Meet Our Team

Sherri Graham

Center Director

As Center Director, Sherri coordinates all center activity and leads the Sylvan staff. Sherri is a former Teen Program Director and Western Washington University graduate who believes a career in the tutoring business is where she can best change the lives of children. Providing that positive change for developing minds is her greatest passion, but when she’s not at Sylvan you’ll find playing with her three dogs, reading a great book, watching an Everett Silvertips game, catching the 5th Avenue’s latest play with her daughter, or spending time at home with her husband.

Debra Erickson

Director of Education

As Director of Education, Debra oversees the educational integrity of our programs by managing and training our team of tutors in Stanwood. As a former substitute teacher in Stanwood School District and a graduate of Washington State University, Debra brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan of Stanwood. When Debra isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her lounging with her chocolate lab, Lucy, combing the beach for the latest treasures brought in with the tide, or cooking hot, healthy meals for her three children.

Tanya Davenport

Tutor

Tanya graduated from Western Washington University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science & Social Studies with a minor in Spanish, as well as her Master’s degree in Teaching. She has taught History and Social Studies at Stanwood High School since 2014. She has worked at Sylvan on and off since 2013 as her schedule allows between coaching, advising clubs, and spending time with her two daughters. In her free time, Tanya enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and yoga.

Ariana Gonzales

tutor

Ariana is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She was the first person in her Spanish-speaking family to graduate from college! Ariana majored in Biochemistry and loves all STEM subjects. However, she especially likes working with numbers. In her spare time, you can find her studying, hiking, or playing with her many pets.

Jeff Herman

tutor

Jeffrey Herman graduated from IADT-Sanford Brown College 2016 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Art, desiring to become a game designer and artist. During that time he studied English and History extensively, leading him toward a career of teaching. He is now currently enrolled in college again seeking a Master’s degree in English Education with the intent of teaching at a University in the future. In his off hours he enjoys painting and writing music, assuming his cat Reggie allows him to get anything done.

Seth Hills

tutor

Seth Hills graduated from Grand Canyon University in Arizona with a major in Secondary Education and a minor in History. He currently works as a sixth grade Social Studies teacher at Port Susan Middle School, in Stanwood, WA. Seth is a native of the Stanwood/Camano area, graduating from Stanwood High School in 2000. He is passionate about education and is blessed to be able to serve the Stanwood/Camano community. When he has free time, he enjoys skiing, fishing, golfing, and traveling the world with his son Benjamin. Seth is excited to bring laughter, friendship, and a positive attitude to the Sylvan team. 

Elisa Killian

tutor

Elisa is a graduate of San Diego Christian College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Counseling. She is an active duty military spouse, and a mom of two elementary aged kids. She thrives on making a difference with each student she interacts with, and especially loves teaching phonics and early reading. In her free time, you will find her hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, or simply cheering on her kids at their sporting events.

Jane Mosteller

Tutor

Jane is a second grade teacher at Elger Bay Elementary School in Camano Island, WA. She is a graduate of Western Washington University and has worked at Sylvan of Stanwood since November 2004. Jane has 16 years of educational experience and enjoys teaching a variety of subjects, including reading, writing, and study skills. In her free time, Jane enjoys cooking, dancing, reading, and traveling.

Joy Omlid

tutor

Joy began her teaching career as a Teacher’s Assistant in the Arlington School District, where she fell in love with education! She returned to school to receive her Para Education Certificate from Skagit Valley College. She also has a Certificate of Completion from the Destiny International School of Ministry. She enjoys being with kids and encouraging them to believe in themselves and be successful! When she’s not at work, you’ll find her hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing, painting art, or playing in the waves at the ocean.

James Robison

Tutor

James received his Bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and his Master’s degree in Minnesota. He teaches a high school World History class and a junior high school Finance/Business class at a private school. He is a retired minister who has served churches in Washington, Montana (his home state), and North Dakota. He has owned restaurants in Montana and Oregon. His hobbies include writing short stories with comprehensive questions for elementary students, oil painting, hunting and golf. James  and his wife (an elementary school teacher) live in Arlington.

Ronda Russell

Tutor

Ronda Russell has been teaching in one way or another since she was 13. As a pre-K-12 teacher, she has taught everything from preschool to high school shop class. Her favorites are English and Theatre. She also loves using her Library certification. Ronda often costumes the local high school theatre productions; she and her husband can always be found working their local business—the UPS Store. Being avid readers, they’ve teamed up with the Lions Club to give books away at events. With one daughter working in politics in CA, and the other working toward her PhD in Canada, they share their property with two cats, two ducks and five chickens. They also foster for Everett Animal Shelter.