Meet the Valparaiso 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.

Devin is a Director at Sylvan of Valparaiso. While Devin has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in elementary reading tutoring. She studied Business Administration at Indiana University South Bend. When Devin isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading a book or spending time with her daughter and pets.

Zachary oversees the educational integrity of our programs, managing and training our team of tutors in Valparaiso. A former teacher in Michigan City, Zachary brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan of Valparaiso. He graduated from Purdue University North Central. When Zachary isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him playing games and collecting cards with his friends.

As an Advanced Math Tutor, Michael works with high school students that are attending pre-college courses. He is adept at teaching all forms of Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus and Calculus.

Brianna is a Verbal SAT/ACT tutor at Sylvan of Valparaiso with a gift for working with kids. While Brianna has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in English tutoring. Brianna received her degree from Purdue University Northwest. When Brianna isn’t tutoring, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her dog Bee.

Rachel is a reading and science tutor at Sylvan of Valparaiso with a gift for working with kids. While Rachel has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in science tutoring. Rachel received her degree from Concordia University of Chicago. When Rachel isn’t tutoring, you’ll find her hiking and nature journaling.

Billie is a tutor at Sylvan of Valparaiso. While Billie has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in elementary reading tutoring. Billie studied Education at Valparaiso University. When Billie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her at the YMCA or reading.

Kristin D. is a tutor at Sylvan of Valparaiso. While Kristin has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in elementary tutoring. Kristin studied Special Education at multiple universities. When Kristin isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her enjoying the theater and planting and caring for her flowers.

Grace is a tutor at Sylvan of Valparaiso. While Grace has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in middle school ELA tutoring. Grace studied English Language and Lit and English Education at Indiana University Northwest. When Grace isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading or taking her dog on walks.

Kristin W. is a tutor at Sylvan of Valparaiso. While Kristin has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in middle school English and Math tutoring. Kristin studied Education and Special Education at Indiana University. When Kristin isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading or enjoying sports.

James is a tutor at Sylvan of Valparaiso. While James has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in English and Reading tutoring. James studied Education at Purdue University. When James isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him with his family or keeping busy with a hands-on project and gardening.