Meet Our Team

Howard Johnson

Executive Director/Franchisee

Howard Johnson is a graduate of Duncan HS, holds a BS degree in History from Oklahoma Christian University, an MEd degree in Guidance & Counseling from SW Oklahoma State University, and has completed post-graduate work at the University of Oklahoma where he earned a secondary principal’s certificate. Howard served as an adjunct teacher in the Education Department at Cameron U and served on the Board of Education at Great Plains Tech Center, Lawton Public Schools Foundation Board, and Cameron University Foundation Board. Howard currently holds a seat as a member of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. He retired from Lawton schools after 32 years as a teacher, counselor, and administrator.

Jo Jean Johson

Executive Director/Franchisee

Jo Jean Johnson, a graduate of Duncan HS, attended the University of Central Oklahoma and worked at Central Middle School and MacArthur High School. She was the office manager at MHS when she retired from the Lawton Public Schools after 32 years of service.

Margaret is a graduate of Wheatland Union High School in California, and is completing coursework through Perdue Global University. Margaret taught Preschool in Hawaii through U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii FMWR, before moving to Oklahoma with her own family. She has been with us here at Sylvan for the past three years, and looks forward to assisting future Sylvan families get the assistance they need. She enjoys gardening, the outdoors, and spending time with her two children, husband, and three dogs.

Tia served in the US Army, holds a Bachelor’s degree in business, and is currently completing an MBA degree. Tia comes to Sylvan with strong work references and has a wealth of HR leadership experience. She has a strong interest in helping children reach their full potential.

Susie attended Oklahoma State University and Cameron University and earned a BS degree in elementary education at CU. After a short tenure as a teacher, Susie has spent many years enjoying a career at Delta Air Lines. Susie teaches Yoga and strength classes at Cameron University, and she loves to cook.

Shellbie is a graduate of Eisenhower HS and Cameron University. She holds a BS degree in Early Childhood Education as well as a MS in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Shellbie teaches first grade at Geronimo Elementary School.

Mary Carney

Lead Teacher/Teacher

Mary graduated from Cameron University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Mary teaches second grade at Washington Elementary School. When she is not teaching, Mary enjoys reading and crocheting.

Cindy Long

Teacher

Cindy is a teacher in Lawton , OK with a gift for working with kids. She holds a Masters of Science in Education. Cindy studied at Cameron University and is an Early Childhood Teacher at Freedom Elementary.  She was also awarded Lawton Public School’s Champions of Children. When Cindy isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her family, and going to the beach.

Sarah Owens

Teacher

Sarah is a teacher at Freedom Elementary in Lawton, OK with a gift for working with kids.  While Sarah has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in academic reading tutoring.  She is a graduate of Frederick HS, earned a BS in Elementary Education, as well as an MEd in School Counseling at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.  When Sarah isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her outdoors, training dogs for search and rescue, or reading.

Laura Powell

Teacher

Laura is teaching in Anadarko, OK with a gift for working with kids.  While Laura has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring.  She completed high school in East Moline, IL and earned BA and MA degrees in English from Western Illinois University. She retired as a US Army Lieutenant Colonel.  When Laura isn’t at Sylvan of Lawton, you’ll find her crocheting, reading, or listening to country music.

Amy Rittenhouse

Teacher

Amy is a third grade teacher at Edison Elementary. While Amy has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring Math of all levels at Sylvan. When Amy isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her enjoying the fine arts.

Danielle is a graduate of MacArthur HS and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from Cameron. She is a 6th-grade teacher at MacArthur Middle. At CU, Danielle was an honor student and was listed in “Who’s Who.”

Tyrell is an Eisenhower HS graduate (Go, Eagles!) Prior to beginning his teaching career, Ty worked as an award-winning reporter for the Lawton Constitution. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from USAO and a master’s degree in liberal arts from Johns Hopkins University. He is currently an ELA teacher at Eisenhower High School.

Samantha Cook

Teacher

Samantha is a graduate of Eisenhower High and works as a math tutor in Cameron University’s Office of Teaching and Learning while she completes a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in music. She is a member of many choirs at CU and competes in solo competitions.

Thomas Lovato

Teacher

Thomas is a highly regarded math teacher at Eisenhower Middle School (Go, Vikings!) who really enjoys teaching Algebra. Thomas had a variety of work experiences in the private sector before completing his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and obtaining Oklahoma teacher certification. Thomas is arguably the Dallas Cowboys Number 1 Fan.

Mary is a graduate of Eisenhower High School (Go, Eagles!) and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Cameron University (Go, Aggies!). She teaches English in the Lawton Virtual Academy. At the top of a lengthy list of recognitions/honors, she received LPS Teacher of the Year in 2020!

Marilyn  is a graduate of Walters High School, earned a BA degree in Communications from Cameron University, and an MEd degree in Library Science from Eastern Central University. She is a special education co-teacher at Douglass Elementary School.

Angela is from Mississippi and a graduate of Hamilton HS. She holds a BS degree in Special
Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and an MS degree in Special Education from
Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She is currently the Director of Special Education in Bray-
Doyle Public Schools. She is certified in Mild/Moderate and Severe/Profound Special Education. In her free time, Angela enjoys Acting with Duncan Little Theater and going to the Gym. She strongly believes social and emotional wellbeing fosters a healthy foundation for learning

Alisha teaches Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 at Eisenhower Middle School. She was selected as LPS Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2023. She also was selected for Teacher of the Year at EMS in 2017, LPS District Teacher of the Year in 2023, OKC Thunder Teacher of the Game, as well as, Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year Semifinalist. Although highly competent in multiple subjects, tutoring math is her specialty. Alisha holds and Associates of Arts in Intermediate Education, a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education, Bachelors of Arts in Mathematics and a MS of Science in Educational Leadership. Alisha loves teaching math and believes her mission is to rekindle the love of learning with her students.

Leah graduated high school in Houston, TX and holds a BS degree in Public Health from
Sam Houston State University. She is a state certified teacher and is comfortable tutoring students in reading, writing, and math.

Adrian is a graduate of Lawton Eisenhower High School, earned a BS degree in Family and
Child Studies at Cameron University, and an MEd degree in School Counseling at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She is also an LPS 2nd grade teacher.

Katie hails from Pennsylvania, where she graduated high school in Lehighton, earned a BS
degree in Elementary Education at Mansfield University, completed a graduate work at DeSales
University, and has earned an MEd degree in school leadership from Cameron University. In addition
to her work at Sylvan, Katie is a math teacher in the LPS Virtual Academy.