Meet the Stanwood team

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.

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.

Bob has always been interested in mathematics and its application to the physical sciences. As such he received a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and a BS degree in Mathematics; both from the University of Washington. He has professional registration in five states. He has tutored students for decades. Twenty years ago he received a MS degree in Education. He received his certification from the state of Washington and is endorsed in secondary mathematics. When not explaining the law of cosines, among other things he enjoys traveling and exploring.

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.

Vanessa McNeill fell in love with the Pacific Northwest and Puget Sound in the early 90's, which eventually brought her and her son to Stanwood. In her 40s, as a single mom, she went back to College and received a BA in Psychology from the University of Montana and then received her Master's from Montana State University as a Developmental Psychology Researcher. She became a business owner and Director for Pacific Northwest Social Scientists as a Continuing Education Provider focusing on research and development of classes, trainings, and workshops for licensed mental health, behavioral health, and addiction counselors, as well as nurses and licensed educators needing Continuing Education credits. www.pnwsocialscientists.com She spends her free time scouring the Orca Network, waiting for reports of nearby whale sightings. Stanwood opens up a lot of passages that require being packed and ready with warm clothes, binoculars, and a full tank of gas! She never imagined working directly with the kiddos, but she absolutely loves it and believes her background prepared her well!

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 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.

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.

Zach Quinlan grew up on Puget Sound and has lived on Camano Island for about 5 years. He loves gardening & paddling Port Susan on a sunny day; on rainy days he prefers playing with his cat, gaming and reading. Zach is an educator with 5+ years experience teaching elementary classrooms in a diverse array of communities. In addition to his experience with primary literacy and numeracy, Zach’s education in Physics & Law provide the expertise to tutor students in advanced math, science, and humanities. Whatever the subject, Zach seeks to teach students the skills & confidence they need to succeed.

Maria Rushing has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Central Washington University specializing in Elementary Education with a Minor in Reading. She became a teacher because of how important it felt to her to be sure that children can read. Currently, a Substitute Teacher with the Stanwood-Camano School District, Maria encourages student learning with her joyful enthusiasm. She enjoys reading, playing, the piano, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.

Jack is a recent graduate of Washington State University, with a degree in Math and a teaching certificate that he just completed after a semester of student teaching at Post Middle School in Arlington. Jack is currently still subbing in the Arlington School district, and will be searching for a full time math position. When he is not teaching math, Jack enjoy taking road trips around Washington, camping, fly fishing and attending WSU sporting events.

Kim graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education. Kim also holds a CTE Certification as well as an Endorsement in Biology. Kim has taught science at the Stillaguamish Valley Learning Center with the Arlington School District. Kim enjoys teaching with a hands on approach. Kim is very involved with Snohomish County 4-H and local FFA Chapters encouraging youth to be involved with livestock and other leadership projects. Kim is also active with our local fairs. Kim and her husband have three kids. Kim enjoys spending time with their goats, their chickens, their horse Trixie and their 4 Labrador Retrievers.

Olivia is a graduate from Western Washington University where she majored in Art-Elementary and is certified to teach K-8. Olivia is currently teaching kindergarten in the Marysville School District, coaching soccer and working at Sylvan. In her free time she enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.