Meet our Skokie Tutoring Staff

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Great Teachers Inspire

Our tutors and staff in Skokie consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Skokie know how to engage and motivate each child in a personal way—building confidence and smiles, as well as skills and better scores. We selectively choose tutors who know local curriculum and can link Sylvan lessons to what’s being taught in school. Get to know our tutors and staff in Skokie!

  • Michelle Michonski, Center Director

    Michelle Michonski

    Center Director

    Michelle oversees the educational integrity and business aspects of the center. She brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan of Skokie having begun with Sylvan as an instructor in Green Bay, WI, and Northbrook, IL. She is even a Sylvan graduate; having completed the study skills program in high school! A graduate of St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI, she stayed in her college town to teach 6th grade before returning to her roots of Lincolnwood. When Michelle isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her in the kitchen cooking or baking or at the gym working off consumed calories!
  • Renee Tzakis, Educational Assistant

    Renee Tzakis

    Educational Assistant

    Renée graduated cum laude from Miami University with a B.S. in Middle Childhood Education in 2002. She has endorsements in reading, language arts, and social studies. After teaching primary and middle school-aged children for three years, she realized her true passion was teaching younger students. Renee decided to go back to school for her Master's degree, she graduated with high honors from DePaul University in Chicago, IL in 2009 with a Masters in Early Childhood Education. Renee is a PK Special Education teacher in Chicago and she brings a wealth of knowledge to Sylvan. When not at Sylvan, she enjoys gardening, reading, family BBQs, and movie club with her friends. 
  • Lori T., Teacher

    Lori T.

    Teacher

    Lori is a teacher in Chicago, IL. with a gift for working with kids who need ELA support. While Lori has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in Reading/Writing tutoring. She studied at NEIU. When Lori isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her reading (of course), hanging out with her two kids and husband, and playing with her Doberman Pinscher.
  • Mickey Nolan, Teacher

    Mickey Nolan

    Teacher

    Mickey is a tutor with a talent for working with kids at the elementary level. While Mickey has vast experience, she finds her greatest joy in teaching math and beginning readers. She studied education at the College of St. Benedict and received her master's in curriculum and instruction at National Louis University. When Mickey isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, watching the St. Louis Cardinals play baseball, and boating on Lake Tomahawk in Wisconsin.
  • Patrick Augustine, Teacher/Center Assistant

    Patrick Augustine

    Teacher/Center Assistant

    Patrick is an academic and standardized testing tutor in Chicago, IL with a gift for college exam preparation. While Patrick has many tutoring talents, Patrick finds the greatest joy in helping his students gain skills and confidence heading into the SAT and ACT. He graduated from the University of Chicago. When Patrick isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him reading or playing video games on the couch next to his cat, Winona.
  • Kelly Collins, Teacher

    Kelly Collins

    Teacher

    Kelly Collins is a Kindergarten Teacher in Plainfield, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Kelly has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in tutoring reading. Kelly studied at the University of St. Francis. When Kelly isn't at Sylvan, you'll find her reading, having dinner with her friends or family, or watching HGTV.
  • Kelly Kukla, Teacher

    Kelly Kukla

    Teacher

    Kelly is a special education in Chicago, IL with a gift for working with kids. While Kelly has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in early literacy/reading tutoring. She studied at St. Louis University. When Kelly isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her exercising, spending time with family and friends, and watching movies.