Meet Our Team

Tracy Pratt

CENTER DIRECTOR

Tracy is a Center Director with years of experience in the education field, working with all types of students from Kindergarten to college-age. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio with EC-6 teaching certification, and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Sam Houston State University. Tracy is passionate about student learning and success and enjoys supporting Sylvan’s teachers in their impactful work with students. She also enjoys being outdoors, gardening, and exploring local parks and trails.

Kai Ritter

Director of Education

Kai is a graduate of Texas A&M Commerce with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s Degree in English. She holds certifications in the Core Subjects (EC-6) and ESL Supplemental (EC-6). She loves watching her students learn and grow! In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling with her family.

Alysha Herrera

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Alysha leads several of the Sylvan Learning Centers in the Houston area. Alysha is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in Child Learning and Development. She also holds a teaching certificate in Generalist EC-6. In her free time, Alysha enjoys reading, collecting postcards and playing board games. At Sylvan, Alysha loves helping students find their “wow” moments.

Danielle Patterson

Certified Teacher

Danielle is a graduate of Southern Methodist University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.  She is also certified to teach English/Language Arts/Reading.  At the Sylvan of the Woodlands, she enjoys working with the students and helping them succeed their Academic Reading and Math Essentials programs.

DeAnna Garcia

SYLVAN CERTIFIED TUTOR

DeAnna is a tutor at Sylvan Learning Center of the Woodlands and Magnolia who loves working with kids. She attended Houston Community College and the University of Houston studying Early Childhood Development. DeAnna is an energetic, creative, dedicated tutor. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading, going to the gym, spending time with her daughter, and baking.

Sarah Gittelman

CERTIFIED MATHEMATICS TEACHER

Sarah is a teacher at Sylvan Learning of the Woodlands and Magnolia who enjoys working with kids and making learning fun, especially for those who are struggling. She is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and holds certifications in Mathematics (7-12th grade). Outside of teaching, Sarah enjoys playing tennis recreationally. She also enjoys learning, animals, reading mysteries and doing puzzles.

Grace Merino

Certified Mathematics Teacher

Grace is a teacher at Sylvan Learning of the Woodlands and Magnolia with a passion for all things math. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mathematics from Lamar University, and is certified for 7^th-12^th grade mathematics. Outside of teaching, Grace enjoys playing board games with friends, rock climbing, and listening to music.

Kanchi Joshi

Certified Teacher

Kanchi is a teacher at Sylvan Learning Center of the Woodlands and Magnolia who loves to spend time with kids. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Physics from Barkatuallah University. Kanchi is also certified in Preschool Professional Education. Outside of teaching, Kanchi enjoys being sociable.

Yamilex Velez

Certified Teacher

Yamilex is a motivated, fair and positive teacher at Sylvan Learning Center of the Woodlands and Magnolia. She has always wanted to be an educator, and understands that the ability to steer others toward success in their learning is worthwhile. She holds a Bachelors and Master’s degree from Sam Houston State University in Criminal Justice. Yamilex is certified to teach early childhood through 6th grade, and English as a Second Language. Outside of teaching, Yamilex enjoys cycling, yoga, reading, and trying new coffee shops.

Gwen Stroud

SYLVAN CERTIFIED MATH TEACHER

Gwen is a teacher at Sylvan Learning of the Woodlands and Magnolia who wants to make a difference and encourage lifelong learning for students. She has a Bachelor’s in Education from Sam Houston State University and holds certifications in 1st-8th Education and ESL. Outside of teaching, Gwen enjoys running, spending time with family, and reading.

Elizabeth Anderson

Certified Teacher

Elizabeth is a teacher at Sylvan Learning Center of the Woodlands and Magnolia who has always enjoyed working with kids. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Creative Writing and a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She believes in creating a safe space for learners to be inspired. Outside of tutoring, Elizabeth enjoys traveling, reading, journaling, and spending time with family and friends.

Ann Fleming

CERTIFIED TEACHER

Ann is a tutor at Sylvan of the Woodlands and Magnolia with a passion for tutoring students and helping them feel better about learning. She is a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Academic Studies and has completed postgraduate work in Education at the University of Central Oklahoma. Ann is a friendly tutor who looks forward to seeing her students every day. Outside of teaching, she enjoys running half marathons at Disney, volunteering, traveling, and reading.

Amber Cooke

CERTIFIED TEACHER

Amber is a patient and determined teacher at Sylvan Learning Center of the Woodlands and Magnolia. She got into teaching because she enjoys helping children strive for academic excellence. Amber holds a bachelor’s in English from the University of Dallas, and master’s in Linguistics from University of Louisville. She is certified to teach early childhood through 4th grade, and English as a second language. Outside of teaching, Amber enjoys golf and fitness.

Shannon Oswald

CERTIFIED TEACHER

Shannon is a dedicated and passionate teacher at Sylvan Learning Center of the Woodlands and Magnolia. She has a passion for teaching and learning, and loves helping students in their academic success. She earned a Bachelor’s degree at The University of Houston Downtown and a Master’s degree at Our Lady of the Lake University. Shannon is certified in EC-4th generalist Education, and English as a Second Language. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband, and playing cards.

John Grogan

Certified Mathematics Teacher

John is a patient teacher at Sylvan Learning Center of the Woodlands and Magnolia with a passion for all things math. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and is certified 4-8^th math. John got into teaching because he came from a family with special needs and working with students came naturally to him. Outside of tutoring, John enjoys volunteering, martial arts, and gaming.

Vicki Jones

Certified Teacher

Vicki is a patient and kind teacher at Sylvan Learning Center of the Woodlands and Magnolia. She is passionate about helping students learn, and loves to see that “ah-ha!” moment when students understand a new concept. She holds a Bachelors in Academic Studies and is certified to teach PK-12^th Special Education, 1^st-8^th General Education, English as a Second Language, and 1^st-8^th English. Outside of teaching, Vicki enjoys going to the beach, reading a good book, and crafting.

Jamie Bernshausen

CERTIFIED TEACHER

Jamie is a friendly and outgoing teacher at Sylvan Learning Center of the Woodlands and Magnolia. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston and is certified in early childhood through 6th grade. Jamie has a love of learning and wants to share that love of learning with students. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading science fiction and detective novels, and playing Minecraft with her nephew.

Patricia Kelley

Certified Teacher

Patricia is a kind and patient teacher at Sylvan Learning of the Woodlands and Magnolia. She got into teaching because she loves learning and helping others learn something new. Patricia has a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University and is certified EC-6 general education, and all levels of music. Outside of teaching, Patricia likes knitting, reading, and video games.

Nicole Palm

Certified Teacher

Nicole is a funny and happy teacher at Sylvan Learning Center of the Woodlands and Magnolia. She got into teaching because she has always loved working with children, seeing their smiling faces and cheering on their successes. Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University, and is certified to teach K-12^th Special Education and English as a second language. Outside of teaching, Nicole enjoys doing word puzzles and spending time with family.

Kristen Walker

CERTIFIED TEACHER

Kristen is a happy and cheerful teacher at Sylvan Learning Center of the Woodlands and Magnolia. She loves to see students bloom into fluent readers and solve math problems independently. Kristen holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Academic Studies from Sam Houston State University. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and going to church.

Tammy Black

CERTIFIED TEACHER

Tammy is a tutor at Sylvan of the Woodlands and Magnolia with over 23 years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English from Stephen F. Austin State University and has an English teaching certification for 6th-12th grades. Tammy is artistic and creative, and outside of tutoring, she enjoys writing, playing the keyboard, and studying languages.