Meet Our Team

Melanie Bowers, EdS

Franchise Owner

Melanie is the Owner of the Sylvan Learning Centers in Columbia, MO; Lee’s Summit, MO; Lawrence, KS; and Overland Park, KS. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Central Missouri, a Master’s in School Counseling, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Lindenwood University. She is currently completing her Doctorate at William Woods University.

With a background that includes teaching in the Pattonville School District, serving as a school counselor in the Francis Howell School District, and working as a psychological examiner with Columbia Public Schools, Melanie brings a wealth of educational experience to her role. She is deeply passionate about helping students learn, grow in confidence, and achieve academic success.

Melanie is committed to upholding Sylvan’s high standards and ensuring families experience the full value of Sylvan’s programs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, attending Mizzou sporting events, supporting her husband’s chiropractic business, and staying active in her community.

Jamie Webb

Director of Business Operations

Jamie leads Sylvan Learning of NE Kansas in implementing smooth business operations across the franchise. A former teacher at Sylvan, Jamie chose to further his career in the tutoring business because he enjoys working with students, maximizing potential, and working with the community. He studied at the University of Kansas and has a degree in Elementary Education. When Jamie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him watching sports, doing outdoor activities, and spending time with friends and family.

Bailey Mareu

Center Director

Bailey leads the Sylvan of Lawrence team in providing personalized and impactful learning plans, experiences, and outcomes for our students and families.

She earned a BS in Strategic Communications and a BA in Political Science from the University of Kansas and spent more than ten years in marketing before transitioning to roles in customer service.

As a volunteer, Bailey has served as Co-Chair for Relay for Life of Douglas County, as Development Director for the Lawrence Community Nursery School (i.e. the Little Red School House), and as a Girl Scout troop leader.

Outside of work Bailey enjoys reading (fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and memoirs), photography, attending KC Current games, and spending time outdoors or on adventures with her 6-year-old daughter.

Allison H.

Certified Teacher & Sylvan Lead Tutor

Allison is a teacher in Lawrence, KS, with a talent for working with children. While Allison has many tutoring skills, she finds the greatest joy in teaching mathematics. She earned her Bachelor of Education Degree from Washburn University and is certified to teach K-6 and 5-8 mathematics. Allison appreciates Sylvan’s positive attitude towards student achievements. When she isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her gardening and learning to restore her ’67 Mustang.

Braden R

Certified Sylvan Upper Math Tutor

Braden is a talented teacher in Lawrence, KS who has a gift for working with upper level math and science students. Although he is skilled in many areas of tutoring, Braden finds the most joy in teaching math and Physics. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, with a Chemistry emphasis and Math minor, from Brigham Young University Idaho. Braden is currently working on a Masters in Computational Physics at the University of Kansas.  He believes that the best thing about Sylvan is being able to have personalized curriculum catered to the needs of each individual student.  When he is not at Sylvan, Braden enjoys spike ball and traveling.

Caleb is a math tutor in Lawrence, KS with a talent for working with kids, particularly in mathematics. He enjoys the individualized and small group setting that Sylvan provides, allowing him to cater to the unique needs and interests of each student. Caleb is currently pursuing a master’s degree in mathematics at the University of Kansas. Outside of tutoring, he enjoys activities such as listening to music, cooking, weightlifting, and writing short stories.

Diane C

Certified Teacher

Diane is a teacher in Lawrence, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Diane has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading, science and social studies tutoring. Diane’s favorite thing about Sylvan is for students realizing they are capable of learning and that learning is fun. She studied at KU and KSU earning a PhD in curriculum & Instruction, Master of Arts in Elementary Education with a focus in Curriculum & Instruction Gifted certification and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. When Diana isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her  reading, exercising, taking care of horses and farm, gardening and learning anything interesting.

Dylan W.

Certified Sylvan Tutor

Dylan is a tutor in Lawrence, KS, with a gift for working with kids. While Dylan has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in History and Social Studies tutoring. He studied at Butler Community College and KU, earning an associate’s degree. According to Dylan, the best thing about Sylvan is providing another resource for children in need. When Dylan isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him watching and playing sports.

Evelyn B.

Certified Sylvan Tutor

Evelyn is a tutor in Lawrence, KS.  She previously taught at the Sylvan in Overland Park. While Evelyn has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math, specifically higher levels of math or SAT/ACT prep.  She loves the opportunity to teach and personally connect with students, and especially fostering interdisciplinary learning!  She studied at the University of Kansas, with a B.S. in mathematics and a B.A. in Linguistics. Outside of Sylvan, Evelyn enjoys sewing, drawing, and learning languages.  She speaks French and Mandarin!

Juan R.

Certified Sylvan Upper Math Tutor

Juan is a teacher in Lawrence, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Juan has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. He studied at Emporium State University earning an Degree in English Education and currently transferring to KU to work on a second Bachelor’s in Mechanical engineering, he also is TEFL certified. The greatest thing about Sylvan is the ability to help leaners of all ages and backgrounds succeed and accomplish their goals. When Juan isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him drawing/painting, playing the guitar, reading/writing, running and traveling .

Nicole C

Certified Teacher

Nicole is a talented teacher from Lawrence, KS who has a gift for working with Elementary aged children.  Although she is skilled in many areas of tutoring, Nicole finds the most joy in teaching reading, math, writing, and social emotional skills. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Washburn University and a Master of Arts in Education from Baker University. Nicole appreciates how Sylvan meets the needs of all students by creating an individualized learning plan for each student. Also, students’ efforts and achievements are rewarded and celebrated regularly. When she is not at Sylvan, Nicole likes to go thrifting and shop at antique stores.  She loves to make crafts, quilt, sew, and knit.  She also enjoys gardening and propagating.  Nicole loves going on walks and reading mystery novels.

Sarah B

Certified Teacher

Sarah is a talented teacher from Lawrence, KS who has a gift for working with children. Although she is skilled in many areas of tutoring, Sarah finds the most joy in teaching math. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education K-6 and a Master of Education in Instructional Design & Technology from Baker and Sam Houston State, respectively. Sarah believes that the best thing about Sylvan is how it helps children improve their academic skills and boosts their confidence. This confidence is essential for kids as they face new learning challenges in the future. When she is not at Sylvan, Sarah enjoys spending time with her children and participating in various activities with them. She also likes to travel.