Meet Our Team

Carol Hofman

EDUCATION DIRECTOR - SIOUX FALLS

Carol Hofman is the Education Director at Sylvan. She has been with Sylvan over 20 years, starting out as an instructor and eventually working into full time as the Education Director. She earned her degree from Dordt University in Elementary Education with specialties in Special Education and Language Arts. She has loved watching kids grow and change throughout the years at Sylvan, as well as being able to see the confidence develop and grow in kids of all ages. When she is not working for Sylvan she loves spending time with her 6 grandchildren, reading, sewing, crafts and baking.

TRACEY SALAMEH

EDUCATION DIRECTOR - SIOUX FALLS

Tracey is an Education Director in Sioux Falls, SD with a gift of working with kids. Tracey earned her teaching degree at The University of Iowa, and then earned her master’s degree in teaching at Morningside University. She taught middle school math and science for 6 years before joining the Sylvan team. She finds that the most rewarding part of working at Sylvan is seeing confidence grow within the students while at Sylvan and then applying that in their classroom. When Tracey is not at Sylvan, she enjoys game nights and spending time at home or outside when it is nice with her family and friends.  

Barb Rounds

Center Director - Brookings

Barb is the Center Director in Brookings, SD with a gift for working with kids. While Barb has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading, math and study skills tutoring. She studied at SDSU, taught Preschool for 10 years, worked in Special Education and currently works with K-3 students as a reading interventionist.  She finds the most rewarding aspect of working at Sylvan is when a student masters a skill that they had struggled with prior to starting Sylvan.  When Barb isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, shopping, walking, laughing and spending time at any one of her four children’s events.

Kelly

ASSISTANT EDUCATION DIRECTOR - SIOUX FALLS

Kelly is the Assistant Education Director in Sioux Falls, SD with a gift for working with kids. Not only does she teach students at Sylvan, you will also find her in her office working to make Sylvan a great place to be. Kelly graduated from Briar Cliff University where she obtained her degree in Elementary Education. She enjoys talking with students and staff and creating relationships which will last a lifetime. When Kelly is not at Sylvan, you will find her hiking and kayaking with her husband Nick, tie dying, working on a DIY project, reading a mystery novel, or spending quality time with her favorite Husky pup, Koda. 

Kurt Turbak

Tutor - Sioux Falls

Kurt is a Tutor in Sioux Falls, SD since 1996 with a gift for working with kids.  He teaches a variety of subject areas including Academic Reading, Math Essentials and Advanced Reading Skills.  While Kurt has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy is keeping in touch with teaching and working with the students. He obtained a Masters degree in Counseling from USD.  When Kurt isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him reading, gardening and antiquing.

Ardis Iverson

Tutor - Sioux Falls

Ardis is a tutor in Sioux Falls, SD with a gift for working with kids. While Ardis has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading and math tutoring. She studied at Augustana University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and her achieved her Graduate degree in Special Education – Learning Disabilities from the University of Georgia, Columbus. She enjoys seeing Sylvan students increase their confidence and self-assurance as they grow in academic skills that had previously tormented them. When Ardis isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her crocheting, knitting, reading, playing piano and attending her children’s sporting events.

SAMANTHA HETTINGER

Tutor - Sioux Falls

Samantha has been a part of the Sylvan team for 2 ½ years. She has a gift for working with kids of all ages. She is gifted in all areas of Reading, Writing, English and ACT Prep. Samantha received her degree from South Dakota State and then received her Master’s degree from University of Florida. What Samantha loves most about working at Sylvan is the variety of work and students she is with. When not working at Sylvan, Samantha is busy at home with her family, enjoys cooking and likes playing with her dog, Layla. 

RYAN WILCOX

Tutor - Sioux Falls

Ryan has been a tutor at Sylvan for almost a year. He has a gift for explaining things to kids in a way they understand. In the time he has been at Sylvan he has become a vital part of our team, working with students in center and online and in a lead teacher role. Ryan completed his undergrad degree at Luther College and then a Master’s degree from Black Hills State University. When asked what Ryan loves most about Sylvan he tells us he loves getting to work with a variety of students and seeing the progress they make. Ryan uses his free time to draw, paint and read. He also enjoys watching movies and going for runs.

TAMMY HOFER

Tutor - Sioux Falls

Tammy has been a tutor at Sylvan for just about a year. She works with elementary and middle school kids in all areas. Tammy is a graduate of Dakota State University with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. Tammy enjoys working with students in the small group setting of two to three students. It is exciting for her to see a student go from frustration to the point where they “get it”! Tammy keeps busy with her family. She enjoys hiking and camping and finding time to do some reading.

BROOKE BRAUN

Tutor - Sioux Falls

Brooke has been a part of Sioux Falls Sylvan for about 8 months. She is a part of both our online program and works directly in the center with kids of all ages. Her preference is working with the young students. Brooke attended the University of South Dakota graduating with a degree in Elementary Education with Early Childhood and Kindergarten endorsements. Brooke enjoys working at Sylvan because she likes the variety of students you see each time. When Brooke is not at Sylvan she enjoys hanging out with her family, reading and loves to scrapbook and work on crafts. 

Heidi

Tutor - Brookings

Heidi is a tutor in Brookings, SD with a passion for working with kids. While she has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. Heidi is a graduate of DSU, where she obtained a degree in K-8 Education. Heidi is also Reading Recovery trained. She says the most rewarding aspect of working with students at Sylvan is helping them build confidence and reach their fullest potential. When Heidi isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her son, Evan. 

Kaylee

Tutor - Brookings

Kaylee is a tutor in Brookings, SD. She graduated from Dakota State University with a degree in Mathematics Education and also has her master’s degree in Educational Technology. Kaylee teaches 7th-12th grade math at Oldham-Ramona school district. Kaylee’s favorite aspect about being a tutor at Sylvan is the age range of students she works with on mathematics and reading skills. During her free time, Kaylee enjoys playing volleyball, going for motorcycle and snowmobile rides, watching a good movie, and being with family and friends. 

Allison

Tutor - Mitchell

Allison is a tutor at Sylvan in Mitchell, SD. She graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University with a BA in secondary English education. Allison is currently a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher. She finds joy in spending time with the students and helping them to reach their “aha” moments, especially in the areas of reading and writing. When she is not tutoring, Allison enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, trying new recipes, and spending time outside.