Meet the Ocoee team

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. Throughout 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, four in Florida, and five in Maryland. My goal through working with Sylvan is “Success with every student.”

As Chief Operating Officer & Owner, Sarah oversees eleven centers in Indiana (Mishawaka, Elkhart, Merrillville, Schererville, Valparaiso, Fishers, Carmel, Plainfield, Greenwood, Fort Wayne North, & Fort Wayne South), four Florida centers (Clermont, Ocoee, Dr. Phillips & Kissimmee), and five centers in Maryland (Bel Air, Crofton, Catonsville, Timonium, & Columbia). 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.

Lauren is a tutor at Sylvan of Ocoee. While Lauren has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in teaching reading. She studied Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Central Florida. When Lauren isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her baking at home and crafting!

Daniel is a tutor at Sylvan of Ocoee. While Daniel has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in reading and writing tutoring. Daniel studied Theater at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. When Daniel isn't at Sylvan, you'll find him doing voiceovers on his YouTube channel and being a passionate foodie.

Charline is a tutor at Sylvan of Ocoee. While Charline has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in helping young people learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Charline has been working in education for 8 years. Outside of Sylvan, you'll find Charline reading, visiting amusement parks, and taking nature walks.

David is a tutor at Sylvan of Ocoee. While David has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in helping students make sense of challenging concepts and grow in confidence. He studied Business Management at Northern Illinois University and completed additional courses at Florida Southern University for his teaching certification. When David isn't at Sylvan, you'll find him with a tool in one hand, a smart-home gadget in the other, and a new project already planned before the current one is finished. Between projects you'll also find him making memories with family and relaxing.

Deanna is a tutor at Sylvan of Ocoee. While Deann has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. Deanna has over 20 years of teaching experience. When Deanna isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her reading or travelling.

Mercedes is a tutor at Sylvan of Ocoee with a gift for working with kids. While Mercedes has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in working with kindergarten and elementary-aged students to help them build the confidence and skills necessary to become successful readers. Mercedes graduated with a degree in Communications and has certifications in the Science of Reading and English as a Second Language (ESL). When Mercedes isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her at the beach!