Meet Our Team
Great Teachers Inspire
Our tutors and staff in Jacksonville consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville!
Mandi Cochran
Executive Director
My name is Mandi Cochran and I began working at Sylvan in 2010 as an Ace It! tutor. I was thrilled to rejoin the Sylvan family in 2014. I am a product of Onslow County schools, graduating from Northside High School in 2005. In 2009 I graduated from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, earning a BS in Elementary Education. Upon graduating, I returned to Onslow County and taught elementary school for five years. I am very excited to be a part of Sylvan and look forward to continuing the great work being done in our community to bring quality education to all children.
Lan Gonzalez
Director of Education
Lan Gonzalez started with Sylvan in 2022 as a tutor and became a director in November of 2022! She graduated from University of Florida with a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and received her Masters of Business Administration from National University. Before joining Sylvan full time, Lan worked as a tutor for Onslow County Schools. She loves working with children of all ages and is thoroughly excited to continue her journey at Sylvan!
Antigone Jackson
Center Director
My name is Antigone Jackson and I am the Center Director for Sylvan Learning Center of Jacksonville. I obtained my Bachelor’s in Art from East Carolina University in Philosophy and Psychology. I have extensive experience working with students who have learning challenges, such as ADD, ADHD, and dyslexia to name a few. Sharing my own experience and challenges academically as a result of ADHD and dyslexia helps to create an encouraging and trusting learning environment. My goal is to help all students reach their full academic potential! I look forward to meeting you and your student(s) soon!
Sarah Shomsky
Tutor
Sarah is a tutor in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Sarah has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in geometry and algebra. She studied at Cal State University – San Marcos. When Sarah isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her sunbathing at the beach or diving into a good book!
Richard Montford
Tutor
Richard is a retired teacher in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Richard has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in mathematics tutoring. He studied at UNCW and Coastal Carolina Community College. When Richard isn’t at Sylvan, you can find him gardening, cooking, choral singing, or at Bible study.
Erika Cummings
Tutor
Erika is an instructional coach in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Erika has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studied at NCA & TSU and ECU. When Erika isn’t at Sylvan, you can find her getting together with family and friends.
Monica Guerrero
Tutor
Monica is a fourth grade teacher in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Monica has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studied at UNCW. When Monica isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her hiking, biking, and trying new foods.
Silvia Soliz
Tutor
Silvia is a third grade teacher in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Silvia has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in science and reading tutoring. She studied at San Diego University. When Silvia isn’t at Sylvan, you can find her getting lost at Barnes & Noble or hiking a new mountain.
Melissa Montellano
Tutor
Melissa is a teacher in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Melissa has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She studied at UCLA. When Melissa isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her walking the beach collecting shells, reading, and watching movies.
Darche Roy
Tutor
Darche is a teacher in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Darche has many tutoring talents, she finds greatest joy in reading and elementary math tutoring. She studied at Campbell University. While Darche isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading books, working out, and spending time with family.
Start your child on the path to academic success today
Give us a call at (910) 915-8107 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.