Meet Our Team

Vanity Barr-Little, PhD

Executive Director

Dr. Vanity Barr-Little, an Air Force veteran and a dedicated mother of four children, founded Sylvan Learning of Apollo Beach and Riverview to support the educational growth and success of her children and other students in her community. Dr. Barr-Little’s robust academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Saint Leo University, a Master of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Doctorate degree from Capella University. Dr. Barr-Little’s hobbies include reading, traveling, and quality time with her family.

Rachel Hernandez

Director

With a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, Ms. Hernandez is passionate about engaging with families seeking academic support for their children. She is committed to fostering an environment where students build the academic skills and confidence they need to succeed, both inside the classroom and out. When she isn’t at Sylvan, Ms. Hernandez is an active participant in her church and its ministries.

Olivia Duffin

Director

Olivia earned her degree in Public Relations from Columbia University and has a background in career advising where she has guided individuals to achieve their academic and professional goals. As a mom of two, Olivia understands the importance of education in shaping futures. She is deeply passionate about fostering a love of learning in students and believes that every student has the potential to excel when given the right tools and support. At Sylvan, she is committed to partnering with parents to provide personalized support and guidance, ensuring their children achieve success. When she is not at Sylvan, you’ll find Ms. Duffin travelling and spending time with her family.

Carmen Figaredo Melendez

Tutor

Ms. Carmen is a retired Hillsborough County teacher. She completed her Masters in Education with the Fischler Graduate School of Education at Nova Southeastern University. In addition to her extensive K-12 teaching experience in private and public education, Ms. Carmen has also taught at Hillsborough Community College as a senior development reading and writing coach. Ms. Carmen believes that students can perform and achieve their highest potential with proper instruction and guidance. When Ms. Carmen isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her at home enjoying time with her family.

Natasha Whitaker

Tutor

Ms. Natasha studied Biology at George Washington University. She has several years of teaching experience with all grade levels in the subjects of reading and math including SAT and ACT prep. While Ms. Natasha has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring math. When Natasha isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her at the beach, brunch, or babysitting.

Brenda Roggenbuck

Tutor

Ms. Brenda is originally from Michigan and is a retired k-8 educator and collegiate developmental English in-structor. She completed her undergraduate studies in Education at Saginaw Valley State University, graduating magna cum laude. She completed her Master of Education degree with a concentration in Reading Instruction at Dominican University, and a second graduate degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum Design & Implementation at Central Michigan University. Ms. Brenda believes that every student should be given the opportunity to attain their personal best, and that this is often facilitated by acquiring a love of reading. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her checking in with her grandchildren, riding her bike, or walking her dogs.

Kathryn Moschella

Tutor

Prior to Sylvan, Ms. Kathryn was a full-time Hillsborough County teacher and now works as a substitute teacher in our local public schools. She completed her Bachelor or Science in Public Communication at Syracuse University and Secondary English Education at the University of South Florida. Ms. Kathryn has also taught at Hillsborough Community College as a senior writing coach in the Academic Success Center. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her enjoying a swim in the pool or spending quality time with great friends.

Diana Pidgeon

Tutor

Ms. Pidgeon is a Master’s-prepared professional. She graduated from the University of Tampa, as well as the University of Phoenix. Prior to working in education, she was a public health nurse and RN case manager. Ms. Diana is adored by her students for being very engaging. She is passionate about helping children reach their full potential. When Ms. Diana isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her family.

Ben Morris

Tutor

Mr. Ben is a passionate educator with a remarkable ability to inspire a love for learning in his students. With over a decade of experience in personalized teaching, he has honed his skills to effectively cater to the unique needs of each student, fostering both academic growth and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning. Specializing in advanced reading and advanced math, Mr. Ben possesses a wide range of tutoring talents. Beyond his work at Sylvan Learning, Mr. Ben is an artist at heart. When he’s not at Sylvan, you’ll likely find him engaged in one of his many artistic pursuits as a musician and visual artist.

Shannon Wright Gayden

Tutor

Ms. Gayden holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services and has nearly 20 years of experience in school readiness, teaching beginning readers, and as an academic interventionist. Ms. Gayden is passionate about creating an emotionally responsive and supportive environment for the individual development of children. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find Ms. Gayden spending time with family and traveling.

Wafaa Younis

Tutor

Ms. Wafaa earned a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and has tutored students of all ages and levels in the subject of math. As a seasoned math tutor, Ms. Wafaa believes that although math can be tricky sometimes, but it’s the easiest subject to master. When she is not at Sylvan, you will find Ms. Wafaa cooking, sewing, and running after her kids (lol).

Audrey Jeremiah

Tutor

Mrs. Jeremiah is a Hillsborough County Public Schools teacher and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Saint Leo University. She has over a decade of teaching experience and is endorsed by the Florida Department of Education for primary education and ESOL. Although Mrs. Jeremiah has many tutoring talents, she enjoys tutoring reading and writing the most.

Alyssa Johnson-Pradieu

Tutor

Ms. Johnson-Pradieu is from the Virgin Islands. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in English Education from Florida International University and her graduate degree from the University of the Virgin Islands. She is an educator with over twenty years of experience teaching the elementary and middle grades. While Ms. Johnson has many tutoring talents, she enjoys language arts and writing the most. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find Ms. Johnson spending time with her family and involved in ministry at church.

Kayla Tizzani

Tutor

Ms. Tizzani attended the University of South Florida, earning a degree in Exceptional Student Education. She is a Hillsborough County school teacher, endorsed by the Florida Department of Education for Reading, ESOL, and Gifted. She has worked in elementary education for 11 years. While Ms. Tizzani has many tutoring talents, she enjoys tutoring reading the most. Ms. Tizzani believes that personalized learning enhances learning. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find Ms. Tizzani reading a book, seeing a movie at the theater or taking her beagle to the dog park.

Daniel Ruiz

Tutor

Mr. Ruiz attended the University of South Florida (go Bulls!) and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership. He is a Hillsborough County Public Schools educator, endorsed by the Florida Department of Education in reading, ESOL, and ESE. Mr. Ruiz is also a National Board-Certified Teacher in ESE. He has 18 years of teaching experience in grades K-5, specifically as an academic intervention specialist. Mr. Ruiz believes all students have the potential to rise and shine.

Tatiana Cedeno

Tutor

Ms. Cedeno attended Valencia College and is currently pursuing a degree in Education from the University of South Florida (Go Bulls!). Despite facing her own challenges in math early on, with the support of a great teacher, she not only overcame her struggles but also developed a passion for the subject. Ms. Cedeno is excited to share her love for math and hopes to inspire students to find joy in learning and to help them achieve their full potential in math, just as she did.

Alana Blumenfeld

Tutor

Ms. Blumenfeld is a graduate of Florida State University (Go Noles!) and earned a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Psychology, with a minor in Child Development. She previously earned her Associate’s degree in Psychology from Hillsborough Community College. Ms. Blumenfeld has experience as a specialized tutor for neurodiverse learners, providing one-on-one academic support to children with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, tailoring her approach to meet the child’s unique learning needs. When she’s not at Sylvan, you’ll find Ms. Blumenfeld wedding planning and spending time with her fam