Meet Our Team

Melinda Furlong

Center Director

As Center Director, Melinda provides an enriched learning environment that promotes student academic success. She prepares high-quality instruction by using Sylvan’s curriculum and consistent communication with families and tutors. Melinda chose a career with Sylvan because she values personal learning that brings positive results. She studied at Cleveland State University earning a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction in Literacy Development/TESOL. When not at Sylvan, she spends time with her two teenagers, reads, and watches movies.

Mandy Dickenson

Education Consultant

Mandy has been helping students develop and apply effective learning stratigies for 19 years, and continues to enjoy working with both students and teachers. Graduating with her masters in Education from the University of Toronto, Mandy continues to learn and understand changing and evolving educational trends as she works with other educators to help  deliver the best teaching practices to students within the center and the community.

Lynn Campbell

Director of Education

Lynn is a Sylvan teacher who graduated from Grace College in Indiana. Lynn is a stellar math teacher who works with upper math students. She loves seeing the excitement on students’ faces when they understand a new concept after she has shared mathematical tips and tricks. She likes interacting with students one-on-one and teaching with Sylvan’s curriculum. When not teaching math at Sylvan, Lynn enjoys sewing, reading, and spending time with her 9 grandchildren!

Denise Goza

Licensed Teacher

Denise is a stubstitute teacher in Ohio who moved here from Texas after 30 years of teaching. She feels that teaching is the greatest job on the planet! She has the philosophy that education, and educators who love teaching, will change the world. While Denise has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in early literacy tutoring. She studied at East Texas University majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is an ESL-certified educator. When Denise isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. Students who work with Denise will overcome their self-doubt and learn to love learning-one step at a time!

Shannon Fife is a Sylvan teacher who studied and graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor’s in Special Education and Master’s in Counseling. She takes joy in teaching students so they can be successful with the right set of strategies. At Sylvan, Shannon teaches reading, writing, study skills, and math concepts. When Shannon is not at Sylvan she enjoys coaching softball, swimming, playing games, and watching movies.

David Hise

Teacher

David Hise is a Sylvan teacher who studies at Cleveland State University earning his Bachelor’s in Middle Childhood Education focusing on English and Social Studies.  He enjoys teaching Reading, Writing, and Math. David went into teaching because he enjoys contributing positive learning experiences during a child’s development that foster a desire to learn and build curiosity about the world. He feels that it is a privilege to see concepts “click” for a student. Teaching at Sylvan is great for David because of the active and compassionate learning environment for students of all ages. David enjoys working with Sylvan’s caring community from teachers, parents, and of course-the students-because they care about learning and benefiting from the Sylvan process. In his free time, David participates in volunteer opportunities, enjoys hiking with geocaching, and home activities such as playing boardgames and cooking. David is always rooting for the Cleveland Guardians to win!

Haley Whittaker

Teacher

Haley Whittaker is a Sylvan teacher who attends Grand Canyon University earning her Bachelor’s in Early Special Education  She enjoys teaching Reading and Math. Haley’s favorite thing about teaching is finding fulfillment in helping students master skills and feel proud when they succeed. Haley enjoys working at Sylvan because of the welcoming and positive learning environment for the students and herself. In her free time, Haley listens to music, enjoys shopping, and spends time with her family.