Meet Our Team

Kelsey Bardon

Center Director

Kelsey is the Center Director here at Sylvan Learning of Eden Prairie. A 2013 graduate of Winona State University and alumna of the New Ulm Sister Cities Commission-Hans Joohs Cultural Exchange Program, Kelsey spent the last five years living and teaching English as a Second Language in Augsburg, Germany. She is passionate about education and helping students love learning, increase their confidence, and achieve success. Kelsey is responsible for meeting Sylvan’s high operating standards and ensuring that our families enjoy the many benefits that Sylvan has to offer. When Kelsey isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her traveling, camping, or cycling on one of the many bike paths in the Twin Cities!

Christiana first started with Sylvan as a Center Director in 2021 at our Woodbury location. Christiana began as an enrollment coordinator for our north metro locations (Coon Rapids, Maple Grove, and Roseville) on top of her center director position. She now does both roles and travels from center to center to facilitate enrollments while making sure our Coon Rapids location is running smoothly. Christiana graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, having also minored in Biology. Christiana loves working for Sylvan because she truly values education and knows that having the right tools to academic success early on can open so many doors for the future. Watching and helping kids close their learning gaps is one of the most fulfilling jobs one could ever have. When Christian is not at Sylvan, she enjoys traveling, eating lots of food, and playing with her dog, Minnie.

Kavitha Senthil Kumar

Instructor/Tutor

Kavitha enjoys sharing her knowledge with others to develop a personal and adaptive learning plan created just for the child to get the best results and help them grow their skills quickly. She has received appreciation from management due to her ability to help students score higher in their academics. She has graduated with a Master’s of Philosophy (Mathematics) and a Master’s of Science (Mathematics). Kavitha has more than 15+ years of experience in tutoring students of all ages from kindergarten to college internationally. When Kavitha isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her Playing with her kids, listening to music, gardening, socializing with friends, and sometimes on the tennis court.

Cheryl Blair

Instructor/Tutor

I have joined Sylvan Learning Center after being retired from public school teaching for 10 years. I completed my college education in UNI, Cedar Falls, Iowa and U of M, Minneapolis, MN with majors in English, Computer Information Systems, and Special Education. I taught full-time in Minneapolis Public Schools for 20 years and substituted in Chanhassen, Chaska, and Eden Prairie public schools more recently. Sylvan is giving me another opportunity to support children in their educational growth. They in turn help to give me renewed perspective on childhood in a new age. My most rewarding experience was volunteering at Waterloo Community Playhouse in Iowa. Much fun, many friends, and great memories. I am happily married to my husband Michael and is the proud grandma of Parker, James, and Benjamin. In addition, Michael and I have two tiny dogs, Ruby and Diesel.

Emmanuel Saye

Senior Area Director

Emmanuel has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He finds making a difference in the lives of the youth the most valuable aspect to his role with Sylvan Learning Centers. When he is not working with Sylvan, Emmanuel enjoys spending quality time with his family.

Olivia Snyder

Area Director of Operations and Support

Olivia is our Assistant Area Director and Center Director in Edina. She works with our Twin Cities centers to maintain operational and academic excellence. Olivia has been with Sylvan for 4 years and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bethel University. Prior to working at Sylvan, Olivia taught 1st grade in Minneapolis. She is passionate about education and building confidence in all students. When Olivia is not at Sylvan she enjoys reading, watching soccer, and playing board games.