Meet Our Team

Kirstin Palermo

Director of Educational Operations

Kirstin leads Sylvan Learning of NE Kansas in implementing educational operations and ensuring the academic growth of every student. Previously the Director of Education at Overland Park Sylvan, Center Director of preschools in Johnson Co, Ks, and former teacher in Wichita Public Schools, Kirstin brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan. She graduated from Wichita State University in Wichita, KS with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and obtained her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Emporia State University. When Kirstin isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her daughter and family, camping, and scrapbooking.

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.

Georgia Ford

Prometric Testing Manager

Georgia has been with Sylvan of Topeka and Prometric for over 30 years.  She received her Bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University.  She went on to get her Master’s degree in secondary education from the University of New Mexico.  Georgia is a great asset to the Topeka Sylvan team.

Allie Lippe-Mackey

Director

Director

As Center Director, Allie Lippe-Mackey leads the teachers in providing exceptional services and education for Sylvan of Topeka. As a former science teacher in public education, Allie chose a career at Sylvan to ensure students can receive the support and individualized education they need. Allie graduated from Kansas State with her Bachelors in Life Science. She also has her masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in science literacy from Washburn University. Allie lives in Lawrence, KS and loves taking her miniature dachshund, Ruby May, for walks, and browsing for more books to read on the couch with her cat, Sugar.

Kris W.

Lead Certified Teacher

Kristine is a teacher in Topeka, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Kris has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in upper elementary school tutoring in subjects such as Academic Reading, 6th Grade Math, and Study Skills. She studied at Washburn University earing a Masters Degree in Special Education. When Kris isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her taking care of the 10 dogs that she has rescued. Awards Won: USD 437 Elementary Teacher of the Year ’97, Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominee, National Board Certified Teacher

Shay N.

Lead Certified Teacher

Shay is a teacher in Topeka, KS.  While Shay has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in Reading, Social Studies and Math. To Shay, the best thing about Sylvan is the ability to work one on one with students and focus more on their skills in a small setting. She has achieved a bachelor’s degree of Science in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and is currently working on her Master’s in Library Media Specialist from Fort Hays State University. When Shay isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, crewing at husbands’ races, going to concerts, hanging out with her two sons; one just new to the family, and crafting; shirts and signs mainly.

Alex S.

Certified Math Teacher

Alex is a teacher in Topeka, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Alex has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in math tutoring, especially Calculus, Trigonometry, and Geometry. He studied at Iowa State University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science then a Ph.D. in Mathematics. In Alex’s opinion, the greatest thing about Sylvan is the personalized curriculum which identifies and strengthens each student’s weakness to build their confidence and set them up for success in both academics and life. When Alex isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him reading, playing games with friends, and spending time with family.

Christy S.

Certified Teacher

Christy is a teacher in Topeka, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Christy has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading to Elementary students. Her favorite thing about Sylvan is how it individualizes plans for every students needs. She studied at Washburn University earning a Bachelors of Education. When Christy isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her hiking and fishing.

Jessica S.

Certified Teacher

Jessica has a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology and a B.S. in Zoology from Washington State University.  She also has a Master’s in Education from Eastern Washington University. While Jessica has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in Academic Reading, Algebra, ACT-Math, and Advanced Study Skills.  She loves Sylvan because of the integration of technology to focus on individual learning plans. When Jessica is not at Sylvan you’ll find her hanging out with her daughter, Scout, and her friends.

Nicole B.

Certified Teacher

Nicole is a teacher in Topeka, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Nicole has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in Phonics tutoring, she loves watching students learn how to put letters and sounds together to make words. She studied at Washburn University where she earned her Bachelor degree in Education with early childhood emphasis. Nicole’s favorite thing about Sylvan is how it can go beyond the classroom. The small group setting is conducive for deeper learning. When Nicole isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her with her husband exploring new cities/towns and watching baseball.

Paige C.

Certified Teacher

Paige is a teacher in Topeka, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Paige has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in English tutoring. The greatest thing about Sylvan for Paige is honestly an amazing place to work. The wholesome environment makes it an awesome place for kids to grow confidence and learn. She studied at Barton County Community College and Kansas State University earning her AA in Performance and BS in Secondary Education with a minor in English Literature. When Paige isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her with her fiancé and their two dogs, Venus & Apollo, and she loves to crochet and paint.

Meagan H.

Certified Teacher

Meagan is a teacher in Topeka, KS with a gift for working with kids. While Meagan has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading and social studies tutoring. She studied at Emporia State University where she earned her BA in Elementary Education. The best thing about Sylvan for Meagan is the small group setting, which creates more individual learning opportunities. When Meagan isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, listening to Taylor Swift, and playing with her cats.