Meet Our Team

Lorie Strouse

Center Director, State Certified and Sylvan Certified Teacher

Director

Lorie has overseen student programs and progress for close to 30 years at the Mentor location. She enjoys seeing students grow in their abilities and reach their potential!  Working with families to meet their individual needs and goals is very gratifying.  She graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Elementary Education.  When Lorie isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys traveling, being with family, and playing with her Grandcats, Milo and Pooka!

Jen Arnone

Director of Education, State Certified and Sylvan Certified Teacher

Director

Jen has a true gift for working with students! She graduated from Ohio State University with her teaching degree. She loves teaching early readers and math. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you will find her cheering her boys on at their sporting events and supporting our Cleveland sports teams!!

Missy Fryer

Executive Director/Owner, State Certified and Sylvan Certified Teacher

Director

In 2001, Missy graduated from Lake Erie College with a degree in Middle School Education. It was shortly after that when she first joined Sylvan Learning Center as a teacher and then as Director of Education. In 2004, she left Sylvan to help her husband grow his business, but she is now back at Sylvan of Mentor as Director Executive Director/Owner.  When she’s not helping students solve for X, you can find her at the Cedar Lee Theatre watching a documentary or at home playing with her two dogs, Harry and Ringo!

Maria Kaleal

State Certified and Sylvan Certified Teacher

Maria began as an instructor with Mentor Sylvan in April 1987. She graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in education and has completed graduate course studies at Lake Erie College. Along with English, she speaks Greek and Spanish. Maria has a genuine and deep love for children. She enjoys cooking and baking for her family and friends.

Jonah Vincente

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Jonah has been a student favorite at Sylvan of Mentor since 2021. With degrees in Math and Music from Baldwin Wallace, he is able to help our students tackle the toughest math problems. When he isn’t sharing his love of equations at the center, you can find him writing and playing music at church or playing video and card games.

Stacey Huberty

State Certified Teacher and Sylvan Certified Teacher

Stacey first started Sylvan of Mentor in 2002 and we are happy to have her back again in 2024. She graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She currently spends her days teaching kindergarten at Melridge Elementary in the Riverside School District. In her spare time, Stacey likes to read and spend time with her family.

Calliope Walsh

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Calliope brings a passion for learning and helping students succeed to Sylvan Learning of Mentor. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and her master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In addition to teaching at Sylvan, Calliope serves as a building substitute at Melridge Elementary School in the Riverside School District. When she’s not working with students, she enjoys hiking, biking, reading, and baking. Proud of her Greek heritage, Calliope loves sharing her enthusiasm for learning and problem-solving, and for helping students build confidence.

Alice Marthe

State Certified Teacher and Sylvan Certified Teacher

After a long and successful career in education, Alice recently retired and now shares her passion for literacy as a Reading Specialist at Sylvan Learning of Mentor. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Kent State University and her Master of Education in Literacy from John Carroll University.

Alice enjoys helping students build confidence and strengthen their reading skills through personalized instruction. Outside of Sylvan, she loves reading, hiking, cheering on her favorite Formula One drivers, and cruising around in her big truck. Her experience, enthusiasm, and love of learning make her a wonderful addition to our team.

Sarah Ochocki

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Sarah earned her degree from the University of Notre Dame, majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Education. She currently teaches in a Montessori classroom while pursuing her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Kent State University.

Sarah loves helping students build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys puzzles, cheering on the Cleveland Browns from her season-ticket seats, and driving an ice cream truck.

Matea Cubela

State Certified Teacher and Sylvan Certified Teacher

Matea holds a degree in Education from Cleveland State University and a degree in International Business from John Carroll University. She currently teaches second grade in the Wickliffe City School District and is passionate about helping students build confidence and develop a love of learning.

As a bilingual educator, Matea values strong communication and enjoys connecting with students and families from diverse backgrounds. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys going on walks and spending time outdoors. Her positive energy and dedication to student success make her a wonderful member of the Sylvan Learning of Mentor team.

Lexi Hackney

Teacher Assistant

Lexi is a former Sylvan Learning of Mentor student who now serves as a Teaching Assistant while pursuing her education degree at Kent State University. Her firsthand experience with Sylvan gives her a unique perspective as she helps students build skills and confidence. In her free time, Lexi enjoys walking, shopping, and participating in her sorority activities.