Mike Sullivan

Executive Director

ABOUT MIKE:
Mike is husband to Cindy and father of Matthew, 23, and Michael, 20.
EDUCATION:
B.A. in Political Science from Hardin Simmons University.
EXPERIENCE:
Former board member of Abilene ISD Board of Trustees, Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Meals on Wheels, & the Better Business Bureau. He is the President of the Board of Serenity House. He is also a board member for Pregnancy Resources of Abilene. He has owned this Sylvan Learning Center since November 2002. He also has owned the Sylvan in Abilene, TX since May of 2000. I also am co-owner of Wichita Falls since July, 2008.

Jen Medema

Director of Education

Jen graduated from Northwestern College in Iowa in 2002 with an English Ed degree. She is certified to teach LA/Reading 8-12 and also has her reading specialist certification and Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Language and Literacy from UT Austin (May 2008). Jen taught middle school English for 3 years and also taught for the Summer Institute for the Gifted and the Institute of Reading Development. She likes to read, write, hike, cook, and listen to music. She is newly engaged!

Brittany Ferrell

Director of Education

Brittany has been with Sylvan since July 2009. Brittany received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies in 2006 and her Master’s of Education in 2008 from Texas Tech University. She is certified to teach EC-4th grade and is ESL certified. Brittany taught 1st grade before coming to Sylvan. Brittany is married to Matt Ferrell who works at Texas Tech University for Hospitality Services.

Marsha Ramirez

Teacher

Marsha is certified in Secondary Mathematics. She is currently teaching classes for home-schooled high school students. These classes include Algebra I and II, Trigonometry and Calculus. Marsha has 29 years teaching experience and is the mother of five children. In her "spare" time, she enjoys reading, crochet and sudoku puzzles. She has been at Sylvan since 2006.

Subjects taught: Math Essentials, SAT Prep, Algebra I and II, Calculus, Study Skills and Academic Reading

Gabriel Ramirez

Teacher

Gabriel has a B.A. in Mathematics and currently teaches all levels of math at Sylvan. He has been with Sylvan since May 2006. When Gabriel is not teaching, he enjoys building computers, playing instruments, reading or backpacking. He has taught at Sylvan since 2006.

Subjects taught: Math Essentials, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Statistics, and Calculus

Jan Rinard

Teacher

Jan is currently the reading resource specialist at Cavazos Middle school. She has taught Kindergarten through 9th grade. She holds a B.S. and Master's degree in education. In her spare time she enjoys working in the yard, playing with animals and traveling. She has been at Sylvan since early 2007.

Subjects taught: Academic Reading, Beginning Reading, Study Skills and Math Essentials

Kristen Hurd

Teacher

Kristen is currently teaching grades 6-12 for the third year at Premier High School.

Education: B.S. Veterinary Sciences from University of Arizona; M.Ed.
Wayland Baptist University

Experience: 8 years homeschool mom of three girls, Algebra tutor; PE/Health teacher & Athletic Director/Coach in Arizona for 2 years

Hobbies: Spending time with her girls! One is a dental assistant in Arizona, The other two are in college. One is studying pediatric medicine in AZ, one is studying psychology at Tech, and one is in high school in Lubbock! I am their #1 supporter for missions trips, horse riding/training competitions, and dance/gymnastics events!

Jessica Mauldin

Teacher

Jessica has been with Sylvan since September 2008. She tutors Beginning Reading and Academic Reading. Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Tech University in Journalism and continued her education at Tech earning a Master of Education degree in elementary education. She has been teaching with Lubbock ISD since 2007. Jessica is married to Kyle Mauldin who works for First Bank & Trust. She likes to work out, spend time with friends and family, and walk her dog.

Eileen Bonds

Teacher

Eileen Bonds is beginning her 30th year as a kindergarten teacher at Hodges Elementary. Ms. Bonds graduated from Texas Tech University in 1980 with a degree in Elementary Education and a Reading Specialization. She is certified to teach kindergarten through 8th grade, and enjoys teaching all curriculum areas.
To balance out her day with the kindergarteners she loves the chance to tutor the older students. This is the reason she teaches at Sylvan Learning Center. She wants to teach the literary elements of reading as well as many other subject areas including homework support and study skills. She hopes to have a positive impact on the students personally as well as academically. In her spare time, she practices yoga, volunteers at the hospitals with the Pet Therapy program, and enjoys dancing!

Amanda Phillips

Teacher

Amanda has her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from Texas Tech University. She is certified to teach Pre-K through 8th grade. Amanda currently is a substitute teacher for LISD. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her dog, Ruby, spending time with her family and sewing.

Elizabeth Keino

Teacher

I graduated from Texas Tech with my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary
Education and teaching English as a Second Language. I have two years
teaching experience and I am currently a substitute teacher for LISD.
In my spare time I enjoy taking my 5 year old son, Ethan to the park
and being with my family! I am excited to be a part of the great team
at Sylvan and help students reach their academic goals!

Kristin Miller

Facilitator

Kristin is a senior at Texas Tech University. She is majoring in advertising and hopes to go on to get her Masters in Library Science. She would also like to be a children’s librarian.

Sunnie Otto

Teacher

Sunnie Otto graduated from the University of Evansville in Evansville, IN with a degree in Elementary Education. She loves teaching, really enjoys working with children, and is excited to be a part of this wonderful team here at Sylvan!

Karen Storie

Teacher

Karen is certified in 1-8 with a reading specialization. She has worked with all grade levels of students. She has worked teaching math and science at Premier High School and also a substitute teacher with LISD. She loves to work with students of all ages and is very happy to be part of the Sylvan team.

Donna Weaver

Teacher

My family and I moved to Lubbock from Mansfield, TX, in July of 2008. I have taught first or second grade for the past 23 years, and am presently teaching first grade at Parson’s Elementary in Lubbock ISD. I am married and have two boys, ages 15 and 12. We are all adjusting very nicely to our new home, and enjoy the small town atmosphere of Lubbock. As a first grade teacher, I have had much experience teaching reading, and enjoy so much watching young learners taking pride in their accomplishments. It is a real privilege to be able to share in their successes.

Natalie Daily

Teacher

Natalie is from Forney, Texas. She moved to Lubbock in 2006 to attend Texas Tech University. Go Red Raiders! I graduated from Tech with my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood. I am currently a substitute teacher for LISD. When I am not teaching I enjoy playing basketball, volleyball, and hanging out with my friends and family. I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful teaching team at Sylvan!

Jason Parker

Teacher