Meet our Valparaiso Tutoring Staff

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.” 

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 the center in Clermont, Florida. 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 is the Center Director 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).  

Zachary oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors in Valparaiso. A former Teacher in Michigan City, Zachary brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan of Valparaiso. He graduated from Purdue University North Central. When Zachary isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him playing games and collecting cards with his friends.

Kayla is a Sylvan Tutor in Valparaiso, IN with a gift for working with kids. While Kayla has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in Reading and Math tutoring. She studied at Indiana University Bloomington. When Kayla isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her gardening or reading!

MIa is an LRE Facilitator at Edison High School in Lake Station., IN with a gift for working with kids. While Mia has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in English tutoring. She studied at Indiana University Northwest and Indiana Wesleyan University. When Mia isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her volunteering at American Legion Post 502, spending time traveling with her family, or crafting with her Cricut machine.

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. 

As a Math Tutor, Mercadise takes on students from middle school to high school. She is proficient in all forms of Algebra and Geometry, and she tutors upper level math in Pre-Calculus and Calculus as well!

Aubrey Martin is a current teacher in the city of LaPorte. She enjoys working with younger students and makes strong connections with her students. She is patient and has the energy to maintain healthy interactions throughout her sessions. When she is not here at Sylvan, you can find her preparing for her classes and enjoying her free time with her son.