Meet the Schererville 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.

As Senior Director, Jen DiTola leads the Sales Team for our Sylvan Franchise since 2009. A former Finance Director, Jen chose a career in the tutoring business because she believes in the Sylvan values and making a difference every day for our families. She studied Business at Valparaiso University. When Jen isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her family, traveling for sports, and watching the Hallmark Channel.

Katie is the Director of Student Advancement at Sylvan of Schererville. A former kindergarten teacher, Katie made the switch from the classroom to Sylvan because she is passionate about education and helping students shine and succeed academically. She attended Butler University, where she received her B.S. in Elementary Education. When Katie isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her spending time with her friends, family, and dogs or traveling.

As the Director of Operations, Stephenie leads Operations for Sylvan of Schererville. A former General Manager, Stephenie chose a career in the tutoring business because she wanted to combine her love of education and desire to help families find the best fit for additional support outside the classroom. She studied at Purdue University Calumet to earn her Bachelor's in Elementary Education. When Stephenie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her chasing her two young boys.

Cindy is a Kindergarten teacher for the School City of Hammond. She has been with the Sylvan family since October of 2018. While Cindy has many tutoring talents, she finds her greatest joy in reading. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Purdue University. When Cindy is not at Sylvan, you will find her spending time with her family, cooking and baking, and going to concerts or ball games.

Erin is a First Grade Teacher in the Munster School District with a gift for working with kids. While Erin has many tutoring talents, she finds her greatest joy in Early Literacy. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University in Elementary Education. When Erin is not at Sylvan, you will find her reading a science fiction novel, enjoying time in her bowling league, and discovering new, innovative teaching strategies.

Judi is an amazing advanced math tutor. She has special expertise in helping students prepare for the math portion of SAT and ACT. She studied at Ohio Northern University. When Judi isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her reading, hiking, or spending time with family.

Lauren is a Developmental Therapist in Illinois with a gift for working with kids. While Lauren has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in combined Elementary Education and Special Education from Lewis University. She then earned her Master's Degree in Special Education Teaching from St. Xavier. When Lauren is not at Sylvan, you will find her working her other jobs and being lazy with her cats.

Marcus is a professor in Chicago, IL. While Marcus has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in tutoring math. He studied at Governors State University. When Marcus isn't at Sylvan, you'll find him hanging out with his wife, his dogs, or building Legos.

Nora is a retired Illinois junior high teacher with a gift for teaching and growing our students. She has been a valued director and teacher with the Sylvan family since 1995. While Nora has many teaching talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring math (algebra and geometry) and preparing students for the ACT/SAT, but she is also an amazing English/Reading teacher. She studied at the University of Illinois. When Nora isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her reading, enjoying concerts, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her granddaughters.

Theresa is a teacher in Schererville, IN. While Theresa has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in teaching elementary reading and math. Theresa earned her Bachelor's Degree from Aquinas College in Group Science for Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. She went on to receive her Master's Degree from Grand Valley State University in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. When Theresa is not at Sylvan, you will find her watching Law & Order, shopping, spending time with her family and boyfriend in Michigan, playing the violin, or camping in a tent.

Kiersten P. graduated from Southern Illinois University with her degree in early childhood education. She enjoys working through early literacy skills that set the foundation of reading for her students both in the classroom and here at Sylvan. She loves traveling and shopping with her friends and family and getting out on walks with her dog.

Joe A. brings an abundance of knowledge to our Sylvan students. While he specializes in math and science as an alumni of Saint Xavier University, he also enjoys learning new languages. When not working with students in the classroom and at Sylvan, he spends his time practicing mixed martial arts and playing video games.

Stacy is a teacher in Dyer, IN. While Stacy has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in teaching middle and high school English Language Arts. Stacy earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Central Florida in Secondary English Education. When Stacy is not at Sylvan, you will find her reading, spending time with her dachshund or hiking in National Parks across the country.

Jillian D. joined our team in 2025 bringing a passion for English. Being a classroom teacher, her understanding of literary forms and the importance of strong writing skills have helped our students gain confidence in these skill sets. While holding her degree from Valparaiso University in education, she also earned a minor in Art. In Jillian's free time she enjoys drawing, reading, and playing games.

Sara is a passionate educator who loves teaching reading and helping students grow in confidence and comprehension. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from Purdue University Calumet and later continued her education at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she studied School Administration. When Sara is not at Sylvan, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Jenny loves helping students become confident readers and enjoys making learning fun and engaging. She earned her bachelor's degree from Millikin University and her master's degree in Reading from Governors State University. When she's not at Sylvan, Jenny enjoys curling up with a good book and spending time swimming.

Mary loves all things reading and is passionate about helping students build confidence and become lifelong readers. She earned her degree in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University and her Reading Education degree from Governors State University. Outside of teaching, Mary enjoys reading all kinds of books, listening to music, playing the flue, and spending time with her family, friends, and her two cats.