Meet Our Team

Kent K

Owner

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.”

Sarah M

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.

Kristen M

Center Director / Team Lead

Kristen is the Center Director / Team Lead for Sylvan of Merrillville and Valparaiso, IN. A former physical education coordinator in Colorado, Kristen chose to return back to Indiana and to the academic side of education because she thrives on the connections made with parents and students as they overcome educational challenges. She studied at Indiana University. When Kristen isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with family as well as her 2 dogs (Lu and Milo) and cat (D.O.G).

Andrea is the Director of Education at Sylvan Learning of Merrillville. She oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of teachers in Merrillville, IN. Andrea has been with Sylvan since September 2022.

Bennie is a Lead Teacher at Sylvan Learning of Merrillville as well as our Schererville and Valparaiso locations. While Bennie has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in tutoring upper-level mathematics. He studied at Purdue University Calumet in Hammond, IN. When Bennie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him at home binge-watching the latest Netflix documentary. He has been with Sylvan since October 2023.

Cathy F

Lead Teacher

Cathy equally spends her time at Merrillville, IN and Schererville, IN Sylvan locations. She is a lead teacher and assistant director. While Cathy has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in both reading and math tutoring. She studied at Purdue University Northwest where she obtained a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. When Cathy isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her browsing bookstores in the area.

Fred P

Teacher

Fred is a math and reading tutor in Merrillville, IN with a gift for working with kids. While Fred has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in teaching math to younger children. Fred studied at Purdue University Calumet. When he isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him reading or watching sports.

Joni O

Teacher

Joni is a tutor in Merrillville and Valparaiso, IN with a gift for working with kids. While Joni has many tutoring talents, she finds the most fun in English and science tutoring. She studied at both Purdue and Indiana Universities. When Joni isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her gardening or doing a craft project.

Michael R

Teacher

Michael is a teacher at Sylvan Learning of Merrillville as well as our Valparaiso location. As an Advanced Math Tutor, Michael works with high school students that are attending pre-college courses. He is adept at teaching all forms of Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus and Calculus. Michael has been with Sylvan since March 2022.

Rachael is a teacher at Sylvan Learning of Merrillville. She has been with Sylvan since May 2023.