Meet Our Team

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 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 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.