Meet Our Team

Stephany Zapata

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Stephany works closely with the Center and Education Directors to ensure all families get the best service and all students get the best education possible. Stephany is a graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Secondary Education. Stephany also holds a teaching certification in 8-12 Mathematics. Stephany has over 15 years of experience with supplemental education. When Stephany isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her playing with her kids, cooking and traveling to where the beach is.

As Center Director, Nida helps to lead and facilitate the operations and management for Sylvan Learning of Frisco & McKinney. She brings more than 12 years of experience in management, operations, student engagement activities, and parent involvement. Nida is currently continuing her education to pursue a bachelors degree in IT and Technology.  Nida chose a career with Sylvan because of her passion for young children and desire to give back to her communities.  When not at Sylvan, Nida enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.

Rhonda Lawson

Center Admin

Rhonda is an admin and tutor at Sylvan of Frisco who brings joy, dedication and positivity to every session at the table and towards her responsibilities as an admin as well. She holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Visual Communication from American Intercontinental University. At Sylvan, Rhonda enjoys teaching Reading & Writing to grade levels Kindergarten to 8^th. When not at Sylvan, you will find Rhonda singing, doing designer animation and video producing.

Isabella Davis

Certified Tutor

Isabella is a tutor at Sylvan of Frisco who not only brings years of experience for Math skills for all grade levels but also creativity and dedication to every session. She holds an Associates of Science from University of Texas at Dallas and is currently majoring in Education for 4-8 Math. At Sylvan, Isabella enjoys teaching Reading, Writing, study skills, Math to all grade levels and SAT and ACT and extended Homework Support for subjects like Chemistry & Math. When not at Sylvan, you will find Isabella scrapbooking and writing.

Ben Wilkinson

Certified Tutor

Ben is a tutor at Sylvan of Frisco who brings years of knowledge and expertise in education with fun, compassion, dedication to every session. He holds a B.A in Communications from Brigham Young University and AA in Biology from Anoka Ramsey Community College. At Sylvan, Ben enjoys teaching Reading, Writing, study skills, Math to all grade levels, ACT and extended Homework Support for subjects like Science subjects & Math. When not at Sylvan, you will find Ben playing sports, watching movies and spending time with family.

Jayarithanyaa Vanajavadivu

Tutor

Jaya is a tutor at Sylvan of Frisco who brings fun learning to every session. She is completing her dual majors in Psychology and Microbiology from UT Arlington.  At Sylvan, Jaya enjoys teaching Reading, Writing, study skills, Math to all grade levels and SAT and ACT and extended Homework Support for subjects like Chemistry & Math.  When not at Sylvan, you will find Jaya painting, baking, writing poems and stories.

Abigail Harris

Certified Tutor

Abigail is a tutor at Sylvan of Frisco who brings encouragement, efforts, reflection and intrinsic motivation to every session. She holds a B.A in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas Tech University and is completing Masters in Education from Texas Woman’s University. At Sylvan, Abigail enjoys teaching Reading & Math to grade levels Kindergarten to 8^th. When not at Sylvan, you will find Abigail pottery, ceramics and thrifting.

Deborah Michael

Certified Tutor

Deborah is a tutor at Sylvan of Frisco who brings years of knowledge and expertise in education with joy, fun, compassion and enthusiasm to every session. He holds a B.A in Elementary & Secondary Education and also for Bilingual/ES, Spanish and English grades from 1-12 from Stephen F. Austin. At Sylvan, Deborah enjoys teaching Reading, Writing and Math for Kindergarten to 8^th. When not at Sylvan, you will find Deborah baking, reading, swimming and volunteering for church.

Nawaal Akhwand

Tutor

Nawaal is a tutor at Sylvan of Frisco who brings kindness and humor to every session. He holds a Bachelors in Psychology from UT Dallas. At Sylvan, Nawaal enjoys teaching Reading, Writing, study skills, Math to all grade levels. When not at Sylvan, you will find Nawaal reading, writing and drawing.

Julia Cinquepalmi

Certified Tutor

Julia is a tutor at Sylvan of Frisco who brings 20+years of knowledge and expertise in counseling and 10+ years of teaching with fun, compassion and enthusiasm to every session. She holds a B.A in Psychology, M.Ed in Counsellor Education from University of North Texas. At Sylvan, Julia enjoys teaching Reading, Writing for elementary students. When not at Sylvan, you will find Julia being with her grandkids and reading.