Meet Our Team
Great Teachers Inspire
Our tutors and staff in Columbus consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Columbus know how to engage and motivate each child in a personal way—building confidence and smiles, as well as skills and better scores. We selectively choose tutors who know local curriculum and can link Sylvan lessons to what’s being taught in school.
Get to know our tutors and staff in Columbus!
Cherie Yoder
Director of Education
Cherie oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors in Columbus. A former 2nd-grade teacher in Defiance, OH, Cherie brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan of Columbus. She graduated from Defiance College with a degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Autism studies. When Cherie isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys crafting and jewelry making.
Mary Ellen Ozanich
Regional Director
As Regional Director, Mary Ellen leads marketing, operations, and public relations for Sylvan of Columbus and Lewis Center. A former teacher and personal banker, Mary Ellen chose a career at Sylvan because she believes in the program and has seen it change the lives of students over her 10 years as a teacher with Sylvan. She studied Education at Youngstown State University. When Mary Ellen isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her volunteering with Girl Scouts or reading.
Heidi Cole
Tutor
Heidi is a tutor in Columbus, OH who has a gift for empowering students to reach their full potential. While Heidi has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in helping students excel in math that may have previously feared math. She studied at The Ohio State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, with an area of interest in Psychology. When Heidi isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her hiking, engaging in Kundalini yoga, or spending time with her husband, two daughters and multiple pets!
Amber Jordan
Tutor
Amber is a tutor in Columbus, OH with a gift for working with kids. She loves teaching and finds the greatest joy in seeing students succeed. She received her Bachelors from Bowling Green State University and her Masters in Special Education from the University of Toledo. When Amber isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, watching Netflix, singing or listening to music.
Kelsey Powers
Tutor
Kelsey is a tutor in Columbus, Ohio with a gift for working with students. While Kelsey has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading and writing tutoring. She studied Education at Otterbein University. She has worked in many school settings around the Columbus area. When Kelsey isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her working on her fitness and watching shows on Netflix.
Karen Tillman
Tutor
Karen is a tutor in Columbus, OH with a gift for working with kids. While Karen has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring students in science and beginning reading. She studied at The Ohio State University. When Karen isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her using her Geology degree to construct computerized maps and working with and spending time with her grandchildren.
Start your child on the path to academic success today
Give us a call at (614) 528-4932 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.
