Meet Our Team

Mary K. Schumacher

Teacher

Mary K. is a high school English teacher who specializes in  teaching advanced placement courses.  She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Seton Hall University and has been a classroom teacher since 1991.  The Cranford Sylvan has been fortunate to have Mary K. on staff since 2009.  At Sylvan, Mary K. tutors reading, writing, SAT Prep, and assists students with homework assignments.  Additionally, Mary K. supports students in preparing their personal statement or essay for their college application.  Despite her busy schedule, Mary K. and her family make their way to Florida annually where she has a standing date to swim with the dolphins.

Barbara Wirkus

Teacher

Barbara joined the Cranford Sylvan in 2002. She holds degrees in both Special Education and Early Childhood Education and specializes in teaching students language arts and math from pre-k through grade 8.  In addition to Barbara’s tutoring excellence, she is an award winning photographer and published writer.

Jacqueline Murtha

Teacher

Jackie has been on staff  at the Cranford Sylvan since 2012 and tutors both elementary reading and math.  She holds teaching certificates in both Elementary Education and Special Education. Jackie’s graduate studies earned her a Master’s degree in Reading, and she is a certified reading specialist. Jackie has been a classroom teacher since 2010. One of Jackie’s keys to success as a teacher is the rapport she develops with her students, which instills confidence and independence.  In her leisure time, Jackie may be found singing karaoke, a favorite pastime activity.

Lonale Brooks

Teacher

Lonale is a dedicated high school math teacher with 10 years of classroom experience. He has a love of teaching and is particularly fond of tutoring advanced math courses. In addition to tutoring every level of math at Sylvan, Lonale is an expert SAT teacher who teaches students how to maximize their scores. Lonale began tutoring at the Cranford Sylvan in 2013.The New York Jets would be happy to know that Lonale is an avid fan who rarely misses a game. The love of football has also led Lonale to coach his two son’s football team.

Ziad Farhat

Tutor

Ziad is a Sylvan favorite teacher for his enthusiasm for teaching and rapport he develops with his students. Ziad earned his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and he is planning on pursuing his Masters degree in Physics.  At Sylvan, Ziad teaches Physics, math, and SAT/ACT prep. In his spare time, Ziad is an avid reader and enjoys video games.

Mary Cramer

Teacher

Mary is a wonderful addition to Cranford Sylvan.  She is energetic and passionate about being part of the Sylvan team and loves interacting with students.  Mary is one of our ace SAT and ACT teachers and is one of our lead teachers for all of our STEM programs.  Mary earned her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and is pursuing her Masters degree at Seton Hall University.  When not teaching, Mary has a love for cooking, crocheting and reading.

Anand Desai

Teacher

Anand is a most welcome addition to the Cranford Sylvan team.  He is a gifted and talented teacher with a depth of knowledge in the sciences and mathematics who has a deep love for teaching.  Anand earned his undergraduate degree from Rutghers University where he specialized in neuro science and cell biology.  He is currently pursuing his Masters degree at Rutgers in biomedical sciences.  After completion of his graduate studies, Anand is planning on attending medical school.  When not at Sylvan, Anand loves to be outdoors and enjoys swimming, hiking and tending to his vegetable garden.

Andrea is a returning teacher to the Sylvan of Cranford.  She is currently a 4th grade teacher in the Union school district has has 14 years of teaching experience.  Andrea holds a degree in Elementary Education and Writing from Kean University.When not in the classroom or at Sylvan, Andrea will most likely be found enjoying quality family time with her husband, daughter and Tiara, the family dog.  Andrea’s favorite activities include days at the beach, long walks and on-line shopping.

Amanda is a certified math teacher for grades 6-12 and is currently teaching full time in Franklin Township.  She earned her degree from Kean University.When not teaching full time or tutoring at Sylvan, Amanda spends a great deal of time as a cheer leading coach, which she has done for the past seven years.  She also enjoys spending time with her two dogs Blue and Bella and has a special affinity for Disney movies.