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. As a former teacher at Sylvan, he chose to further his career in the tutoring business because he enjoys working with students, maximizing potential, and working with the community.

Jamie studied at the University of Kansas and has a degree in Elementary Education. Jamie is committed to upholding Sylvan’s high standards and ensuring families experience the full value of Sylvan’s programs

When Jamie isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him watching sports, doing outdoor activities, and spending time with friends and family.

Christy Stockdale

Center Director, M.S. Secondary Education, M.S. School Administration

Christy Stockdale is an experienced educator and educational leader with a passion for student growth, family engagement, and whole-child learning. With a background in teaching, curriculum development, and student support, she is dedicated to creating positive learning environments where students build confidence and achieve academic success.

As Director of Sylvan Learning, Christy focuses on fostering strong relationships with students, families, and educators while leading programs that support individualized learning and measurable progress. Her experience in education, combined with her commitment to innovation and student-centered instruction, allows her to guide learners of all ages toward reaching their full potential.

Christy is especially passionate about helping students develop both academic skills and confidence through engaging, supportive, and personalized educational experiences.

When Christy isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her on a pickleball court, disc golf course, hiking, biking, and spending time with family and friends.

Barbara H.

Certified Teacher

Barbara has worked at Sylvan of Overland Park since May 2004. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelors’s Degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s of Education in Reading. Barbara enjoys tutoring students of all ages in a variety of subject areas, including Pre-K Reading, Writing & Grammar, Study Skills, and Speed Reading. Barbara believes the greatest thing about Sylvan is that children are greeted personally and welcomed with smiles in an environment where they are valued, encouraged, and emotionally uplifted by praise, positive comments, and interactions with teachers.  In her spare time, Barbara enjoys nature photography and gardening.

Emily K.

Certified Teacher

Emily is a tutor at Sylvan of Overland Park, Ks. She is a graduate of Blue Valley West in Overland Park and obtained her Bachelors degree in Secondary Education and Masters degree in K-12 School Counseling from Drake University. Emily enjoys teaching students of all ages in reading, math, study skills, and English, along with ACT/SAT English. Emily believes the greatest thing about Sylvan is seeing kids grow their confidence and find success in tangible ways.  In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading, painting, and playing board games.

Mark S.

Certified Teacher

Mark has been a part of our tutoring team at Sylvan of Overland Park since 2004. He is a graduate of Creighton University and University of Kansas, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and his Master’s of Education in Special Education. Mark enjoys teaching reading the most at Sylvan. He believes the greatest thing about Sylvan is helping students succeed in areas that were once challenging for them.  In his spare time, Mark enjoys spending time in nature doing activities such as walking, hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching.

Mary Beth S.

Certified Teacher

Mary Beth is a teacher in Overland Park, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Mary Beth has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading, writing and English tutoring. She studied at UMKC for her undergraduate degree and University of Central Missouri for her Masters in Art. She has received a BA in Elementary Education (1st-8th) and her MA in teaching English as a second language. The greatest thing about Sylvan in Beth’s opinion is that it offers specialized tutoring which builds student’s confidence and love for learning. When Mary Beth isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, especially mysteries. Other hobbies of her’s are crocheting and exercising.

Robert A.

Certified Teacher

Robert is a teacher in Overland Park, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Robert has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in Chemistry and Math, specially Algebra tutoring. He studied at California State University- Dominquez Hills and University of Kansas earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics and working on a Ph.D. in Chemistry. The greatest thing about Sylvan for Robert is the structure and the connections built with the students. When Robert isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him weight lifting, playing cards, building stuff, taking road trips and the stock market.