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.
BARBARA DAVIS
Tutor, Academic Coach
Bio to come
Erin Anderson joined our team in 2019 as an Academic Coach, working with students needing help with study skills, organization, time management, and self-advocacy. She also tutors AP World and U.S. History and all secondary English courses. During the day, Erin teaches Biology at Pearce High School. She graduated from LHHS in 1990, and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1994, and has been teaching in RISD for 7 years. She has five children and four grandchildren.
ERIN ANDERSON
Academic Coach, Tutor, AP, SAT
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.
MOLLY FAWKES
Tutor
*bio coming soon*
PHILLIP GIBSON
Tutor
*bio coming soon*
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 currently pursuing her certification to become a reading 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.
Beth Sheehan is an accomplished special education professional with over three decades of experience supporting students from early childhood through secondary education. With a student-centered approach and a deep understanding of child and adolescent development, Beth has served in a wide range of roles including special education teacher, department chair, educational consultant, and program coordinator.
She is highly regarded for her ability to develop and implement academic and behavioral interventions, mentor educators, and facilitate collaborative planning to meet diverse student needs. Her expertise also extends to designing and leading parent and teacher workshops—both in-person and through e-learning formats—on topics such as disability awareness, systemic racism in education, and inclusive instructional practices.
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).
Throughout her career, Beth has made a significant impact as a leader and advocate. She has coordinated district-wide programs such as “Understanding Differences,” consulted on Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and led parent advocacy groups within school districts. She has also presented at numerous national and regional conferences including A4LE LearningSCAPES and EdRev Dallas, and served as a recurring guest lecturer at institutions such as SMU and UNT.
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.
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. 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.
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.
GRETCHEN VON ENDE
Tutor
Launching her teaching career in 1996, Gretchen's passion for educating and inspiring young people is greater than ever! After 4 years in Lewisville ISD, Gretchen moved to Bradfield Elementary in Highland Park ISD, beginning as the Special Education Resource teacher, garnering a "Teacher of the Year" award along the way, before joining her current 4th grade team in 2018. During her career at HPISD, she has held numerous team and instructional leadership roles at both the campus and district level. This year, Gretchen was honored to receive a special recognition by the Highland Park Education Foundation which included a spotlight feature in their monthly publication. She has held multiple certifications as an educator including Educational Diagnostician, Special Education, and Elementary Education (General 1-8). She holds a Masters Degree in Special Education from Texas A&M Commerce and received her Bachelors of Science from McMurry University in beautiful Abilene, Texas. Gretchen is excited to join our Lakemere team and can't wait to help your child achieve their academic goals!
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!
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!