Meet the Columbia 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.

Stephanie is a tutor at Sylvan of Columbia. While she has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in emergent literacy, grades Pre-K to Grade 2. She studied Hearing and Speech Science at the University of Maryland, College Park and Early Childhood Education at Towson University. When Stephanie isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her cooking, gardening, crafting, and watching Washing Capitals hockey.

Donald is a tutor at Sylvan of Columbia, who finds the greatest joy in tutoring Math. Donald majored in Accounting at the University of Baltimore, then went back to Towson University to obtain his teaching certificate.

Amaka is a tutor at Sylvan of Columbia. While Amaka has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in high school and middle school math tutoring. She studied psychology, education, and special education at the University of Pennsylvania and Lesley University. When Amaka isn’t tutoring, you'll find her singing in her choir, trying new recipes, or volunteering.

Will brings a strong academic background and a passion for mathematics to Sylvan Learning of Columbia. He studied Biology at Washington College and Teaching at Loyola University Maryland, where he currently teaches. Will especially enjoys working with middle and high school students, helping them navigate challenging math concepts, strengthen problem-solving skills, and build confidence in their abilities. Outside of education, Will enjoys playing video games, swimming, and creating digital artwork.

Ms. Motts brings extensive educational preparation and a passion for student achievement to Sylvan Learning of Columbia and Catonsville. She holds credentials in Advanced Elementary Education for grades 1–9, along with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Mathematics Education. Her academic journey also includes studies at Morgan State University, Baltimore City Community College, and Towson University. With a strong foundation in education and mathematics, Ms. Motts especially enjoys helping elementary and middle school students develop essential academic skills, strengthen their understanding, and discover what they can achieve. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with friends, walking and playing with her dog, Princess, and traveling to warm, sunny destinations.

Sasha brings a passion for literacy and classroom experience to Sylvan Learning of Columbia. She studied English literature and language arts at Stevenson University and earned her Maryland State Teaching Credential in 2024. Currently teaching in the classroom, Sasha brings valuable classroom insight to her work with elementary and middle school students. She especially enjoys helping young learners strengthen reading comprehension, writing skills, and confidence in expressing their ideas. When she's not teaching, Sasha enjoys reading drama and mystery series, experimenting with new recipes, and taking walks with her dog.