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.

Zach

Director of Student Advancement

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.

Kristen

Center Director / Team Lead

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).

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

Teacher

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.

Michael

Teacher

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.

Brianna is a Verbal SAT/ACT tutor at Sylvan of Valparaiso with a gift for working with kids. While Brianna has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in English tutoring. Brianna received her degree from Purdue University Northwest. When Brianna isn’t tutoring, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her dog Bee.

Rachel is a reading and science tutor at Sylvan of Valparaiso with a gift for working with kids. While Rachel has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in science tutoring. Rachel received her degree from Concordia University of Chicago. When Rachel isn’t tutoring, you’ll find her hiking and nature journaling.

Sienna is a Math SAT/SAT and science tutor at Sylvan of Valparaiso with a gift for working with kids. While Sienna has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. Sienna received her degree from Michigan State University. When Sienna isn’t tutoring, she enjoys going for runs and reading.