Meet Our Team

Natalie Hawkins

Center Director

Natalie oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors in Cypress.  Natalie is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and holds teaching certificates in Speech Therapy and Early Childhood Education.  In her free time, Natalie enjoys reading, playing tennis and spending time with family.

Kiley Fisher

Director of Education

Kiley is passionate about making education fun. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and holds a master’s degree in Teacher Leadership from Walden University. While Kiley is a lifelong educator, she also enjoys playing piano and other stringed instruments in her free time.

Julia James

Certified Teacher

Julia graduated from the University of Houston with her Masters of Education (Curriculum & Instruction). She is passionate about teaching and strongly believes that all students can learn to improve their skills. She considers herself a life-long learner who enjoys time with animals and baking.

Antonio Avila

Certified Mathematics Teacher

Antonio is a tutor at the Sylvan Learning Center in Cypress with a gift for working with kids..  While Antonio has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in tutoring Math, Science and Spanish.  Antonio is a graduate of the University of Houston and holds a teaching certificate in Mathematics.

Khaliah Peterson

Certified Teacher

Khaliah is a dedicated educator who loves working with kids. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and her EC-6 certification. When she’s not working with students, Khaliah enjoys playing with her pug and watching movie marathons.

Loretta Carson

Certified Teacher

Loretta is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She finds teaching to be a rewarding job where she can make a difference by instilling a “can do” and “never give up” attitude. In her free time she enjoys singing, playing piano, reading and family time.

Surah Watlington-Lawson

Certified Teacher

Surah is a graduate of Dillard University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. She also earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center with a degree in Cytotechnology. She became interested in teaching as she watched her children go through school and wanted to become part of the education process for others. She is intrinsically a happy person and when she’s not at Sylvan she enjoys watching cheer competitions.

Komal Trivedi

Certified Teacher

Komal is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a degree in Information Systems, which she earned after completing a bachelor’s degree in Engineering. She enjoys sharing her knowledge while giving individualized attention to her students. In her spare time, Komal enjoys cooking and learning about other cultures through travel.

Ellen Dudley

Certified Teacher

Ellen has a Bachelor of Education degree from Lamar University with certifications in pre-k through 6th grade, as well as ESL. She aims to help students reach their academic goals and potential, and to help students gain confidence. In her spare time, Ellen loves reading, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family. Ellen is hardworking, loyal, dependable, and dedicated to helping kids feel successful.

Natasha Payne

Certified Mathematics Teacher

Natasha has a love for learning and wants to share that with others. She has a Master of Arts in Education and Technology, and a Bachelor of Science in Education and Mathematics. She attended school in St. Louis, Missouri, and now lives in Texas where she can be closer to family. She loves cozy naps, dancing, and traveling. Natasha describes herself as optimistic, versatile, and resourceful. While she teaches all ages and subjects, her specialty is in upper level math.

Nina Berry Gallow

Certified Mathematics Teacher

Nina is a tutor at the Sylvan Learning Center of Cypress with a gift for working with kids. While Nina has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring Algebra I, Algebra II, and Basic Skills.  Nina is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and holds teaching certificates in Mathematics 7-12.  In her free time, Nina enjoys working as a substitute at Cypress Fairbanks ISD.

Gregory Lang

Certified Teacher

Greg is a graduate of Marquette University with a Master’s Degree in History. He also earned a Master’s Degree from Prairie View A&M in Administration. He finds great satisfaction in helping others find the joy in learning. In his spare time he loves reading, writing and traveling with his wife.

Jay Burton

Certified Teacher

Jay has a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA and a master’s degree from the University of Nevada. He is passionate about education, patient and outgoing. Jay teaches because he loves to work with children and wants to pass on the knowledge to his students and see them succeed. When Jay is not teaching, he enjoys traveling, and studying ancient history.

Jacob Wyckoff

Certified Mathematics Teacher

Jacob is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts degree with concentration in math and computer apps.  He enjoys watching the look on a student’s face when they learn something new.  His interests include gaming, anime and anything STEM related.  His patient and caring ways are an asset to our team.

Mike Troung

Certified Teacher

Mike is a graduate of Western Governors University with a Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education. Learning has been a lifelong endeavor of his and he views teaching as an inspiring and rewarding experience. He embraces the opportunity to foster curiosity and a love for learning. When he is not teaching he enjoys walking his dogs, working in the yard and experiencing food from different cultures.

Mubaraka Rajkotwala

Certified Teacher

Mubaraka is a graduate of the University of Mumbai with a degree in Journalism. She has a passion for sharing her knowledge of writing, reading and math with all ages from the very young to upper high school. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, painting and traveling.

Zach Dowling

Certified Teacher

Zach enjoys teaching and coaching football. He loves to help kids overcome obstacles both on the field and in the classroom. Zach has a Bachelor of Educational Studies from Western Governors University and attended the University of Houston. In his free time, Zach enjoys sports, traveling and being with family. He describes himself as calm, dependable, and genuine.

Cleia Peterson

Certified Teacher

Cleia has had a passion for teaching ever since she was a child. Her own children have deepened that love for teaching, and she strives to spread the love of lifelong learning to others. Cleia holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in English as well as a master’s degree in Learning Technologies in Education. She speaks four languages and enjoys reading and cooking. She describes herself as driven and determined.

Tamera Leigh

Certified Teacher

Tamera has a love for teaching that goes back to her childhood. She has always loved sharing her knowledge with others and likes to teach students how to solve problems. Tamera has a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston. She has multiple certifications in math, English, and ESL. In her free time, Tamera loves making jewelry, baking, playing Sudoku, and traveling.

Vivian Cook

Certified Teacher

Vivian is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake San Antonio with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business as well as a Master’s of Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She obtained teacher certification in EC-6, ESL and Special Education. Teaching is a rewarding part of her life that allows for her to see her students succeed. When not teaching she enjoys reading, making jewelry and spending time with family.