Meet The Team
SARA FURLICH
Owner, Consultant, Advocate, Academic Coach, Interventionist
Sara is an educational consultant and certified special education teacher. She served as a faculty member and Dean of Instruction at West Dallas Community School for eleven years. West Dallas is a College Preparatory Classical Christian School for low- income students. In addition to leading West Dallas as a fledgling school, she has consulted for schools in Wichita Falls, TX; Atlanta, GA; Tulsa, OK; Chicago, IL, Wheaton, IL, and served as the first Head of School for the Wilberforce School in Princeton, NJ.
Sara's knowledge of sound curriculum and pedagogy led to a position with Saxon Publishers in developing a new line of language arts programs. At Saxon, her leadership brought clear educational direction to the curriculum development team. The programs flourished under her leadership as she worked with a network of authors and consultants from across the country.
Sara has a degree from Baylor University in Elementary Education and is certified in both K-8 Instruction and K-12 Special Education. She has her Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. Her academic track emphasized systemic and practical theology. She is a member and teacher at Fellowship Bible Church Dallas in Texas.
JENNIFER NEWMAN
Office Goddess
Jennifer is our awesome office manager! She makes sure Lakemere Learning stays running and keeps everyone smiling. Jennifer's friendly spirit makes scheduling and consultations easy. You'll find her first thing when you walk through the door.
KATIE BADGER
Dyslexia Specialist, Tutor
Katie Badger earned her BS in Elementary Education/Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University. (Whoop!) She taught first grade in the Richardson ISD for 10 years and then became a dyslexia specialist until she retired from RISD in 2021. She specializes in facilitating the MTA (Multi-Sensory Teaching Approach) program for kids with dyslexia and has a passion for teaching kids with learning differences how to read and spell. Her deep desire to build personal relationships with her students and boost their self-esteem is a key factor in the way she approaches her style of teaching. Katie graduated from LHHS in 1997 and moved back to Dallas after college to teach at Merriman Park Elementary. She lives with her husband, Kevin, their daughter, Anna Kate, and their two precious pups, Abbey and Cooper.
DANIELLA BOUTSELIS
Tutor
Daniella is a 5th grade math teacher at Moss Haven Elementary in Richardson ISD, currently in her third year of teaching. A proud Baylor University graduate (Sic'Em!), she earned her degree in Elementary Education in 2021. Daniella is passionate about fostering a lifelong love of learning and helping her students develop a growth mindset. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, cooking, volunteering at her church, and spending time with her husband, Geordie, and their parrot, Bluey.
CHRISTY BROYLES
Tutor
Christy enjoys working with students with learning differences and encouraging the struggling student. Christy taught for ten years, including six years as a 7th-9th grade science teacher at Dallas Academy where she first worked with students with learning differences. She took a break from teaching to raise her daughters, now in high school. Both of her daughters were diagnosed with dyslexia in lower school and have completed the Take Flight program. For the past two years, Christy has worked as an assistant in the Upper School Learning Lab at Trinity Christian Academy where her daughters attend and where she graduated in 1991. She graduated from Texas A&M in 1995 with a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8 education) and from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2004 with a Certificate of Graduate Studies.
CAITLIN CURRY
Tutor
Caitlin Curry is a current teacher with 12 years experience teaching middle school math, specifically 6th grade. She has taught science, English, and history as well, but math is her favorite! She attended Capital University in Columbus, OH and graduated with a degree in middle childhood education with a focus in math and history. She has taught in both Louisiana and Dallas. She is starting her 10th year at West Dallas Community School as the 7th and 8th grade math teacher. In her free time, she loves to read and travel. Her goal is to have an in-home library and set foot on all seven continents.
BARBARA DAVIS
Tutor, Academic Coach
Barbara is starting her 17th year in Richardson ISD and 24th year in education. She has taught math in grades 4-6 and has also been an elementary campus math specialist. Barbara received her bachelor's degree in education at the University of North Texas and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from UT Arlington. She is married with two children ages 13 and 26.
In her spare time, Barbara enjoys watching football and spending time with family.
MOLLY FAWKES
Tutor
Molly has worked as an educator in Richardson ISD for 23 years in a variety of roles supporting and teaching students from PreK to Transition, mostly in special education. She lives in Lake Highlands and has raised her three kids in RISD schools. Molly loves forming relationships with her students that build their confidence so they can reach their highest potential. She is currently pursuing National Board Certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist. On breaks, Molly loves going to the National Parks with her family!
EMILY HUMMELS
Tutor
Emily Hummels is a Special Education Inclusion Teacher and Case Manager at Lake Highlands High School. This is her 8th year teaching overall, and her 2nd year in her current role. Before stepping into Special Education, she spent 6 years teaching middle school English/Language Arts. She loves animals (especially golden retrievers) and learning languages, and is passionate about advocating for social justice & mental health awareness. When she’s not teaching, Emily enjoys journaling, listening to audiobooks, and watching movies with her husband.
One of Emily’s biggest strengths as an educator is her ability to build strong relationships with her students. Having been diagnosed with ADHD at a young age herself, she has the personal experience and insight to connect with her 504 & Special Education students, and to help them build their confidence and learn self-advocacy skills.
TERRI KENDRICK
Tutor
Terri lives in Richardson with husband and two teenage sons. She is a graduate of the University of North Texas with a Bachelor's Degree in Rehabilitation Studies with minors in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Terri has experience homeschooling her boys, as well as working with children with learning differences. She is recently certified as an IMSE Certified Specialist. Terri loves connecting with students and seeing them develop a love for learning. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and listening to audiobooks.
VALI MAGLARAS
Academic Coach, College Prep
Our academic coach and college prep specialist, Vali Maglaras is here to help you! A secondary educator for twenty-six years, Vali has taught both high school and middle school English/Language Arts as well as study and organizational skills. She earned a double major B.A. in Literary Studies and Art/Performance from the University of Texas at Dallas as well as her teacher certification. In addition, Vali has a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction (Reading Emphasis) from GCU. She is certified in English, Reading, ESL Supplemental, and Administration. Let Vali get you started on the path to success!
Vali is a native Dallasite. She enjoys reading, traveling (especially the beach), and spending time with her two standard poodles Oskar and Beau.
JESSICA MICKISH
Tutor
Jessica is starting her 20th year in education this year. Originally from Nebraska, Jessica started her educational career in Arizona, first teaching reading support classes at the high school level, then moving into district administration as a grant-program coordinator. In 2018, Jessica relocated to Dallas and has been working at the elementary level as a 5th grade teacher, ESL Specialist, and Campus Reading Specialist in RISD. She graduated with her Bachelors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Master's from Grand Canyon University. Jessica spends most of her free time either reading, or with her family.
SHAY OWENS
Tutor
Shay earned her BS in Biological Science from Illinois State University, a MBA from Roosevelt University, and Master of Education from Harvard University. She is passionate about simplifying complex concepts and helping students become enthusiastic leaders. Shay recently moved to Dallas, and served as the middle school mathematics and science teacher at The King's Academy.
In her spare time, Shay enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors.
STEFANY RUHL
Tutor
Stefany has her bachelors in Business and Masters in Education. She has taught, ELA, Science, Social Studies, GT, and STEM. Her certifications include- EC-6th, ESL, GT, and over 80 hours of training in STEM. Stefany has taught in public schools, and in privates schools, grades PK3-6th. She has also taught at Lakemere middle school science. She lives with her husband, Derek and son Shedrick, in Garland. When she is not working you can find her, working in her yard, playing Pokemon Go, playing piano, reading and writing.
Beth Sheehan is an accomplished special education professional with over three decades of experience supporting students from early childhood through secondary education. Beth has served in a wide range of roles including special education teacher, department chair, educational consultant, and program coordinator. Her expertise also extends to designing and leading parent and teacher workshops.
Beth holds a Master of Science in Education (Special Education) from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Science in Education (Special Education) from Missouri State University. Her certifications include Texas Generic Special Education (PK–12, Lifetime).
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Beth is passionate about building inclusive learning environments and empowering educators and families to support the unique needs of every learner.
BETH SHEEHAN, M.S.Ed
Advocate, College Transition Specialist, Academic Coach
ELEANOR SIVERTSEN
Tutor
Eleanor has taught for 23 years in private schools in Dallas and Los Angeles. Most recently, she taught fifth grade at Preston Hollow Presbyterian School for 15 years. She worked with students remediating skills, providing academic support for learning deficits and teaching humanities and math. She firmly believes every student deserves a nurturing environment where confidence can grow through academic success.
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Eleanor has a B.A. in History from the University of Oklahoma. She is currently working on her Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M – Commerce and is recently credentialed as a IMSE Orton-Gillingham Certified Educator. She enjoys travel, nature, reading and baking. She lives in Dallas with her husband, Brock, and Yorkshire Terrier, Kirby.
CAROLYN SULLIVAN
Tutor
Carolyn Sullivan earned her BS in Family Counseling from John Brown University where she also earned several credits in Special Education. Carolyn has worked in some form of education for most of her career. She has been a Special Education aide at Plano ISD, worked in Grace Bible Church’s children’s ministry, and most recently spent 6 years as paraprofessional working in the RISD’s Small Talk program for Speech Therapy. Carolyn is an organizer by nature and enjoys helping others organize to simplify life. She is empathetic in her approach to tutoring children and as someone who is dyslexic understands the challenges associated with traditional learning methods. She seeks to build self-esteem and confidence in her students through her own experiences and her sense of humor.
VANESSA STEVENS
Tutor, Academic Coach
Vanessa Stevens brings 28 years of dedicated experience in Special Education across Dallas ISD, Garland ISD, and Richardson ISD, having spent the last 19 years teaching at Richardson Heights Elementary. A graduate of Lake Highlands High School, Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (Grades 1–8) and Special Education, with a minor in Music Performance, from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Throughout her career, Vanessa has been passionate about meeting students where they are, helping them discover their individual strengths, build self-confidence, and develop effective, long-term learning strategies. Whether working with students in the classroom, guiding them through targeted academic coaching, or providing personalized tutoring, she is committed to creating a supportive, engaging environment tailored to each learner's unique needs.
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Outside of the classroom, Vanessa is married to her husband, Michael, and is the proud mother of two grown children, Jake and Allie.
MILTON SWEET
Tutor, Math
Milton graduated from high school in Lapeer Michigan. He joined the Navy following graduation as a nuclear submariner. After an honorable discharge from the Navy he worked as a reactor operator at Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Station in Glenrose TX. ​Milton married Elaine and has two kids (who are no longer kids). After retiring from Comanche Peak, he enrolled in UTD and got his teaching certificate there. He has been teaching math ever since then, and absolutely loves it.
SIDEBURNS
Delinquent Accounts
Sideburns is a soft, sweet rabbit with a loving personality. Students can hold him in their laps during sessions to help with stress relief or play with him during study breaks. Sideburns loves being held and can’t wait to meet you!
ROO
Master of Fun
Roo, our master of fun, loves belly rubs, fetching toys, stealing kleenex, sharing zoomies with friends & of course, eating cookies. Come have some fun with her!
HONEY
Emotional Support Dog
Honey is our little office dog who is as sweet as her name. Her favorite things are greeting students and parents, snuggling, and going on walks. When she is not visiting Lakemere she lives in Richardson with Terri Kendrick.
MAZIE
The Wonder Dog, LPC
Mazie is classically trained in snuggle, chasing balls, eating treats, and giving lovies. Mazie loves meeting new students and families. You can find her curled up underneath our student's chairs, or snuggled up in their laps!