Meet Our Team

Jamie Webb

Director of Business Operations

Jamie leads Sylvan Learning of NE Kansas in implementing smooth business operations across the franchise. A former teacher at Sylvan, Jamie chose to further his career in the tutoring business because he enjoys working with students, maximizing potential, and working with the community. He studied at the University of Kansas and has a degree in Elementary Education. When Jamie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him watching sports, doing outdoor activities, and spending time with friends and family.

Kirstin Palermo

Director of Educational Operations

Kirstin leads Sylvan Learning of NE Kansas in implementing educational operations and ensuring the academic growth of every student. Previously the Director of Education at Overland Park Sylvan, Center Director of preschools in Johnson Co, Ks, and former teacher in Wichita Public Schools, Kirstin brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan. She graduated from Wichita State University in Wichita, KS with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and obtained her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Emporia State University. When Kirstin isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her daughter and family, camping, and scrapbooking.

Krystal S.

Director

As Center Director, Krystal leads our team for Sylvan of Overland Park. A former teacher of 15 years Krystal chose a career in the tutoring business because she has had first-hand experience with students who require extra support to meet grade level expectations, even with all the great resources the schools still need improvement and Sylvan is that support. She studied at Shawnee Mission East, Pittsburg State University, and Baker University. When Krystal isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her watching my sons play sports, fishing, or doing artwork, you’ll probably find me playing amongst the kids!

Abdoul D.

Certified Teacher

Abdoul is a teacher in Overland Park, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Abdoul has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in Math and Coding tutoring. He studied at Butler Community College and University of Kansas earning degree in Computer Science and Mathematics. The greatest thing about Sylvan for Abdoul is the ability Sylvan has to making programs that help shape future generations and that is one of the most important thing in the world and Sylvan does that. When Abdoul isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him hiking, biking and cooking.

Barbara H.

Certified Teacher

Barbara has worked at Sylvan of Overland Park since May 2004. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelors’s Degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s of Education in Reading. Barbara enjoys tutoring students of all ages in a variety of subject areas, including Pre-K Reading, Writing & Grammar, Study Skills, and Speed Reading. Barbara believes the greatest thing about Sylvan is that children are greeted personally and welcomed with smiles in an environment where they are valued, encouraged, and emotionally uplifted by praise, positive comments, and interactions with teachers.  In her spare time, Barbara enjoys nature photography and gardening.

Brendan O.

Certified Teacher

Brendan is a teacher in Overland Park, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Brendan has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in Mathematics tutoring. The greatest thing about Sylvan for Brendan is their desire to help students get past learning obstacles and continue to expand their imagination. He studied at Creighton University and UMKC earning degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science. When Brendan isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him reading, drawing and bike riding.

Haeli L.

Certified Teacher

Haeli is a teacher based in Overland Park, KS, who has a gift for working with children. Although Haeli possesses many tutoring talents, she derives the greatest joy from teaching science and math. She pursued her education at the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Master of Science in Earth and Atmospheric Science, concentrating in Meteorology & Climatology, and a minor in College STEM education. What Haeli loves most about Sylvan is that it boosts students’ confidence and ignites a passion for learning. When she’s not at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, knitting, and spending time with family and friends.

Katie W.

Certified Teacher

Katie is a teacher in Overland Park, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Katie has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in all subjects and really loves math tutoring. She studied at the University of Kansas and the University of St. Mary where she earned a BA in Communication Studies and an MA in Elementary Education. The greatest thing about Sylvan for Katie is their dedication to meeting the needs of a diverse population of scholars. When Katie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, traveling, swimming, hiking, and embroidering.

Larry S.

Certified Teacher

Larry is a former teacher of the year who taught English, Spanish, and Social Studies. He taught Spanish and Psychology at the collegiate level, as well. He studied abroad 2 years in Mexico and one in Spain. He got his undergraduate degree from Pittsburg State and his master degree at Baker. Larry was an educator for adults in business working as a public speaker/trainer who presented more than 3000 training seminars regarding organizational behavioralism. Larry is a published author of numerous educational books and training manuals for becoming a better writer and successful leadership. He retired several years ago but missed teaching, so he joined the Sylvan family!

Mary Beth S.

Certified Teacher

Mary Beth is a teacher in Overland Park, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Mary Beth has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading, writing and English tutoring. She studied at UMKC for her undergraduate degree and University of Central Missouri for her Masters in Art. She has received a BA in Elementary Education (1st-8th) and her MA in teaching English as a second language. The greatest thing about Sylvan in Beth’s opinion is that it offers specialized tutoring which builds student’s confidence and love for learning. When Mary Beth isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, especially mysteries. Other hobbies of her’s are crocheting and exercising.

Nancy S.

Certified Teacher

Nancy is a teacher in Overland Park, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Nancy has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in all subjects, math, reading, and writing tutoring. She studied at Vanderbilt University, the University of St. Mary, and Baker University, earning a BA and MSSL. The greatest thing about Sylvan for Nancy is how it motivates students to success. When Nancy isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her playing pickleball, hiking, and spending time with family (esp. my new grandbaby).

Rafah A.

Certified Teacher

Rafah is a professor at Donnelly College in Overland Park, KS, who has a talent for working with kids. Her greatest joy is in tutoring Upper Mathematics. She completed her BS in Mathematics at the University of Baghdad, followed by a Master’s in Mathematics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Rafah finds Sylvan to be an organized center with a long history of service, and she loves how much the students enjoy coming to Sylvan. In her free time, Rafah enjoys reading books on mathematics and solving equations, inequalities, and functions.

Robert A.

Certified Teacher

Robert is a teacher in Overland Park, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Robert has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in Chemistry and Math, specially Algebra tutoring. He studied at California State University- Dominquez Hills and University of Kansas earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics and working on a Ph.D. in Chemistry. The greatest thing about Sylvan for Robert is the structure and the connections built with the students. When Robert isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him weight lifting, playing cards, building stuff, taking road trips and the stock market.

Shilpa G.

Certified Teacher

Shilpa is a teacher in Overland Park , KS with a gift for working with kids. While Shilpa has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math, science and English tutoring. She has earned a Masters in computer science and Bachelor’s in Special Education. The greatest thing about Sylvan in Shilpa’s opinion is all the great reviews Blue Valley School district and Olathe USD has given about Sylvan. When Shilpa isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her at cooking.

Twyla L.

Certified Teacher

Twyla is a Tutor in Overland Park, KS. with a gift for working with elementary and middle students. While Twyla has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading & math tutoring. She studied Spanish & Communications at KU and earned her Master’s in Education at Pittsburg State University. When Twyla isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys walking, traveling, and reading.

Wendy G.

Certified Teacher

Wendy is a teacher in Overland Park, KS, who has a talent for working with kids. Her greatest joy is in tutoring Art, English and Math. She completed her Bachelors of Science in English at Iowa State University. Wendy loves working with warm friendly staff and students at Sylvan. In her free time, Wendy enjoys writing, painting, photography, crafts, baking and tennis..