Meet Our Team

Mrs. Krystle Nichols

Excutive Director

As Executive Director, Krystle oversees sales and daily operations. Before joining Sylvan, Krystle taught in Stark County for ten years, at one of the top-performing schools. Krystle chose to be a part of the Sylvan team because of their belief in tailored education, where every student receives a differentiated plan, based on their current skill set. Krystle studied at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and earned a middle education degree. In addition, she earned two master’s degrees: one in differentiated curriculum and instruction and another in administration. When Krystle isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her playing sports or spending time with family and friends.

Mr. Mike Adair

Director of Daily Operations

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

Assistant Director of Operation

Ms. Erin is a former kindergarten teacher, a part-time tutor, and the part-time  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. 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. Jon

Teacher

Mr. Jon is a graduate of Case Western with a special gift for working with students of all ages. While Jon has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in working with students in math.

When he’s not at Sylvan, Jon enjoys spending time with his wife, playing with his dog, and going camping.

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

Teacher

Ms. Tricia is a tutor at Sylvan of Fairlawn with a special talent for working with struggling students. Her patience and background in early literacy help students feel successful from the start.

Tricia earned her bachelor’s degree from Malone University and her Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College. She applies her expertise daily as a teacher at one of Akron Public Schools’ elementary buildings.

When she’s not at Sylvan, you’ll find Tricia spending time with friends and family.

Mr. Sam is a student at Kent University studying Mathematics.  He loves the thrill of challenging math problems and being able to articulate how to solve them so students can have a light bulb moment. 

Mr. Sam also loves tutoring students in ACT/SAT Prep.  He, himself, scored a 36 on his ACT and a 1550 on SAT, so rest assured, your child is in good hands when they do ACT/SAT prep here at Sylvan of Fairlawn! 

 Mr. Sam can’t wait to help your child begin to love math!

Mr. Elyaz

Teacher Assistant

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. Leah

Teacher Assistant

Ms. Leah is a current student at Kent State University, where she is studying Psychology. When she’s not in class, you’ll find her working, studying, or spending time with her friends.

Grace is a junior at a local high school near Sylvan.  She is actively involved in theater and all things music.  When Grace isn’t at school, you’ll find her studying and enjoying time with friends and loved ones.  We are excited to have Grace join the team to help our teachers be prepped for the day!