Meet the Expert Team at Academics Plus

Meet the Team

Whether they’re teaching comprehension, working out Algebra problems, or playing foosball, the A+ Team is dedicated to increasing each student’s academic performance.

Stephanie Talley, B.S.

Owner/Director

Originally from Vacaville, California, Stephanie earned her degree from Brigham Young University in Elementary Education with a minor in music. After teaching in Utah for several years, Stephanie, and her husband, Mike, relocated to Mike’s home state of Texas. She began her A+ career as an instructor in 2013. She later moved into the Assistant Director, then Director position, until July 2015 when she purchased the business from the Crenwelges. Stephanie is currently working on a PhD in Educational Psychology at Texas A&M Commerce. Stephanie and Mike have two sons, Stephen and Soren, as well as two cats and a dog. Stephanie’s favorite movie is “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and she is an avid Ravenclaw and Harry Potter fan.

Melinda Crenwelge, Ph.D.

Founder/Consultant

Previously a teacher in Frisco ISD, Melinda holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from Texas Women’s University, an M.S. in Biology from East Texas State University (Texas A&M Commerce), and a Ph.D. in Reading/Science Education from TWU. She and her husband, Mark Crenwelge, M.A., founded Academics Plus in 1991. They have three children–Jay, Ben, and Brianna–and two delightful grandsons, Matthew and Lukas. Melinda believes strongly in being fit in spirit, mind, and body, and is actively involved in service to her community. She is a member the Waco Sunrise Rotary club and past president of the McKinney Rotary Club, following in her father’s, Dean Pratt, and grandfather’s, Harold Metzger, footsteps. Melinda also consults with small business owners to foster dynamic and successful cultures. She enjoys spending time with her loved ones and zoo of critters.

Maddie Gullickson

Associate Director

Maddie first joined the A+ team as an instructor in May 2023. She grew up in McKinney and is a current student at the University of North Texas studying Journalism. Maddie has always been an avid reader with a multitude of book recommendations and the hope of one day writing her own novels. When she’s not at the center, you can usually find her reading about pirates, space aliens, or the perils of life as a young adult.