Meet Our Team

Beth Smith

Center Director

Beth Smith has always loved working with children. She can personally relate to children who sometimes find traditional classroom teaching challenging. Her favorite thing about teaching is seeing the growth of students as they learn. She says it feels good to know she helped them “get it.” Beth has a BS in Elementary Education from Ashland University. She has taught at the elementary school level for over 8 years and she has worked with Sylvan for over 15 years. Beth tutors in reading, writing, math, homework support, and ACT/SAT prep. Beth enjoys crafting, scrapbooking, reading mysteries, and spending time with her niece and nephew.

Rachael Rosh

Director of Education

Rachael Rosh loves seeing the “light bulb” moment in students. She enjoys helping students see what they know while working with them to fill the gaps. Rachael earned her BS in Middle Childhood Education from Heidelberg University. As Director of Education, Rachael works with our Center Director to ensure the integrity of our programs and the academic progress of every Sylvan student. Rachael has been with Sylvan for over 6 years and continues to enjoy tutoring in math, reading, test prep, writing, and homework support. When not at Sylvan, I enjoy dance, spending time with family, and watching musicals.

Murray McKinsey

Teacher

Murray McKinsey enjoys helping students acquire insight into their work. He has been a tutor at Sylvan for 5 years. A life-long learner, Murray earned his Bachelors Degree from University of Missouri, and his Masters Degree from Western Michigan University. At Sylvan, Murray teaches math, ACT/SAT prep, STEM classes, homework support, and Math Edge. Murray especially appreciates it when students, who were struggling, gain mastery and confidence.. Murray has lived in Lakewood for 17 years with his wife and 5 children.

Susan Swenfurth

Teacher

Susan Swenfurth truly enjoys the connections she builds with her students. Susan received her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Dayton. She began working as an elementary school teacher right after college. She teaches at the pre-school and elementary school levels. Susan has worked with Sylvan for over 9 years. At Sylvan of Westlake she tutors Reading and Math. In her spare time she enjoys tennis and cooking.

Trenton Tipton-Fletcher

Community Outreach Director

Trenton has enjoyed a life-long 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.

Allison Eastburn

Teacher

Allison is a Kindergarten Teacher at Citizens Academy East in Cleveland, OH, with a gift for working with kids. While Allison has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring Pre-Kindergarteners through 3rd grade. She earned her Early Childhood Education degree at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, OH. Allison is also a gifted and talented Intervention Specialist in North Ridgeville. When Allison isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her teaching ballet and gymnastics to preschoolers. Students love her because she laughs easily and genuinely cares about each student’s success in their program at Sylvan.

Heather Beasley

Teacher

I earned my degree in Secondary History Education and have worked with high school students as a College Access Professional since 2009.  In this role, I help students prepare for their post-secondary journeys by providing academic support, college readiness guidance, and ACT tutoring. Additionally, I have previous experience as a tutor with Sylvan Learning Center. I chose Sylvan because I wanted to work directly with students and help them reach their full potential in their academic pursuits. I enjoy pouring into the next generation and helping students navigate their educational journeys. I have a Master of Education with a Concentration in Higher Education Administration from Tiffin University, a Bachelor of Science in History with a Minor in Black Studies, Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Lincoln University. I like to go line dancing, attend concerts, and spend time with family and friends. I am an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the Cleveland Council of Black Colleges Alumni Association.

Sara Griffin

Teacher

I have over 17 years of experience enabling Pre K-12th grade students feel competent, included, and inspired as they build skills to achieve their present and future academic and life goals. My professional roles have included Special Education Paraprofessional, Behavior Technician, and Temporary and Full-time Teacher for Pre-K, 1st, 2nd, and middle school grades. One of the reasons I chose Sylvan is that I have the pleasure of working with a staff who truly wants each of their students to succeed and believes they can. I will forever remember the kind people who helped me through my own challenges growing up, and it is an absolute privilege to pay it forward while meeting fantastic future leaders. I have a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology, Minors in English and Art Studio from Case Western Reserve University. I love to write, draw, paint, and read, especially next to a cup of tea.

Mary Adamo

Teacher

Hello. My name is Mary Adamo, and I am a Sylvan teacher. I began my teaching career in 1996 with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. I am currently a math teacher at General Johnnie Wilson Middle School in Lorain. This is my 30th year in education. I have been a classroom teacher for 20 years and an Administrator for 10 years. I have taught middle school throughout my career. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. My parents bought me and my siblings school desks and a chalkboard from a school sale. I believe teachers have an impact on their students, and I always strived to be a positive impact. When I am not at work, I enjoy swimming and spending time with my family.

Megan Beeke

Teacher

Hi, my name is Megan Beeke. I’m a teacher at Sylvan and have taught Special Education for nine years. Currently, I am the Dean of K-2, and I really enjoy supporting students as they grow and learn. Working with kids brings me so much joy, especially when I see them finally “get” something that they have been struggling with. I also love building connections with students, learning more about them, and figuring out how I can help them succeed. In my free time, I enjoy relaxing and watching the Guardians play.

Ayesha Zafar

Teacher

Ayesha is a passionate educator with over 20 years of experience in guiding and inspiring students. She thrives on connecting with learners and helping them unlock their unique strengths, fostering both academic growth and personal development. A firm believer in the power of mindset, Ayesha often uses the acronym PAFE–Preparation, Attitude, Focus, Effort-to motivate her students and encourage a positive shift in how they approach challenges. Her teaching philosophy embraces the role of the holistic educator, recognizing that learning goes beyond the classroom. Ayesha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Middle School Education from Cleveland State University and has worked with students across a wide range of abilities, including strong connections with ESL learners. In addition to her classroom work, Ayesha has homeschooled her own children for several years, exploring a variety of curricula to meet the needs of diverse learners. Raised in a home that emphasized both academic and personal integrity, Ayesha was influenced by her mother, a college professor, and the rich intellectual environment of her upbringing. This foundation continues to shape her commitment to meaningful education. Since joining Sylvan Learning in 2022, Ayesha has enjoyed working with a diverse student body and values the collaborative, supportive environment of her colleagues. Outside the classroom, she enjoys nature walks with her family, book club gatherings with friends, and watching her children participate in sports. One of Ayesha’s greatest joys is seeing her daughter share her lifelong love of horses through horseback riding lessons.