Meet Our Team

Stephany Zapata

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Stephany works closely with the Center Directors to ensure all students get the best education possible. Stephany is a graduate of Baylor University with a Math Major in Secondary Education. Stephany also holds a certification in 8-12 Mathematics. Stephany has over 10 years of experience with supplemental education. When Stephany isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her playing with her son and dog, cooking, and traveling to where the beach.

RHEAGAN HUMPHREY

CENTER DIRECTOR

As Center Director, Rheagan leads the Sylvan of Dallas & Highland Park team. Rheagan holds a B.A. in English, a Masters in Liberal Studies, and is pursuing a doctorate. Rheagan brings a variety of educational experience to Sylvan including ESL tutoring and university admissions. When Rheagan isn’t at Sylvan, you will find her at running events, the library working on projects, or at home spending time with her cat. Rheagan chose a career in the tutoring business because she identifies as a lifelong learner and loves to help children meet and surpass their academic goals.

Afrah Arif

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Afrah is the director of education at Sylvan of  North Dallas & Highland Park. She is pursuing a Bachelors degree from UTA. At Sylvan, besides supporting center operations, Afrah likes teaching Reading, Math, and Science. When not at Sylvan, Afrah enjoys reading and cooking.

Linda Jacobs

Certified Tutor

Linda is a teacher in DISD with a serious talent for identifying a clear path to success for each individual student  Her insight is an invaluable resource to our center; a true professional. With Linda’s expertise in subjects from K-12, she is a familiar face to all of our students! When asked to name a favorite subject, she expressed her love for the complexity of geometry and algebra 2. Linda has a master’s degree in special education from UTD. When Linda isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her at Scottish Rite Hospital mentoring children with disabilities, or, when she has time, enjoying Shakespeare in the Park.

Lynda O'Neal

Certified Tutor

Lynda is a retired teacher in Dallas with a true love for learning. Ms. Lynda loves working with beginning-reading students and is also a huge history buff! If we could vote for one tutor to participate in Jeopardy, Lynda would probably break a record or two. A true Texan, Lynda has mastered an impressive array of proven techniques from various educational schools of thought. Daily, she presents multiple angles of challenging topics, along with a healthy dose of Southern wit and understanding. Lynda graduated from TCU with her undergrad in Education, and SMU with a master’s degree in liberal arts. In her free time, you will find her reading American literature.

Kem Milburn

CERTIFIED TUTOR

Kem is a certified tutor at Sylvan of Dallas & Highland Park with a cumulative teaching experience of over 35 years. She holds a B.S. in Education and is certified in 1-8 General Education/Mathematics and Pre-K/Kindergarten. At Sylvan, Kem enjoys teaching Math, Reading, and writing. When not at Sylvan, Kem enjoys reading mysteries and talking to friends and family.

Janice Walker

Certified Tutor

Janice is a tutor at Sylvan with a rich background of 25 years in teaching. She holds her degree in Elementary Education 1-8 and is certified in Special Education, Reading, and Elementary Education. At Sylvan, Janice teaches reading and language arts. When not at Sylvan, you will find Janice helping and serving the elderly.

Nawal Chowdhury

TUTOR

Nawal is a tutor at Sylvan of Dallas and Highland Park with a Degree in Education/Political Science. At Sylvan, Nawal enjoys teaching Math and Reading. When not at Sylvan, she enjoys crocheting, jewelry-making, and photography.