Meet Our Team

Jack Moore

Owner

As Owner and Center Director, Jack Moore partners with families to create solutions for their current learning challenges, and leads the Sylvan team in maintaining high quality instruction. A former teacher, Jack chose a career in the tutoring business because he felt it would provide him with an opportunity to have a greater impact on student learning. He received his teaching degree at Illinois State University, and his Master’s degree at Northern Illinois University in Instructional Technology. When Jack isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him fishing, camping, golfing, and spending time with his friends and family.

Kate Edwards

Director of Education

Kate oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors in Hiawatha. A former behavioral health caseworker in Cedar Rapids, Kate brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan of Hiawatha. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in K-12 Arts Education. When Kate isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her making art, playing ice hockey, or restoring antiques.

Jenifer Carstensen

Director Of Education

Jenifer oversees the educational programming at our Cedar Rapids center. An experienced teacher who has served in elementary, middle, and high school settings, she is equipped to ensure integrity at all levels of teaching and learning. She has degrees from Millersville and Drake Universities, as well as the University of Northern Iowa. Jenifer enjoys staying busy; when she’s not at Sylvan, you can probably find her at a sporting event or planning her next travel adventure.

Shauna Kendall

Tutor

My name is Shauna Kendall and I am a busy mom of 4 and been married for 24 years.  I went to Linn Mar schools my whole childhood and after graduation attended the University of Iowa Elementary Education Program.  I have taught first grade, kindergarten and now Title 1 Reading for the past 4 years.  My favorite subject to teach at Sylvan is reading.  I love working with many different students each time I am there.  In my free time, I love walking my dogs, attending my children’s sporting events and being with friends.

Sarah Davis

Tutor

Sarah is a tutor at Sylvan of Hiawatha and has a gift for working with kids. She received her Bachelor of Education at University of Northern Iowa. When Sarah isn’t at Sylvan or teaching at high school English, you’ll find her spending time with her husband and daughter, watching racing (all kinds), and sledding with her dogs. In her spare time she reads and scrapbooks.

Leslie Mottinger

Tutor

I went to school at Mount Mercy for Elementary Education major and Early Childhood minor. I have also gotten my Special Education Endorsement in BD, MD and Strat II.  I am currently teaching at Prairie High School in a medically fragile classroom. I had subbed at Prairie and College Community schools for 30 years doing everything from preschool, art, behavior focused, and anything Preschool-12the grade. I had a lot of experience in special education.  I had an unique opportunity to substitute teach my brothers and my daughter during this time. I enjoy reading at elementary level at Sylvan. I also like younger math.  I like how you make so many connections with the students.  I also enjoy seeing the confidence increase and the learning happening. I love hanging out with my family. We play cards and board games together.  I also enjoy crossword puzzles.

TJ Shubert

Tutor

TJ Shubert graduated from St. Ambrose University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an endorsement in reading and minor in music. TJ currently teaches 5th grade Math and Science at Boulder Peak Intermediate within the Linn-Mar Community School District. TJ’s favorite subject to teach at Sylvan is math, especially showing students different strategies or way of thinking to multiply numbers. TJ in his free time is a basketball and football official for the state of Iowa but also enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, running, and golfing.

Judy Bryant

Tutor

Judy has been teaching for over twenty years. She has taught in the states of Texas, Ohio, and Iowa with a gift and passion for working with kids of all ages. While Judy has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring Reading. She studied at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. When Judy isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her doing these favorite activities: babysitting grandchildren, hiking, and doing photography.

Chris Carstensen

Tutor

Chris is an elementary reading specialist in Cedar Rapids, IA. He has more than 20 years of experience teaching young learners and especially enjoys working with students who are improving their reading skills. An Iowa native, he earned his education degree at the University of Northern Iowa. When not at Sylvan, you can usually find Chris on the golf course or hiking trails.

Catherine Kratoska

Tutor

Catherine Kratoska is an undergraduate student at Mount Mercy University where she is pursuing a major in English. Her favorite subject to teach is reading comprehension. When Catherine isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, writing, and spending time with her horses.

Sarah Leidigh

Tutor

Sarah Leidigh is a stay at home mom in Cedar Rapids, IA. Her favorite subject to teach is reading. She studied at Coe College where she earned a degree in education. When she isn’t at Sylvan, Sarah enjoys embroidery, puzzles, and taking care of her son.