Meet the Yorktown team

As Center Director/Owner, Deborah leads the Sylvan centers in Newport News and Williamsburg. She has been with Sylvan for 23 years. Deborah graduated from Lancaster University with a Master of Education Degree. A former classroom teacher, Deborah chose a career in the tutoring business because she loves the personalized programs and personal attention to each student. When Deborah isn't at Sylvan, you’ll find her enjoying time with her family and dogs. She enjoys hiking, gardening, and theater. Deborah is married to Juan, a U.S. Air Force veteran. They have a daughter who graduated from the University of Virginia and Georgetown and a son who recently graduated from the Air Force​ Academy.

Sarah joined the Sylvan team in October 2022. Sarah graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education Integrated Studies: English. She holds additional certification for teaching Middle School students. At Sylvan, Sarah meets with new families to share assessment results and program recommendation for each child. She monitors student progress and communicates with parents. When Sarah isn't at Sylvan, she enjoys baking and cooking, creative crafts, and DIY projects. Sarah is an avid singer in her local church and is particularly fond of Disney songs. She also likes to explore new places and spend time with her family, friends, and puppy Louie.

Lois joined the Sylvan team in 2004. She is a graduate of American University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science and later graduated from William and Mary with a Master’s degree in Education. Lois enjoys teaching Sylvan students because the programs are designed to meet each student’s personal needs. She teaches early literacy, writing, and math. When Lois isn't teaching, she enjoys singing in the Virginia Choral Society and giving Yorktown history tours. A fun fact about Lois is that she used to give marionette shows!

Christopher joined the Sylvan team in June 2018. He graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master of Arts (Education and Professional Writing). Christopher currently teaches high school English in the public-school sector. Christopher enjoys teaching Sylvan students in Reading, Writing, Study Skills and SAT preparation. His favorite thing about teaching is seeing his students grow over time. When Christopher isn't teaching, he enjoys reading, strategy games, and spending time with his family.

Jeremy joined the Sylvan team in January 2025. Jeremy graduated from the College of William and Mary and currently teaches US History for Hampton City Schools. At Sylvan, Jeremy teaches students in reading, math, writing and study skills. When Jeremy isn't teaching, he enjoys writing and publishing poetry.

Yolanda joined the Sylvan team in November 2025. Yolanda graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biology. Yolanda went on to gain an Elementary Education certificate from Old Dominion University. Yolanda currently teaches elementary aged students in the Hampton City Schools. At Sylvan, she teaches students in reading, writing and math. When Yolanda isn't teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, going to the beach, and reading. She also loves history and science.

Anna joined the Sylvan team in June 2025. Anna graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Anna currently works as a Special Education Para Educator in the York County School Division. She has also been a substitute teacher for middle and high school students. At Sylvan Anna teaches students in reading, writing and math. Her favorite thing about Sylvan is helping students understand how they can impact the world and how many doors that reading can open up for them. When Anna isn't teaching, she enjoys writing, watching movies, reading, and spending time with her friends and dog. Anna is an accomplished writer and won first place for a community service feature in The Oyster Pointer.

Tayla joined the Sylvan team in January 2025. Tayla graduated from Regent University with a Masters in Education in Instruction and Curriculum. Tayla has taught in the Newport News and Portsmouth Public Schools. At Sylvan, Tayla teaches students in reading, writing, math and study skills. She enjoys building relationships with the students and watching their progress. When Tayla isn't teaching, she enjoys travelling, exploring walking trails with my dog, reading and trying out different restaurants

Kristy joined the Sylvan team in May 2025. Kristy graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh NC, with a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education. She currently teaches in the Hampton City Schools. At Sylvan, Kristy teaches students in reading, writing and math. She oversees academic programs and monitors each student's progress. When Kristy isn't teaching, she enjoys spending time with her grown children, cooking, traveling, and playing games.

Michael joined the Sylvan team in July 2026. Michael graduated from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He has been providing classroom instruction in Hampton City Schools with targeted academic support in math, literacy, science and special education learning environments. At Sylvan, Michael teaches students in reading, writing, math and study skills. He enjoys teaching because he feels it provides the next generation with the tools to succeed and improve life as we know it. Students' ideas lead the way into the future. When Michael isn't teaching he enjoys going to the movies to see newly released films.

Marisa joined the Sylvan team in April 2026. She graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Master of Arts in Teaching. She currently teaches in the Hampton City Schools. She loves seeing the transformation of, "I can't" skills into, "I can do it!" skills. At Sylvan, Marisa teaches students in reading, writing and math. When Marisa isn't teaching, she enjoys photography, dance fitness, and playing with her dog Layla.

Jenica rejoined the Sylvan team in March 2026. Jenica graduated from Strayer University-Virginia with a Bachelor's Degree. She currently teaches in the Newport New Public Schools, focusing on reading and math skills development with students. At Sylvan, Jenica teaches students in reading, writing and math. Her favorite part of teaching is knowing she is making a difference and seeing the smiles on the students' faces!

LaShari joined the Sylvan team in June 2026 in the role of Academic Coordinator. LaShari graduated from Concordia University - Portland, OR - with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Mathematics. She has over fifteen years of experience in K-12 classroom instruction, instructional coaching and curriculum design. At Sylvan, LaShari administers academic skills assessments to students and crafts a personalized learning plan, as well as teaching them and monitoring their progress. She loves seeing students have an "Aha!" moment when she is teaching them. When LaShari isn't at Sylvan, she enjoys Salsa dancing, painting and singing. A fun fact about LaShari is that she has visited 5 continents, 43 countries, and can say, "Hello", "Thank you" and "Goodbye" in 9 languages!

Shawn joined the Sylvan team in June 2026. At Sylvan, he teaches students in reading, math, writing and study skills. Shawn graduated from Grantham University, Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering Technology. He has developed and overseen curriculum and training for Navy personnel. Other leadership roles include mentoring Scouts as Assistant Scoutmaster and Merit Badge Counselor (Boy Scouts of America). When Shawn isn't working, he enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, watching science fiction and fantasy movies and mentoring Scouts. His hobbies include camping, hiking, drawing, painting and 3-D printing. A fun fact about Shawn is that he initially attended Art School to be a Disney animator!

John joined the Sylvan team in July 2026. John is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Christopher Newport University. He has provided tutoring in a classroom setting in York County schools, with targeted one-on-one support to help students master fundamental math concepts and problem-solving. John has also supported students with reading fluency and comprehension through guided practice and interactive activities. At Sylvan, John teaches students in math, reading, writing and study skills. His biggest interest in teaching is seeing students grow into better versions of themselves. When John isn't teaching he enjoys his role as a karate instructor and playing the piano.

Emily joined the Sylvan team in June 2026. Emily graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. Emily currently teaches High School English in the Newport News Public Schools. She is experienced in supporting diverse learners through structured instruction, relationship-building, and confidence focused classroom practices. At Sylvan, Emily teaches students in reading, writing, study skills and math. She enjoys helping students understand that making mistakes is an important part of the learning process and watching their confidence grow along the way. When Emily isn't teaching, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and experimenting in the kitchen.

Kathy joined the Sylvan team in September 2026. Kathy graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master's in Education. She holds an Endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education and is Nationally Board Certified as an Exceptional Needs Specialist. Kathy recently retired from teaching in the public schools. At Sylvan, she teaches students in reading, writing, and math. Kathy's favorite part about teaching is working with students and making an impact on their learning and self-confidence. She loves building relationships with students. When Kathy isn't teaching, she enjoys reading, gardening, taking walks and spending time with her family which includes her fur babies.

Tameka has returned to Sylvan after a couple of years away. We are so grateful to have her back! Tameka graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master of Education degree. She currently teaches students in the Hampton City public schools. At Sylvan, Tameka teaches students in reading, writing and math. When Tameka isn't teaching, she enjoys reading, going to the beach, and traveling. A fun fact about Tameka is that she dog sits and have watched seven dogs at once!