Meet Our Team

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 twelve centers in Indiana (Mishawaka, Elkhart, Merrillville, Schererville, Valparaiso, Portage, 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.

Carmen

Center Director

Carmen is the Center Director at Sylvan of Portage, IN. With a background as a National Educational Consultant, she brings a wealth of experience and a passion for student success. After relocating to Indiana, Carmen returned to local education to reconnect with what she loves most—building strong relationships with families and helping students overcome academic challenges. She holds a Master’s degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Outside of Sylvan, Carmen enjoys spending time with her family, staying active in her church community, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Morgan

Tutor

Morgan is an elementary math and reading tutor at Sylvan of Portage. She studied at Indiana State University where she obtained a degree in Elementary Education with a focus in Middle School Math Education. When Morgan isn’t tutoring, you’ll find her instructing cardio drumming exercise classes, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops in the area, or cuddling on the couch with her cat, Phoebe.

LaTrica

Tutor

LaTrica is an elementary tutor at Sylvan of Portage. She studied Elementary Education and has her Master’s in School Leadership. LaTrica enjoys supporting students’ learning and growth. When LaTrica isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her as her District’s Grants Director.

Cathy

Tutor

Cathy has been a Sylvan math and reading tutor for over three years. She studied Elementary Education/ Special Education from Purdue University Northwest. When Cathy isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her browsing the bookstore with her daughter in one arm and a whole lot of books in the other!

Kaitlyn

Tutor

Kaitlyn is a tutor at Sylvan of Merrillville and Schererville. While Kaitlyn has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in early elementary math tutoring. She studied elementary and special education at Purdue University. When Kaitlyn isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her wrangling her kindergarteners, drawing, or spending time with her many pets.

Tiffany

Tutor

Tiffany is a tutor at Sylvan of Merrillville & Portage. While Tiffany has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading and phonics tutoring with grades 3-5. She studied Elementary Education at Western Governors University. When Tiffany isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading a new book, making crafts, or hanging out with her friends.