Meet Our Team

Christina Marziale

Executive Director/Owner

Director

As Executive Director and Owner, Christina works closely with the Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota teams to ensure all students get the best education possible. Christina studied Anthropology at the University of Georgia. She ultimately chose a career in education, because she wanted to help students reach their full potential. She later received a professional certificate in High School Social Studies.  Christina has over 24 years of experience with supplemental education.  When Christina isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her enjoying the outdoors with her family and cheering for the New Orleans Saints!

Andrew Braden

Operations Manager & Creative Director

Andrew serves as the Operations Manager and Creative Director for Sylvan Learning of Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota.  Andrew has over 7 years of experience in the field of Education and graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education.  Andrew is instrumental in the development of new initiatives and community support efforts for the Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota locations.  Andrew joined Sylvan three years ago as a Center Director and has since been pivotal in the process of enhancing educational services and community outreach. Andrew’s dedication and expertise are key to Sylvan’s growth and success as a partner to the local community and schools. Outside of his professional role, Andrew enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying local beaches.

Kim Badessa

Teacher

Director

Kim is the Director of Education and Curriculum Coordinator at the Lakewood Ranch, FL location.  Kim’s specialty is helping struggling learners succeed and creating personalized plans for students with unique abilities.  Kim comes to Sylvan with over 35 years in Education.  Kim received a Bachelor’s of Science in Special Education from Trenton State College and a Master’s in Education Leadership through Grand Canyon University. Kim is Orton-Gillingham trained, a fun multi sensory approach to phonics and reading!  When Kim is not at Sylvan, you can find her enjoying local attractions and the beautiful Florida weather!

Jeanne Panka

Teacher

Jeanne is a tutor in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, with a gift for working with kids. While Jeanne has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in teaching math, science, and test prep.  Her favorite part of working at Sylvan is seeing her students growth and success.  Jeanne studied biology and secondary education at State University of New York.  When Jeanne isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her in a yoga class, volunteering at Mote Marine Laboratory, or gardening.

John Boronkay

Teacher

Dr. John is a retired teacher, principal, K-12 Curriculum Director and Educational Service Agency Director who works with all ages of learners at the Lakewood Ranch center. He has 33 years of experience working with the K-12 school systems in New York.  In his retirement, John is now enjoying working with young people at Sylvan, and improving his skills as a rock and blues guitar player and front man in his local Sarasota band.

Karen Herschel

Teacher

Karen is a tutor in Lakewood Ranch, FL with a gift for working with kids. While Karen has a lot of talents, she enjoys helping others succeed and watching her students grow. Karen studied Elementary Education at Florida Southern College. When Karen isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her husband and toddler. Karen is Orton-Gillingham trained and loved completing exciting hands on phonics activities with her students! Karen enjoys spending time with her loved ones, going to church, and learning about different cultures.

Dean Klein

Teacher

Dean is a tutor in Lakewood Ranch, FL. While Dean has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in mathematics and SAT/ACT tutoring. He studied mathematics education at York college, and is currently working on his masters in mathematics education at USF. When Dean isn’t at Sylvan, you will find him watching anime, listening to music, going to anime conventions, and going to theme parks.

Ms. Mary

Teacher

Ms. Mary is a tutor in Lakewood Ranch, FL with a passion for working with middle school and high school students.  Ms. Mary graduated with a MS in Education and is a retired Social Studies Teacher.  Ms. Mary loves teaching college prep classes, honors and advanced placement courses.  When Ms. Mary isn’t at Sylvan, you will find her volunteering in the community and exploring the local shops and restaurants.

Lisa Binder

Orton Gillingham Trained Teacher

Ms. Lisa is a tutor in Lakewood Ranch, FL, with a passion for Reading and Language Arts.  She has spent a career in education as both a certified teacher and an administrator. While she has taught many subjects to students of all ages, Lisa has an affinity for Reading & Language Arts instruction.  Lisa studied at Cal Poly in California and at the University of Denver.  Lisa an Orton-Gillingham trained teacher and loves to see her students excel with this multi sensory approach.  Outside of Sylvan, Lisa’s greatest joys are traveling and spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Brian Czapla

Teacher

Brian is a retired Superintendent of Schools from Connecticut currently working in Lakewood Ranch, FL.  He enjoys connecting with students and has a gift for establishing student relations while tutoring math.  He received his teaching degree from Providence College and his advanced degrees in School Leadership from Central Connecticut State University.  When not tutoring, he can be found on the golf course, scuba diving in the Caribbean, or playing his piano.

Neena Carouthers

Teacher

Neena is a reading instructor at our Lakewood Ranch, FL location. While Neena’s expertise is in all grade levels of Reading and Language Arts.  Neena graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where she earned her Masters degree as a Reading Specialist. When Neena is not at Sylvan you can find her reading, playing outside, at a group exercise class or volunteering.

Roy London

Teacher

Roy “Mr.” London is a retired elementary school teacher.  He taught math, reading & art for over 25 years.  He has lived in Bradenton for 24 years.  Originally, he is from Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York.   He has a beautiful wife & daughter who just graduated college.