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.

Krystal Schmelig

Center Director

As Center Director, Krystal leads our team for Sylvan Learning of Overland Park, Ks, taking care of all our our current students and families on the daily.

As a former teacher for 16 years in the Blue Valley School District, Krystal chose a career in the tutoring business because she has had first-hand experience with students who require extra support to meet grade level expectations.  Even with all the great resources in the schools, she believes that Sylvan is an added and beneficial support.

Krystal received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Early Childhood Education from Pittsburg State University.  She received a Masters in Elementary Education with ESOL endorsement and Child Psychology from Baker University. Krystal is committed to upholding Sylvan’s high standards and ensuring families experience the full value of Sylvan’s programs.

When Krystal isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her watching her sons play sports, fishing, or doing artwork.  You’ll probably find her playing amongst the kids!

Donna C.

Certified Lead Teacher

Donna is an amazing teacher in Overland Park, KS. She has special expertise in Language Arts tutoring, reading, and writing. Donna has a great ability to relate to kids. The greatest thing about Sylvan in Donna’s opinion is the amazing staff and students and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students. She studied at KU and Emporia State earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, K-9, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. When Donna isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her swimming or gardening.

Alicia G.

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Alicia is a tutor at Sylvan of Overland Park, Ks.  She is a graduate of Lincoln High School in Lincoln, MO and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Early Childhood from Kaplan University. She enjoys tutoring students in elementary and early middle school in Reading and Math. Alicia believes the greatest thing about Sylvan is the small group setting and helping students to be successful.  In her spare time, Alicia enjoys playing darts, walking, traveling, and spending time with her son and grandson.

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.

Derek is a tutor at Sylvan of Overland Park, KS. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas and MidAmerica Nazarene University, earning his Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Derek enjoys tutoring students reading, writing, and math. Derek enjoys facilitating the small group setting and working with a variety of students.  In his spare time, Derek enjoys reading and watching movies.

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.

Lakin A.

Sylvan Certified Teacher

Lakin is a tutor at Sylvan of Overland Park, KS. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism with Minors Spanish and Italian. Lakin enjoys tutoring students of all ages in a variety of subject areas that include reading, math, writing, and study skills. Lakin believes the greatest thing about Sylvan is the individualized attention to help students understand concepts and the encouragement to keep learning even when subjects are challenging and be a lifelong learner.  In her spare time, Lakin enjoys singing, dancing, hiking, backpacking around the world, and learning new languages.

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.

Penny C.

Certified Teacher

Penny is a teacher based in our Overland Park, KS Sylvan location.  Penny is great at connecting with kids from all backgrounds and abilities. While possessing a wide array of tutoring skills, she takes particular delight in teaching reading to all age groups. She holds both a BS and MA in Elementary Education. Giving every student the opportunity to work on concepts they are struggling in and then seeing them be able to take those with confidence into the classroom is what Penny truly enjoys about working at Sylvan.  When not at Sylvan, Penny enjoys reading and spending as much time as she can with her grandchildren!

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.

Twyla L.

Certified Teacher

Twyla is a Tutor in Overland Park, KS. with a gift for working with elementary and middle students. While Twyla has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading & math tutoring. She studied Spanish & Communications at KU and earned her Master’s in Education at Pittsburg State University. When Twyla isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys walking, traveling, and reading.