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.

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!

Silvia Soliz

Director of Education

My name is Silvia Soliz and I am the Director of Education at Sylvan Learning Center. I started my journey with Sylvan a year ago and it has been a wonderful experience. I have a Masters in Public Administration. I also earned my BA of Arts majoring in Social Science and Minor in Sociology. Upon graduating I worked in the field of natural disasters for over 3 years. I have extensive experience as a social worker for over 6 years. I have spent my time working as an elementary teacher the last 5 years including here in Onslow county. I am very passionate about my role as the Director of Education. My heart is always to serve our students the best possible way that I can.

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 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.

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.

Aiden Garrick

Tutor

Aiden is an instructor in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Aiden has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in English tutoring. He studied at Lenoir-Rhyne University. When Aiden is not at Sylvan, you’ll find him drawing or reading.

Racheal Riehle

Tutor

Racheal is a teacher in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Racheal has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math and reading tutoring. She studied at UNC-Wilmington and is currently enrolled at NCCU. When Racheal isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her daughter, reading true crime, and drawing.

Jodi Kaiser

Tutor

Jodi is a K4 teacher in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Jodi has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She studied at Rosemont College. When Jodi isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her spending time with her family.

Vicki Drennen

Tutor

Vicki is a teacher in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Vicki has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math and science tutoring. She studied at Western Governs University. When Vicki isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her watching Alabama football and reading.