Meet Our Team

Mr. Mike Adair

Center Director

Mr. Mike is our Lead Director at Sylvan of Fairlawn. He oversees all student learning plans and collaborates with Sylvan teachers, classroom teachers, and families to ensure each child receives the best supplemental education tailored to their individual needs.

Mr. Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in English from The University of Cincinnati and his master’s degree in Teaching from Kent State University. He has been a valued member of the Sylvan team for over a decade, beginning his career as a tutor in 2013. Loved by students and staff alike, Mr. Mike is known for his dedication and hands-on approach to helping students succeed.

At Sylvan of Fairlawn, you’ll often find Mr. Mike jumping back into tutoring sessions, working with students in reading, math, writing, study skills, and ACT/SAT prep. His favorite part of working at Sylvan is witnessing the excitement and confidence students gain when they finally grasp a concept they’ve been struggling with.

Ms. Erin Gartner

Assistant Director

Ms. Erin, a former kindergarten teacher and Sylvan teacher, is now Assistant Director at Sylvan of Fairlawn. Her extensive knowledge in early literacy and writing plays a pivotal role on the tutoring floor and in her communication with families.

Ms. Erin earned her undergraduate degree from Bluffton University and holds a master’s degree in elementary reading instruction from Walden University. She is passionate about teaching young learners and is equipped with a broad skill set to help early readers become successful.

When she’s not at Sylvan, you’ll find Ms. Erin spending time with her family, baking delicious desserts, reading good books, or crocheting.

Ms. Tanya Arbutina

Digital/Community Outreach Director

Hello! My name is Tanya Arbutina, and I am the Digital/Community Outreach Director at Sylvan. My journey with Sylvan started in March 2024 as a Teacher (I still get to teach sometimes, and I love it!) Teaching was a great experience as I enjoyed watching students achieve their academic goals and gain confidence. I also enjoy the Director experience; interacting with the community and getting to share all the positive aspects of Sylvan has been very rewarding! I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education-Speciality in Student Affairs from Liberty University. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, and traveling.

Ms. Denise (Dee) Bonanni

Teacher/Primary Literacy Specialist

Hello! My name is Denise (Dee) Bonanni, and I am a Sylvan Teacher and Primary Literacy Specialist. I recently retired from a 34-year teaching career in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, during which I taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Kent State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Marygrove College. In addition, I earned my Reading Endorsement which complied with the Third Grade Reading Guarantee. Working at Sylvan has allowed me to continue my passion for teaching, experience those “Aha” moments when students grasp a concept, and watch their excitement as they reach their goals. I am a member of St. Colette’s parish. In my free time, I love to read, swim, bake, and spend time with family and friends.

Ms. Jessica

Teacher

Ms. Jessica is a current student at the University of Akron, enrolled in the education program. She has a passion for working with kids, and her favorite area to support students is in all levels of math. She will graduate in the fall with her teaching degree in math and science.

When she’s not at Sylvan, you’ll find Ms. Jessica studying, traveling, or spending time with her family.

Ms. Brittany

Teacher

Ms. Brittany is a K-5 reading, writing, and math teacher at Sylvan of Fairlawn. She brings a wealth of experience from working in preschool through third grade classrooms. Currently, Ms. Brittany teaches second grade at one of the local schools in the area.

She graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and earned her K-12 Reading Endorsement to help students become more successful readers.

Ms. Brittany lives in Medina with her husband, Mike, and son, Lucas. When she’s not at Sylvan, you’ll find her teaching her second graders or spending time with her family.

Ms. Carol

Teacher

Ms. Carol is a sweet, patient, and kind-hearted teacher who has worked at Sylvan for many years. She is an assistant teacher in one of the local school districts and enjoys seeing her current and former students at Sylvan for tutoring from time to time.

As a well-rounded instructor, Ms. Carol tutors students in math, reading, writing, study skills, and ACT/SAT.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching the Cavs win, and being an active member in her church congregation.

Mr. Duane

Teacher

Mr. Duane is a retired math teacher who enjoys working with upper-level math students. The more challenging the math, the more excited he becomes.

In his free time, Mr. Duane enjoying spending time with his beautiful wife, swimming competitively, and staying involved with his church.

Mr. Nick

Teacher

Mr. Nick is a small group math teacher in Akron, Ohio, with a special gift for working with students of all ages. While Nick has many teaching talents, he finds the greatest joy in ACT tutoring.

Nick holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master’s in Instructional Technology from Akron University. He has been with Sylvan for 15 years, where he focuses on ACT/SAT, Reading, Writing, Study Skills, Math, Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Reading, GED, and ASVAB Prep.

When he’s not at Sylvan, Nick enjoys hiking, attending sporting events, and spending time with friends and family.

Ms. Sally

Teacher

Ms. Sally is a retired intervention specialist with a passion for working with early readers and teaching the fundamentals of early reading and number literacy.

In her free time, Ms. Sally enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and spending time with her family and friends.

Ms. Joy

Teacher

Ms. Joy is an intervention specialist who is excited to work with your son or daughter. She works with students in math and reading, predominantly in grades 4th through 10th. Joy is currently an intervention specialist in the math department at one of Stark County’s middle schools.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling to warm places, playing with her puppy, and spending time with friends and family.

Ms. Mary Ellen

Teacher

Ms. Mary Ellen is a retired intervention specialist with Dyslexia Certification. Throughout her career in the Greater Cleveland area, she has had the opportunity to work with students at all grade levels—elementary, middle school, and high school.

When she’s not at Sylvan, Ms. Mary Ellen enjoys spending time with her family. Much of that time is spent at the ice rink, cheering on her three grandchildren as they play hockey!

Ms. Tricia

Early Literacy Instructor

Ms.Tricia is a teacher in Akron, Ohio, with a gift for working with kids. While Tricia has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. Tricia studied at Malone University. When Tricia is not at Sylvan, you’ll find her with friends and family.

Elyaz is a current student at a local high school in the Akron area, an active member of the band, and also has a true passion for literature.

When he’s not at Sylvan, you’ll find Elyaz writing Transformers fanfiction, building K’Nex models, or cooking potato-based dishes.

Ms. Grace

Teacher Assistant

Grace is finishing her senior year in high school, and starting in the fall, she will attend college to study engineering. Grace is actively involved in the show choir and technical support for her school’s theater program. When Grace is not in school, you can find her studying or enjoying time with friends and family.

Dr. Shaunte Rouse

Teacher

Dr. Shaunte Rouse is a university and public school educator in the greater Akron, Ohio area. While Shaunte has many teaching talents, she finds the greatest joy when students show excitement in mastering new concepts. Shaunte studied Psychology (B.A.), Music (B.A.), Student Development (M.Ed.), and Education (Ph.D.). When she is not at Sylvan, you’ll find Shaunte hanging out with friends.

Ms. Alex

Teacher

Alex is an Intervention Specialist in Medina, Ohio. While Alex has many tutoring talents, she finds great joy in ELA tutoring. Alex studied at the University of Akron. When Alex is not at Sylvan, you’ll find her enjoying time with her family and friends, exploring nature, hanging out with her cats, or watching baseball.

Mr. Trenton Tipton-Fletcher

Executive Director

Trenton has enjoyed a lifelong love of learning. The son, grandson, and great-grandson of teachers, he has been tutoring math, reading, and writing all of his life. As a former trustee and board president of Ruffing Montessori in Cleveland Heights-from which his son graduated-he has come to learn the nuts and bolts of education. But his favorite aspect of education is the privilege of witnessing those moments when new learning emerges. Trenton graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Finance from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.