Meet Our Team
Great Teachers Inspire
Our tutors and staff in Fort Myers consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Fort Myers know how to engage and motivate each child in a personal way—building confidence and smiles, as well as skills and better scores. We selectively choose tutors who know local curriculum and can link Sylvan lessons to what’s being taught in school.
Get to know our tutors and staff in Fort Myers!
Terry Hiduke
Franchisee
Good Vibrations!
I became the franchisee for Sylvan Learning of Lee County in 1988 because I believed in Sylvan’s intent to help kids overcome obstacles to achieve their academic best. The Sylvan program offered the best of class in accomplishing that aim quickly, thoroughly, and with guaranteed results. We can still make that claim today.
While the Sylvan program is terrific, it is our local team of academic professionals that makes it so unique. They strive every day to create an environment that motivates and empowers students to love learning and succeed in the classroom.
This is done first by selecting staff who are caring, helpful, and considerate of others. We have faith every student can accomplish realistic objectives no matter who they are or where they are starting from. We see possibilities, not history.
We respect each child’s unique style of learning, so we build patience into our programs to reflect their individuality with learning. We foster continued success and confidence by starting students where we know they will succeed and then reward effort and accomplishment. Each hour of instruction is designed and delivered to ignite success by providing just the right amount of individual attention with confidence-building independent work to build mastery.
Looking forward to seeing you in our centers!
Caoilfhionn Dolley
Director, Sylvan of Fort Myers
Caoilfhionn brought her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and her background of working with different levels of students in unique learning environments to Sylvan of Lee County starting in the teacher role. She moved up into the Director role at the Estero/Bonita location before moving to Sylvan of Fort Myers. She brings her combined expertise of her educational background and technology to also oversee our College Prep programs and our Digital Marketing. Caoilfhionn loves to travel, read, and spend quality time with family and friends.
Heather Santana
Director, Sylvan of Fort Myers
Heather earned a Bachelor of Education and Master of Educational Leadership where she then went into the education field for the next 15 years. Continuing to want to make a difference for students and families in education she found herself at Sylvan of Lee County. Her passion and expertise in the field show through her love of our program and in her day-to-day interactions with students, families, and teachers. In her spare time, Heather enjoys reading and spending time with her two horses.
Brad Hansen
Director, Sylvan of Cape Coral
Along with his administrative expertise, Brad enjoys a love of Math that he strives to pass along to his students. He has taught with the Lee County School District and at the collegiate level. He brings a wealth of knowledge with him to help support our families. When Brad isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him golfing and traveling.
Kelley Wawrzynski
Director, Sylvan of Cape Coral
Kelley had been an elementary teacher for her entire career before becoming Director of Education at Sylvan, Originally from Buffalo, NY, she moved to Florida in 2016 and taught in Lee County Schools for 7 years. She has a Master’s Degree in Education from the State University of Buffalo. She is excited about her new role as she enjoys helping students succeed and gain confidence in their learning. She loves to travel and spend time with her husband and family. She also loves music, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.
Michelle Simino
Director, Sylvan of Estero Bonita
Michelle comes to Sylvan Learning Center of Estero/Bonita after retiring from 33 years as a Michigan teacher and Teacher Consultant. She has taught students of all ages and abilities from PK-12th grade throughout her career. She has extensive experience with students who struggle with learning and loves seeing the look of understanding when students eventually “get it!” Outside of Sylvan, you will find Michelle enjoying the Florida sunshine and exploring local beaches, reading, or traveling. Michelle has two adult children and lives in Ft. Myers with her husband and their two bulldogs.
Sheila Ward
Director, Sylvan of Estero Bonita
Sheila earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education in 1996. She began her teaching career in Eden Prairie, MN where she was a preschool teacher for many years as well as the assistant director of a childcare center. In 2008, Sheila and her family moved to Fort Myers, FL and she began teaching grades K-4 at a charter school over the next ten years. Before becoming a director at Sylvan, Sheila was an assistant principal and completed her reading and ESOL certifications. Sylvan is the perfect fit for her, as it’s a balance of educating and directing, as well as helping students see their full potential and building up their self-esteem. In her free time, Sheila enjoys reading, spending time with family, and volunteering.
Start your child on the path to academic success today
Give us a call at (239) 204-3571 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.