Meet Our Team

Carol Hofman

EDUCATION DIRECTOR - SIOUX FALLS

Carol Hofman is the Education Director at Sylvan. She has been with Sylvan for over 20 years, starting as an instructor and eventually working 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 and seeing 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.

Barb Rounds

Center Director - Brookings

Barb is a tutor in Brookings, SD, and has 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 ten years, worked in Special Education, and 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 before starting Sylvan.  When Barb isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, shopping, walking, laughing, and spending time at any of her four children’s events.

Kelly

ASSISTANT CENTER DIRECTOR - SIOUX FALLS

Kelly is the Assistant Center Director in Sioux Falls, SD, with a gift for working with kids. Not only does she teach students at Sylvan, but you will also find her in her office working to make Sylvan a great place. Kelly graduated from Briar Cliff University, where she obtained her degree in Elementary Education. She enjoys talking with students and staff and creating relationships that 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, and has 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 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 her Master’s from the 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. During his time at Sylvan, he has become a vital part of our team, working with students in the center, 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 various students and seeing their progress. 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 students in all areas. Tammy is a graduate of Dakota State University with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. She enjoys working with students in small group settings. 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.

Heidi

Tutor - Brookings

Heidi is the Center Director in Brookings, SD, and is passionate about working with kids. While she has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. Heidi graduated from 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.