Meet Our Team

Michelle Michonski

Center Director

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

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.

Kelly Collins

Lead Teacher

Kelly Collins is a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher in Chicago, IL with a gift for working with primary grades. 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.

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.

Anthony Surdo

Teacher

Anthony is currently an 8th grade science and STEM teacher with 6 years of experience.  He has a Bachelor’s in elementary education from ISU.  Anthony loves to bring new knowledge to his students and help them succeed and become lifelong learners.  His favorite subjects to teach at Sylvan is math and study skills.  When he’s not at Sylvan he enjoys outdoor recreation, exercise and fitness, playing piano, and spending time with friends and family.

Michele Saporito

Teacher

Michele is a math teacher at Taft High School in Chicago.  While Michele has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studied at the University of Illinois at Chicago for her undergrad and master’s at DePaul University. When Michele isn’t at Sylvan, you will find her helping her students succeed in school, spending time with her family, and taking pure barre classes.

Gina Lacava

Teacher

Gina is a retired CPS high school teacher with 20 years of experience in math and French. Gina is especially skillful at algebra and geometry, and enjoys finding new ways of explaining complex topics in a way that students can understand. When Gina isn’t at Sylvan, she enjoys playing the violin, travelling and spending time with her family including her dog Leo!

Maye Ayyad

Teacher

Maye is a student at Northeastern University working toward her elementary education license.  Sylvan is a great opportunity to apply the skills she’s learning in school directly to the students she tutors.  Once she graduates Maye would like to teach primary or elementary grades.   At Sylvan she enjoys teaching all subjects.  In her free time, you can find her studying for class or spending time with her family.

Ginny Slana

Teacher

Ginny is a former high school English teacher and current tutor. She enjoys working with children of all ages and interests. At UW—Madison and at DePaul University, she studied English Language and Literature, completing a master’s in Comparative Literature. Outside of Sylvan, Ginny enjoys playing and teaching music.

Sarah Scifo

Teacher

Sarah is a Pre-K teacher at McPherson School in Chicago with 23 years of primary teaching experience.  She has a BA in Early Childhood and an ESL endorsement.  In 2022 she will begin her master’s in Instructional Design and Technology.  Sarah enjoys working with young children because they are so eager to learn.  She enjoys seeing their faces light up when they master a new skill.   Her favorite subject to teach at Sylvan is reading.  When not teaching, you can find her playing mini-golf or having movie nights with her family.  She likes Stephen King novels and swimming.

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.

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.