Meet Our Team
Great Teachers Inspire
Our tutors and staff in Ocoee consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Ocoee know how to engage and motivate each child in a personal way—building confidence and smiles, as well as skills and better scores. We selectively choose tutors who know local curriculum and can link Sylvan lessons to what’s being taught in school.
Get to know our tutors and staff in Ocoee!
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. 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.”
Sarah
Chief Operating Officer/ Owner
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.
Fran
Center Director
Fran is the Center Director at Sylvan of Ocoee. While Fran has many tutoring and leadership talents, she finds the greatest joy in English and Reading tutoring. She studied Communications at Elon University and Management and Leadership at Purdue University Global. When Fran isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her with her husband and sons at Disney, running the science club at her boys’ school, or catching up on her book club books.
Lauren
Tutor
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
Tutor
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
Tutor
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
Tutor
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.
Deann
Tutor
Deanna
Tutor
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
Tutor
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!
Start your child on the path to academic success today
Give us a call at (407) 269-5289 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.
