Meet Our Team

Ethan Voight

Owner & Executive Director

Ethan Voight began his journey with Sylvan of Chesapeake in 2019 as a Tutor and Administrative Assistant. A Regent University graduate with a B.S. in Elementary Education, he previously taught 3rd Grade in Virginia Beach and Suffolk Public Schools before purchasing Sylvan of Suffolk with his wife in 2025. As Executive Director, Ethan oversees educational programs, staff development, vision-casting, and community partnerships. His goal is to ensure every student’s experience is both meaningful and effective. He lives in Franklin, Virginia with his wife, Genesis, and their Australian Labradoodle, Maple, and enjoys spending time at local coffee shops, traveling, and connecting with friends and family.

Genesis Mendez-Voight

Owner & Admissions Director

Genesis (Gen) Mendez-Voight joined Sylvan in 2022 as a tutor while studying at Regent University, where she earned her B.S. in Early Elementary Education in 2024. She went on to serve as Director of Education at Sylvan of Chesapeake before becoming Admissions Director at Sylvan of Suffolk. In October 2025, Gen and her husband proudly purchased Sylvan of Suffolk with the hopes of continuing the center’s legacy. She is often the first face new families meet, ensuring a smooth and welcoming start while helping expand Sylvan’s presence across Suffolk and Western Tidewater. Outside of Sylvan, she enjoys time with her husband and their dog, as well as pickleball, hiking, and the arts. Gen is also fluent in Spanish.

Cheryl Olsen

Operations Director

Cheryl Olsen began her Sylvan journey in 2022 as a Math Tutor and now serves as our Operations Director, supporting our system of centers across Western Tidewater. She holds a B.S. in Secondary Math Education and previously taught in the DoDEA school system overseas before bringing her expertise to Sylvan. In her role, Cheryl oversees our human resources and billing operations, scheduling for our North Suffolk location, enrollments, and data tracking. Known for her precision and heart for student success, she loves building meaningful relationships and helping students grow in confidence. Outside of Sylvan, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her family and traveling the world—she’s even lived abroad!

Rica Kevorkian

Education Director, Central Suffolk

Rica Kevorkian is the Education Director at Sylvan Learning of Central Suffolk. Originally from the Philippines, she lived in California and New York before settling in Virginia. She holds a B.S. from the University of Virginia, a Special Education license from Old Dominion University, and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason University. Rica spent 15 years working in Virginia’s public school system and later taught at an international school in Kuwait before joining Sylvan in the summer of 2025. In her role as Education Director, she maintains the integrity of our educational programs, conferences regularly with families, assesses current and incoming students and serves as Site Supervisor for our satellite center. Her favorite part of Sylvan is collaborating with the team and tailoring learning plans to meet each student’s needs. Outside of Sylvan, Rica enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Amieé Smith

Center Assistant & Math Lead

Amieé Smith is the Center Assistant and Math Lead at Sylvan Learning of Suffolk, bringing over 20 years of experience supporting students across Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Suffolk. Born in Virginia and having spent several years in California before returning home, she earned her Associate’s Degree from Tidewater Community College and her B.S. in Math and Science Education from Old Dominion University. As Center Assistant and Math Lead, Amieé supports Cheryl in processing enrollments, prepares daily learning materials, leads our Math & Test Prep programs, and supports our team of directors. Her favorite part of tutoring is witnessing those memorable “light-bulb moments” during challenging math lessons. Outside of Sylvan, she enjoys building Legos, working on puzzles, and crafting.

Julie Farris

Lead Tutor, North Suffolk

Julie is our Lead Tutor at Sylvan of North Suffolk and has been a valued member of our team since 2021. She holds a B.S. in Math and Science Education and an endorsement in gifted instruction. Julie currently serves as a Gifted Specialist with Portsmouth Public Schools, where her passion for individualized learning helps students grow in both confidence and achievement.

As Lead Tutor, Julie supports the daily instructional flow by checking students in, assisting families, answering phones, and ensuring smooth transitions throughout the center. Her warm personality and strong educational background make her a key part of the Sylvan experience for both students and families.

When Julie isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and playing bells at her local church.

JoAnne Burgio

Tutor Assistant, North Suffolk

JoAnne is our Tutor Assistant at the North Suffolk location. She is a retired reading specialist with over 40 years of teaching experience in public and private schools across New York and Virginia. Her expertise in literacy allows her to work with each of our elementary students one on one to practice decoding and comprehension skills. When JoAnne isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with her grandkids.

Dr. Mallory Chappell

Tutor, North Suffolk

Dr. Chappell joined the Sylvan team in 2026. She holds a Doctoral degree in Bible Exposition, a Master of Divinity with a focus in Biblical Languages, and a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies. She is a teacher of Bible at Portsmouth Christian School and is the head of the school’s Bible Department. Dr. Chappell’s Sylvan story began as a parent. Her son attended Sylvan for several years with wonderful results, and now she enjoys being an integral part of other students’ learning journeys. Outside of Sylvan, Dr. Chappell enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and working on research projects.

Nancy Cook

Tutor, North Suffolk

Nancy is a Tutor at the North Suffolk location and has been with Sylvan since 2019. She has a state license in Special Education and Elementary Education and is currently working on her endorsement in school administration. Nancy has taught in public schools across Florida and Virginia, and she currently serves students at Hampton High School. Her expertise with diverse learners fuels her belief that every student can learn. When Nancy isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with family in Florida.

Dr. Brindle Darden

Tutor, North Suffolk

Dr. Brindle began her tutoring journey with Sylvan in 2011. She recently returned and has a renewed passion for supporting student success. She holds a Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Instructional Leadership along with three additional degrees that reflect her deep commitment to education and lifelong learning. She is the Senior Coordinator in the Department of Learning Support with Norfolk Public Schools and is a Professor in the College of Education at Grand Canyon University. Her work centers on supporting students, educators, and administrators through effective, supportive learning practices. When Dr. Brindle is not at Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as volunteering with the American Heart Association.

Natasha Muldrow

Tutor, North Suffolk

Natasha is a dedicated educator with over 22 years of experience supporting students in their academic growth and success. She joined the Sylvan team in 2023 and holds a B.A. in Psychology and Education from Hampton University, along with a Master’s Degree in Education. Natasha currently serves as a Reading Specialist with Newport News Public Schools, where she is passionate about helping students strengthen their literacy skills and build confidence as learners.

Her extensive educational background and caring approach make her a valued part of the Sylvan team. Outside of education, Natasha enjoys traveling, attending sporting events and leisure activities, and collecting elephants.

Becky Voight

Tutor, North Suffolk

Becky joined the team at Sylvan Learning in January 2026. A dedicated homeschool mom, Becky taught her three children from elementary through middle school and has a passion for helping young learners grow in confidence and ability. Her love for teaching also extends to her church, where she volunteers regularly. At Sylvan, Becky supports our Beginner Reader program while also helping maintain a welcoming environment by ensuring our facility is clean and organized for our staff, students, and families. Outside of Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, drinking coffee, serving her community, and working as a certified financial advisor.

Courtney Woodley

Tutor, North Suffolk

Courtney has been part of the Sylvan North Suffolk team since 2013 and brings a passion for literacy, writing, and student success to every session. She has over seven years of teaching experience in middle and high school English and holds both a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Business Administration.

At Sylvan, Courtney specializes in the Writing program, SAT & ACT Verbal courses, and Reading instruction across all grade levels. Outside of Sylvan, she enjoys singing with the Virginia Beach Chorale and spending time with family and friends.

Joy Nichols

Lead Tutor, Central Suffolk

Joy has been part of the Sylvan team since 2025 and prior to that taught from 2020-2022. She brings an incredible 34 years of teaching experience to our students and families. As the Lead Tutor at our Central Suffolk center, Joy helps ensure each day runs smoothly by assisting with student check-ins, preparing learning materials for individualized sessions, and supporting the instructional flow alongside Education Director Rica Kevorkian.

Joy’s decades of experience, caring personality, and dedication to student success make her a valued member of the Sylvan team. Outside of Sylvan, she enjoys spending time reading and continuing her love of learning.

Tiffany Batton

Tutor, Central Suffolk

Tiffany has been part of the Sylvan satellite team in 2025 and brings over 15 years of teaching experience spanning Early Head Start through 5th grade in both Special Education and General Education settings. She holds an Associate’s Degree and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in education, reflecting her continued passion for education and professional growth.

Tiffany’s caring and supportive approach helps students feel encouraged and confident as they learn. Outside of Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with her family and relaxing with a good book.

Rosa Thompson

Tutor, Central Suffolk

Rosa joined the Sylvan team in October 2025 and brings many years of teaching experience across a wide range of grade levels and subjects. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master’s degree in Economic Development. Throughout her career, she has taught students from the college level to middle school math and elementary grades.

Rosa is passionate about lifelong learning and enjoys helping students grow in confidence and academic success. Outside of Sylvan, she enjoys reading and jewelry making, which she considers one of her favorite relaxing activities.