Meet the North Suffolk team

Ethan Voight began his journey with Sylvan in 2019 as a Tutor and Administrative Assistant. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Regent University and went on to teach 3rd grade in both Virginia Beach and Suffolk Public Schools before purchasing Sylvan of Suffolk with his wife, Genesis, in 2025. Since taking ownership, Ethan & Genesis have launched Sylvan Learning Centers of Western Tidewater, a system of Sylvan centers with locations in North Suffolk, Central Suffolk, & Franklin. As Executive Director, Ethan provides leadership for strategic growth, staff development, budgeting, community partnerships, and long-term vision. He is passionate about building a strong team that can help students develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. Ethan lives in Franklin with his wife, Genesis, and their Australian Labradoodle, Maple. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring local coffee shops, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Genesis Mendez-Voight began her Sylvan journey in 2022 as a tutor while studying at Regent University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Elementary Education. She later served as Director of Education at Sylvan of Chesapeake before joining Sylvan of Suffolk as Admissions Director in January 2025. After purchasing the center with her husband later that year, Gen expanded her leadership role to help shape both the family experience and center culture. As Marketing & Enrollment Director, she works closely with prospective families, leads marketing initiatives, and helps cultivate a welcoming, positive environment for students, families, and staff. She also oversees special events, community outreach efforts, and the Sylvan Store experience. Outside of Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their Australian Labradoodle, Maple, as well as playing pickleball, hiking, traveling, and exploring the arts.

Cheryl Olsen began her Sylvan journey in 2022 as a Math Tutor and now serves as Operations Director, supporting our centers across Western Tidewater. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Mathematics Education and previously taught in DoDEA school system overseas before bringing her expertise to Sylvan. As Operations Director, Cheryl oversees human resources, billing operations, enrollment administration, scheduling for our North Suffolk location, and data management. Known for her attention to detail and commitment to excellence, she helps ensure our centers operate smoothly while supporting both staff and families. Cheryl is passionate about building meaningful relationships and helping students grow in confidence and academic success. Outside of Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring new places around the world. Having lived abroad, she brings a unique perspective to her work and leadership.

Heidi brings nearly 30 years of experience in education to her role as Education Director for Sylvan of North Suffolk and Franklin. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Clearwater Christian College and has served students in a variety of educational settings throughout her career. Heidi has taught Kindergarten through 2nd Grade as well as Middle School History. She has also provided leadership as a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. As Education Director, Heidi partners with families to review student progress, ensures the integrity and effectiveness of Sylvan’s educational programs, and serves as the site supervisor for the Franklin satellite center. Her passion for student growth and educational excellence helps create a positive experience for every family she serves. When she’s not at Sylvan, Heidi enjoys spending time with family, cooking, working in her yard, enjoying a nice cup of coffee, and serving in her church community.

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 Sylvan of Central Suffolk. 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 is our Center Assistant & Math Lead, 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, Amieé supports Cheryl in processing enrollments, prepares daily learning materials, leads instruction in our Math & Test Prep programs, and supports our team of directors across each of our locations. 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.

JoAnne is our Administrative 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. She previously served as a Tutor Assistant at the North Suffolk location, supporting our Reading programs before working alongside our team of directors. Families can count on JoAnne making sure our center is clean and welcoming, supplies are stocked, and our records are organized. When JoAnne isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys spending time with her grandkids.

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.

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 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 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 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.

Roxanne Vann began her Sylvan journey in 2021 and rejoined our North Suffolk team in 2025 as a Tutor and Special Education Lead. With 22 years of experience in Suffolk Public Schools, Roxanne brings a wealth of expertise in supporting students with diverse learning needs, including those with 504 Plans, IEPs, and other specialized learning accommodations. She holds a B.S. in Speech Pathology with a minor in Special Education from Old Dominion University and a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Averett University. Passionate about helping every student succeed, Roxanne is dedicated to building confidence and creating individualized pathways to growth. Outside of Sylvan, she enjoys spending time at the beach and practicing her photography skills.

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 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 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.

Kristen joined the Sylvan of Central Suffolk team in the summer of 2026. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and has a plethora of experience with elementary students, having been a Pre-K and Kindergarten teacher at a local private school for over 15 years. Kristen is known for coaching students to reach their fullest potential and is regularly found working with little learners in our Beginner Reader program. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Abby joined the Sylvan of North Suffolk team in the spring of 2026. She is a dedicated educator with eight years of teaching experience, primarily in secondary English Language Arts, and has experience working with students of all ages. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Secondary Education from Liberty University. Abby is passionate about helping students grow as readers, writers, and critical thinkers while building confidence in their academic abilities. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watercolor painting, and playing board games with friends.

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.