Meet Our Team

Sarah

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Sarah oversees Indiana centers in Mishawaka, Elkhart, Merrillville, Schererville, Valparaiso, Fishers, Carmel, West Indianapolis, South Indianapolis, Fort Wayne North, and Fort Wayne South, and four Florida centers in Clermont, Ocoee, Dr. Phillips and Kissimmee. She thoroughly enjoys working with all of the students and their families. Sarah studied at Cedarville University.  When Sarah isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her husband and her two beautiful daughters.

Kent

Center Director

Welcome to Sylvan Learning Center! My name is Kent Kolbow, and I am the owner and one of the directors. I received my college education in Fort Wayne, Indiana. During my educational experience, I completed a bachelor’s degree in Math with a strong background in Physics, Chemistry, and Psychology. I also earned an endorsement in education. During college, I taught at Sylvan Learning centers in Fort Wayne, and within a few years, became the Director. In 1997, I decided to purchase the Sylvan centers in Elkhart and Mishawaka. I have since had the opportunity to purchase nine additional centers in Indiana. My goal through working with Sylvan is “Success with Every Student.”

Hannah

Director of Student Advancement

As Center Director, Hannah oversees new enrollments, instruction, and program management. She has a passion for teaching our college prep programs. She studied at Ball State University. Hannah enjoys spending time outdoors, visiting with family, and long walks with her dog and husband.

Becky

Director of Operations and Executive Assistant

As the Director of Operations, Becky oversees scheduling, new enrollments, and all of the central components that keep the center running smoothly. Becky has over twenty years of experience working for Sylvan and has a passion for education and helping families. In her free time, you’ll find her visiting with family, spending time outside, and traveling to The Smokey Mountains whenever possible.

Liz

Training and Educational Coaching Coordinator

As a Training and Educational Coaching Coordinator, Liz oversees educational opportunities, professional development, program management, instruction, and assists with daily center operations across many centers. Liz has a passion for  education and working with students of all ages. She received her bachelor’s in Education and a Concentration in the Arts at Appalachian State University, and had many opportunities teaching abroad. Liz enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys as well as traveling.

Bryn

Instructor

Bryn is a teacher in Fishers with a gift for helping students achieve their goals. While Bryn has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in sharing her love of reading with her students. She studied at Ball State University, receiving her Master’s in Reading Specialty. Outside of Sylvan, you will likely find her reading, spending time with family, and singing in the choir.

Dale

Instructor

Dale is a math teacher in Fishers with a gift for teaching problem-solving strategies. Dale has a passion for many programs but loves to use his knowledge of math to assist students in their homework and prepare for the SAT and ACT. Dale attended Indiana Central University. Dale has many other interests as well, including spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren in the kitchen and teaching others how to bake!

Kassandra

Instructor

Kassandra is a teacher in Anderson with a gift for making homework feel less overwhelming. While Kassandra has many tutoring talents, she loves to assist students in better understanding their coursework and preparing them for SAT and ACT in our college prep program. Kassandra studied at Indiana Wesleyan and Western Governors University. In addition to her educational passions, Kassandra loves to grow her collection of Squishmallows!

Cheryl

Instructor

Cheryl teaches elementary school in Indianapolis with a gift for bringing humor and joy into her lessons. While Cheryl has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She has had over 20 years of teaching experience. When Cheryl isn’t at Sylvan, she can be found reading a good book, hiking on a nature trail, or enjoying a game of Qwirkle with friends!

Jennifer

Instructor

Jennifer is a teacher in Indianapolis with a love of teaching children. Jennifer has many talents and finds the greatest joy in teaching both math and reading. She studied at Hope College and Marian University. When Jennifer is not at Sylvan, you will likely find her scrapbooking, traveling, or performing in civic theatre.

Donna

Instructor

Donna is an elementary teacher with a gift for engaging students in a variety of ways to help them be successful. While Donna has many talents, she finds the greatest joy in teaching math. She has taught for 42 years and is also a contributing author to a math textbook. Outside of the realm of education, Donna loves spending time with her six grandchildren and traveling with her husband.

Mary Clare

Instructor

Mary Clare’s passion for reading instruction came from both the classroom and her life at home. When her son started first grade and needed extra help, Mary Clare took on her role as a teacher and early reading educator. She loves collecting children’s literature by her favorite authors. She has been a teacher for over 19 years. She has a passion for family time and photography!

Ben

Instructor

Ben is a teacher with a gift for helping students express themselves through writing. He is always quick with a joke and loves to help students find confidence in their words. Ben’s main passion is in writing but loves all forms of language arts. He received his degree from Trinity Christian College and was a Sylvan tutor in Illinois before he brought his passion of tutoring to Indiana. Alongside teaching, he has worked as an editor and filmmaker! A movie buff, Ben is filled with all sorts of quotes and references for any occasion!

Alyssa

Instructor

Alyssa is a teacher with a passion for language arts. Her experiences in school and her talent for building rapport with students make her an excellent teacher for readers and writers of all ages. Alyssa received her degree from Concordia University in California and has brought her sunshiny personality to Indiana! When Alyssa is not at Sylvan, she loves to spend time with her family and keep her young boys entertained with fun family activities like hiking, cooking, and spending time outside.