Caren Beckett

Owner

Caren is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with her B.S. in Elementary Education. Caren has worked with Sylvan in many different capacities since 1996. Prior to opening the Bowling Green Center in 2001, she worked in Columbus area centers as a teacher and Director. Caren comments, "Sylvan offers programs that help students feel successful again. The excitement shown by students when they see their school grades improve is not only rewarding as a Director, but also as an educator."

Craig Beckett

Owner

Craig is a graduate of the University of Toledo and has an MBA from the University of Findlay. He joined Sylvan in April 2006, and prior to that worked as an engineer. Craig and his wife (Caren) are involved in the daily operations of the 3 Sylvan centers they own: Bowling Green, Defiance, and Lima.

Pam J Fried

Center Director

Pam graduated from the University of Toledo with a B.S. in education (K-12) . She had the opportunity to teach for four area schools before joining Sylvan and before that taught a parent education course when living in Florida. Our specially designed programs pinpoint deficient study areas. She has four children, Nathan, Tara, Jordan and Heidi. Her husband Vince is a professor at Rhodes State College and also instructs here at Sylvan.

Adriene Swyers

Director of Education

Education: Graduated from Bowling Green State University Cum Laude with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Reading Endorsement

Personal: My husband, Sean and I two children, Jakob and Isabelle, reside in Kalida, Ohio.

Why I Love Being a Part of Sylvan: It is a great place to help students experience that learning feels good! We have a great family of staff whom truly cares about each and every student that walks through the door!

Favorite Author: Mitch Albom

Michelle Vickers

Instructor

Polly Rodgers

Instructor

Polly graduated from St. Ursuline College with a focus in English. She loves to play volleyball and played in college.

Polly loves Sylvan in the fact that she can find the specific skills that a student may be struggling with and target those in helping.

Alison Lawrence

Instructor

Alison has her Masters of Education in Mathematics and Language Arts. She currently teaches 6th grade Math and Language Arts at Lima North Middle School. She enjoys playing and coaching volleyball.
Alison likes working at Sylvan because: "Sylvan individualizes lessons for every student! Since Sylvan targets the problem area it is easy to get a strong handle on helping these students to succeed... and that is a GREAT feeling! Seeing students boost their confidence makes every day worth it."

Janet Cobb

Instructor

Education: Masters of Education from The Ohio State University

License grades K-8 in all subjects

Family: 4 daugthers, Katrina, Amanda, Marisa and Rebecca

Teaching Experience: Lima City Schools from 1999 to present. Taught grades K-5, except 1st.

Something Interesting: love to travel!

Favorite Book and Authors: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Eric Carle and Jan Brett

Vince Fried

Instructor

Vince has his masters in business administration, bachelors in theology, bachelors in biochemistry, associate degree in x-ray technology and is a professor at Rhodes State College. He loves teaching advanced math, chemistry/physics - anything science, and enjoys teaching the ACT prep course.

Michelle Ellerbrock

Instructor

Education: Masters degree in Education from The Ohio State University with certifications in PreK - 3.

Family: Parents Roger and Marilyn, 2 younger sisters, Dana and Jenna

Teaching Experience: Substitute in Allen, Putnam and Van Wert counties, long term substitute in 1st grade

Favorite Book: Ain't Gonna Paint No More

Mindy Unverferth

Instructor

Education: Masters in education from The Ohio State University with certifications in PreK-3

Family: Husband Travis,Parents Ken and Carol, Siblings Jason and Julie, Dog Riley,

Teaching Experience: Substitute teacher in all grades K-12 in Putnam and Allen Counties

Something Interesting: Played the clarinet for 7 years and the piano for 3 years

Favorite Books: The Junie B. Jones series

Brenda Dunlap

Instructor

Branda graduated from Bluffton University in 2004 wtih a degree in Middle Childhood Education. Her focus is in Math and Language Arts. She has experience substitute teaching at various schools.

Brenda loves teaching at Sylvan for the kids! "Every day is a new experience and has new challenges. The kids are fun to work with and can always bring a smile to enlighten my day!"

Kellie Cook

Instructor

Megan McClure

Instructor

Brandon Bucholtz

Instructor

Jessica Krouse

Instructor