Meet Our Team

Nishara Grant

Center Director

Nishara, hailing from the beautiful island of Jamaica, is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Waldorf University. With over seven years of experience in the educational field, she has contributed to shaping young minds and creating a lasting, positive impact on children’s lives.

A lover of gospel music and an advocate for faith-centered living, Nishara places God and family at the forefront of all her endeavors. She loves worshipping with others, reading to expand her knowledge, or enjoying a well-deserved shopping spree.

Now fully immersed in the educational field, Nishara continues to lead with compassion, enthusiasm, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and their families.

Mike Borcherding

Owner

As the owner of Sylvan Learning and Class 101, I am dedicated to empowering students and helping them achieve their greatest potential. With a passion for education and a deep commitment to student success, I strive to provide families with the tools, guidance, and support needed to navigate academic challenges and prepare for a bright future. Whether through personalized tutoring, test prep, or college planning, my goal is to make a lasting impact on students’ lives, equipping them with the confidence and skills they need to excel.
My wife, who is from Omaha, and I are proud parents of two boys. As a family, we value education, community, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and their families.

Ashley Meyer

Executive Director

As Sales & Marketing Director, Ashley welcomes new families to the center, and works to build relationships in the community for Sylvan. A former, preschool teacher and behavioral specialist, Ashley chose a career in the tutoring business because she believes in helping students achieve their full academic potential. In college, she studied at Doane and played collegiate softball. When Ashley isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her crocheting, visiting farmer’s markets, and snuggling with her two cats.

Carol Halstead

Tutor

Carol is the Early Intervention Teacher for the Blair Community Schools with a gift for working with children with multiple needs. While Carol has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in discovering how best to help a student learn. Carol earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the State University College at Buffalo, N.Y., and her Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. When Carol isn’t at Sylvan, you will find her spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, or reading.

Erin Haddock

Tutor

Erin Haddock is a Middle School Teacher in Omaha, NE with a gift for working with kids. While Erin has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studied at Dordt College and has a degree in Elementary Education and Middle School Math and Science. When Erin isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her singing with her choir, Madrigali Et Al, knitting, or spending time with her husband and pets, Fidgit (dog), and Dormeowmu (cat).

Susan Morton

Tutor

Susan is a retired secondary math teacher who taught advanced math in Oklahoma for over 15 years. Prior to teaching, Susan worked in finance after completing her degree in Accounting from Ohio University. She recently relocated to Omaha to be closer to her 7 grandchildren, and she enjoys reading, traveling, and playing with her Great Danes.

Sara Zents

Tutor

Sara is an Omaha native who is passionate about teaching. She loves reading, writing, learning languages, and music. She graduated from Creighton University with a degree in Classical Languages, and is excited to bring her enthusiasm for learning to Sylvan’s students.

Abigail Kryzsko

Tutor

Abigail is a special education teacher at Elkhorn Valley View middle school. She is in her 4th year teaching and has extensive experience working with children who have learning and behavioral challenges. Abigail graduated from Hastings College in 2021 with her Bachelor’s in Special Education and Elementary Education. Abigail is graduating with her Master’s in Special Education with an emphasis on Inclusion and Collaboration this December 2024. In her free time, Abigail enjoys reading novels, playing with her dog, and spending time with loved ones.

Josie Van Houten

Tutor

Josie is starting her third year teaching 6th and 8th grade Reading at Elkhorn Grandview Middle School. She previously graduated from Iowa State University, in 2021, with her Bachelors in Elementary Education. In her spare time you can find Josie coloring by number, reading and or playing the piano.

Nate Hipsher

Tutor

Nate Hipsher is a senior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in History, with plans to continue on for a Master’s and Doctorate. Originally a Secondary Education major, Nate has completed practicum experiences teaching Social Studies, World History, and AP U.S. History at the middle and high school levels.

His teaching philosophy emphasizes understanding and relating to students, building rapport, and creating a comfortable environment for learning. Nate strives to inspire excellence in his students and help them reach their fullest potential, just as his own teachers did for him.

Outside of academics, Nate enjoys video games, particularly strategy games. He also has a passion for history and creative writing, often blending his love for both in his personal projects.