Meet Our Team

Beth Smith

Center Director

Beth Smith has always loved working with children. She can personally relate to children who sometimes find traditional classroom teaching challenging. Her favorite thing about teaching is seeing the growth of students as they learn. She says it feels good to know she helped them “get it.” Beth has a BS in Elementary Education from Ashland University. She has taught at the elementary school level for over 8 years and she has worked with Sylvan for over 15 years. Beth tutors in reading, writing, math, homework support, and ACT/SAT prep. Beth enjoys crafting, scrapbooking, reading mysteries, and spending time with her niece and nephew.

Rachael Rosh

Director of Education

Rachael Rosh loves seeing the “light bulb” moment in students. She enjoys helping students see what they know while working with them to fill the gaps. Rachael earned her BS in Middle Childhood Education from Heidelberg University. As Director of Education, Rachael works with our Center Director to ensure the integrity of our programs and the academic progress of every Sylvan student. Rachael continues to enjoy tutoring in math and reading.

Murray McKinsey

Teacher

Murray McKinsey enjoys helping students acquire insight into their work. He has been a tutor at Sylvan for 5 years. A life-long learner, Murray earned his Bachelors Degree from University of Missouri, and his Masters Degree from Western Michigan University. At Sylvan, Murray teaches math, ACT/SAT prep, STEM classes, homework support, and Math Edge. Murray especially appreciates it when students, who were struggling, gain mastery and confidence.. Murray has lived in Lakewood for 17 years with his wife and 5 children.

Susan Swenfurth

Teacher

Susan Swenfurth truly enjoys the connections she builds with her students. Susan received her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Dayton. She began working as an elementary school teacher right after college. She teaches at the pre-school and elementary school levels. Susan has worked with Sylvan for over 9 years. At Sylvan of Westlake she tutors Reading and Math. In her spare time she enjoys tennis and cooking.

Trenton Tipton-Fletcher

Community Outreach Director

Trenton has enjoyed a life-long love of learning. The son, grandson, and great-grandson of teachers, he has been tutoring math, reading, and writing all of his life. As a former trustee and board president of Ruffing Montessori in Cleveland Heights – from which his son graduated – he has come to learn the nuts and bolts of education. But his favorite aspect of education is the privilege of witnessing those moments when new learning emerges. Trenton graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Finance from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 

Allison is a Kindergarten Teacher in Citizens Academy East in Cleveland, OH, with a gift for working with kids. While Allison has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring Pre-Kindergarteners through 3rd grade. She earned her Early Childhood Education degree at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, OH. When Allison isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her teaching ballet and gymnastics to preschoolers. Students love her because she laughs easily and cares deeply for each student’s success in their program at Sylvan.