently and deserves access to high-quality education. This perspective fuels her commitment to meeting each student where they are and helping them grow with confidence. At Sylvan, Jada works to build not just academic skills, but also curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning. She connects easily with students by making lessons engaging, supportive, and personalized—helping them feel seen, capable, and motivated. Outside the classroom, Jada expresses her creativity through dance, sewing, and designing, while also enjoying puzzles and exploring new recipes. Her well-rounded interests make her both relatable and inspiring to students. Parents appreciate Jada for her empathy, dedication, and ability to spark both academic improvement and self-belief in their children. Students love her for making learning feel exciting, achievable, and meaningful.

Meet Guy Jaden Duggins — Inspiring Confidence, Growth, and a Love of Learning Guy Jaden Duggins is a passionate Sylvan Learning Center tutor who specializes in helping elementary and middle school students build strong academic foundations in math, reading, and social studies. Known for his ability to connect with students, Guy creates a supportive environment where learners feel encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and grow. With a focus on developing positive learning habits and critical thinking skills, Guy doesn’t just help students improve their grades—he helps them become more confident, independent learners. His engaging approach makes learning enjoyable while keeping students motivated to strive for more. A graduate of Urban Assembly NY Harbor School, Guy brings a hands-on, problem-solving mindset into every session. Outside the classroom, his interests in modeling, acting, and action sports like snowboarding and skateboarding make him relatable and inspiring to students. Parents appreciate Guy for his patience, positivity, and ability to bring out the best in every child. Students love him because he makes learning feel achievable—and even fun.

Meet Joshua Smith — From Sylvan Student to Success Story Joshua Smith is more than a Teaching Assistant at Sylvan Learning of Northeast Bronx—he is living proof of what’s possible when students commit to their growth. Joshua began his journey at Sylvan just like many students do: facing an initial assessment that revealed gaps in reading, writing, and math. Instead of feeling discouraged, he made a decision—to put in the work, embrace the challenge, and grow. Through consistent effort and dedication, Joshua spent hours strengthening his academic foundation, building skills step by step. That commitment paid off. Joshua went on to graduate from Harry S. Truman High School with honors and earned a near full-ride scholarship to Pace University. Today, he is pursuing his goal of becoming a CPA and owning his own accounting firm in New York City. Now, Joshua has come full circle—returning to Sylvan as a Teaching Assistant to support the very students who are starting where he once was. He works closely with tutors and students, providing one-on-one support, encouragement, and guidance—especially for those who may feel overwhelmed or unsure. Joshua understands firsthand that the assessment is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a plan. Outside of Sylvan, Joshua is a dedicated college student who enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and giving back to his community through volunteer work with seniors in Co-op City. Parents are inspired by Joshua’s journey because it shows what’s possible. Students connect with him because he’s been in their shoes—and succeeded. If your child has gaps, uncertainty, or needs a confidence boost—Sylvan works. Joshua is proof. Let’s start your child’s success story today. Give us a call at (347) 215-3279 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals. * Indicates required field Loading testimonials… Call us today: (888) 338-2283 Find a Location Call us today: {{phone}} Your Center: {{marketing_name}} Change Location Your Center: {{marketing_name}} Discover, book, and track classes, camps, and parties; keep the whole family’s schedule in one place; and celebrate every milestone along the way. Download the app to get started: Tutoring by Topic Home Office (888) 338-2283