Meet Our Team

Dr. Judy Johnson

Owner & Regional Director of Education

Dr. Judy Johnson opened Sylvan of Carrollwood August 1, 1985. My how time flies.  We must be having fun!  She has a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Roosevelt University in Chicago, M.Ed in Biology-Secondary Science from the University of Arizona in Tuscson, an M.A. in Counseling from Ball State University in Indiana, and a PhD. in Special Education with a focus on Neuropsychology from the University of South Florida; where she was also a professor in the Department of Special Education for seven years. Prior to 1985, Dr. Judy taught overseas in Embassy schools for 15 years.  For fun, Judy is a licensed Boat Captain.  “I love the water!”

Sandy Kraff

Co-Center & Director of Education

Sandy has been with Sylvan since 2007. She oversees educational program effectiveness; along with community outreach. She has a Master’s Degree of Science in Early Childhood Education with an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Queens College in New York.  She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Communication from Albany State.  She was granted the Teaching Staff Credential by the FLDOE. Sandy taught at-risk children in New York City.  She loves helping beginning readers unlock the secrets of how to read.  She fulfilled a “bucket list” dream of traveling to Spain. Favorite quote: By learning, you will teach…By teaching, you will learn.

Rob Towne

Co-Center & Director of Education

Rob has been working with Sylvan since 2008. He started off as a lead teacher in math, reading, and SAT/ACT Prep.  Rob graduated from The University of Tampa with a Bachelors’ degree in Secondary Math Education.  He believes Sylvan saves lives. “We have the ability to work with a variety of students across all grade levels and ages.  There is no greater feeling than seeing the eyes of a student light up when they grasp a concept.” Outside interests: playing golf and going to tournaments and going to see the Lightning and the Rays play.  He enjoys traveling and is originally from upstate New York. “i would much rather be outside with a golf club in my hands than a snow shovel.”

Rosemarie Manhertz

Instructor

Miss Rose came to Sylvan of Carrollwood January 2012 with previous Sylvan experience in Greenbelt, MD.  Rose’s teaching experience spans more than 20 years at elementary through college levels. She is certified to teach K-12 and has a Master of Education in Leadership and Supervision from Howard Univ., Master of Arts Degree in Instructional Systems Development from the University of Maryland, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Administrative Leadership with a specialization in Teaching and Learning from Walden Univ. Awarded 2011 Hillsborough County Middle School Reading Coach of the Year. Favorite Quote: There’s only one way to succeed in anything, and that’s to give it everything. 

Christine Kennedy

Instructor

Christine came to Sylvan of Carrollwood in October, 2012. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam and a Masters of Arts degree in Spanish from SUNY at Buffalo.  She was a senior high school teacher for 30 years.  She has really shined as a reading tutor.  Her patient, caring nature easily connects with students from age four through high school.  She has a pitch-in attitude with a willingness to try new ideas with any student put before her.  Favorite activities: Spending time with her precious grandson and shopping!  Favorite quote: Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. 

Lisa Schuler

Instructor

Lisa has been with Sylvan since April 2021.  She brings with her 34 years of preschool through elementary experience. Her patience and kindness towards children shines through. Lisa has a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education with a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: preschool through 6th grade.  Lisa enjoys reading, working and playing with children, home decorating, playing cards and shopping!  Her favorite quote: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”  

Erin Cunningham

Instructor

Erin has been with Sylvan since June of 2021.  She has over 20 years of experience teaching art, second grade, special education: ages K through Adult. Erin’s calm, friendly demeanor soothes students so they can work through their challenges. Erin has a Bachelors’s Degree in Fine Arts with a Master’s Degree in Art Education. She enjoys art, swimming, travel, hiking, and learning. She says she is blessed to have sweet parents and siblings and a lovely life. Her favorite quote: “If you find work you love, you will never work a day in your life.”

Adrienne St. Clair

instructor

Adrienne has been with Sylvan since October 2021. She has over 14 years of experience teaching in Florida as well as in Thailand and Slovakia. Her willingness to take on students with specific needs is exemplary.  She has a Bachelors’s Degree in Mass Communications with a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language Certification.  Adrienne enjoys reading, writing, and horseback riding. Her favorite quote: ” When someone shows you who they are the first time, believe them.”