Meet Our Team

Kent

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

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.

Jen

Senior Director of New Family Engagement

As Senior Director, Jen DiTola leads the Sales Team for our Sylvan Franchise since 2009. A former Finance Director, Jen chose a career in the tutoring business because she believes in the Sylvan values and making a difference every day for our families. She studied Business at Valparaiso University. When Jen isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her family, traveling for sports, and watching the Hallmark Channel.

Katie

Director of Student Advancement

Katie is the Director of New Family Engagement at Sylvan of Merrillville, IN.  A former kindergarten teacher, Katie made the switch from the classroom to Sylvan because she is passionate about education and helping students shine and succeed academically.  She attended Butler University, where she received her B.S. in Elementary Education.  When Katie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her friends, family, and dogs or traveling.

Stephenie

Director of Operations

As the Director of Operations, Stephenie leads Operations for Sylvan of Schererville. A former General Manager, Stephenie chose a career in the tutoring business because she wanted to combine her love of education and desire to help families find the best fit for additional support outside the classroom. She studied at Purdue University Calumet to earn her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. When Stephenie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her chasing her two young boys.

Bennie is an amazing lead teacher in Schererville, IN, Merrillville, IN, and Valparaiso, IN and has been with Sylvan since October 2023. He has special expertise in upper level mathematics tutoring. Patient and fair, Bennie has a great ability to relate to kids. He studied at Purdue University Calumet in Hammond. When Bennie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him relaxing at home binge-watching the newest Netflix series.

Cathy

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.

Barbara

Teacher

Barbara is a tutor in Schererville, IN with a gift for working with our youngest learners. While she has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring.  Barbara is a former classroom teacher, having taught for 30 years at Taft Elementary School. She graduated from Trinity Christian College but has also taken courses at Governor’s State University and South Suburban College. When Ms. Barbara isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her drawing, reading, or taking long walks.

Cindy

Teacher

Cindy is a Kindergarten teacher for the School City of Hammond. She has been with the Sylvan family since October of 2018. While Cindy has many tutoring talents, she finds her greatest joy in reading. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Purdue University. When Cindy is not at Sylvan, you will find her spending time with her family, cooking and baking, and going to concerts or ball games.

Debra is an amazing tutor at our Schererville, IN Sylvan location.  She has special expertise in math tutoring.  She studied at University of East Anglia in the UK.  When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her working out at the YMCA, biking, or playing with her cats.

Erin is a First Grade Teacher in the Munster School District with a gift for working with kids. While Erin has many tutoring talents, she finds her greatest joy in Early Literacy. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University in Elementary Education. When Erin is not at Sylvan, you will find her reading a science fiction novel, enjoying time in her bowling league, and discovering new, innovative teaching strategies.

Judi is an amazing advanced math tutor.  She has special expertise in helping students prepare for the math portion of SAT and ACT.  She studied at Ohio Northern University.  When Judi isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, hiking, or spending time with family.

Lauren is a Developmental Therapist in Illinois with a gift for working with kids. While Lauren has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in combined Elementary Education and Special Education from Lewis University. She then earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education Teaching from St. Xavier. When Lauren is not at Sylvan, you will find her working her other jobs and being lazy with her cats.

Marcus

Teacher

Marcus is a professor in Chicago, IL.  While Marcus has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in tutoring math.  He studied at Governors State University.  When Marcus isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him hanging out with his wife, his dogs, or building Legos.

Matt finds joy in tutoring reading and math.  Matt studied at DePaul University.  When Matt isn’t tutoring at Sylvan, you can find him coaching or playing basketball.

Nora

Teacher

Nora is a retired Illinois junior high teacher with a gift for teaching and growing our students. She has been a valued director and teacher with the Sylvan family since 1995. While Nora has many teaching talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring math (algebra and geometry) and preparing students for the ACT/SAT, but she is also an amazing English/Reading teacher. She studied at the University of Illinois. When Nora isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, enjoying concerts, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her granddaughters.

Theresa

Teacher

Theresa is a teacher in Schererville, IN.  While Theresa has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in teaching elementary reading and math. Theresa earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Aquinas College in Group Science for Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree from Grand Valley State University in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.  When Theresa is not at Sylvan, you will find her watching Law & Order, shopping, spending time with her family and boyfriend in Michigan, playing the violin, or camping in a tent.

Sonia is a retired teacher from Chicago, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Sonia has many talents, she finds the greatest joy teaching Pre-K, first, and second graders. She studied at Purdue University. When Sonia isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her family.