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.

Jackie Naughton began working for Sylvan as a tutor in January 2022 and became the Center Director in May of the same year. She has worked in education for more than 20 years. She has a BA in Psychology and MS in Counseling. Jackie worked as an academic advisor, creator of the Community Service Program, and coordinator for disability services at Briarcliffe College. She was the college’s Learning Center director for 5 years providing tutoring, testing accommodations, advisement, and study halls. Jackie has previously worked as a private tutor in test prep and multiple subjects. Jackie enjoys working with students of all ages and is excited to be the Center Director of Sylvan Learning Center in Wilmington.

Erica Spivey

Director of Education

Erica has been a tutor for Sylvan since May 2022 and became Director of Education in June of 2023. With experience as a tutor for Cape Fear Comm. College, a graduate TA for UNCW, and as a private tutor, Erica understands the dynamics of education and the importance of individualized learning plans. She brings with her a passion for education and a history of helping others reach their full potential. “Arming others for success” is her life motto and she is excited to bring that to life at Sylvan. Erica graduated from Laney High, earned her Associates in English from Cape Fear, her BA in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from UNC-Chapel Hill, and her MA in Sociology from UNCW.

Brian Schorr

Tutor

Brian is a history teacher at South Brunswick High School with a gift for working with kids. While Brian has many tutoring talents, he finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. He studied at UNCW, Cornell, and CSUN. When Brian isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find him cooking and enjoying Sci-Fi. Brian was recently awarded West Brunswick High School’s Rookie of the Year!

Judith Nichols

Tutor

Judith has been teaching reading and math at Sylvan since summer of 2022. She finds it rewarding to help children learn new skills and concepts and is proud to be a part of the Sylvan team! Judith spent 30+ years working as a microbiologist and analytical chemist. In 2020, she earned an MS degree in gerontology from UNCW. Judith is passionate about singing in choirs and travels around the state to perform with the cathedral choir of the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Carolina. She swims on the Cape Fear Aquatic’s master team. She also enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her Siamese cat, Gus

Bernice McIntyre

Tutor

Bernice is a teacher in Wilmington, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Bernice has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She studied at UNC-Wilmington. When Bernice isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her gardening vegetables in her backyard, serving as Minister of Music at her church, creating paper and vinyl crafts with her Cricut, or reading nonfiction books.

Sievey Jackson

Tutor

Sievey is a math, reading, and writing instructor in Wilmington, NC. Sievey graduated from UNC-Wilmington and has honed his teaching skills from years of working with kids and tutoring in both small groups and individual sessions. As a writer of both prose and screenplays, Sievey feels most at home in writing instruction. Outside of Sylvan, you are likely to find Sievey writing, reading, watching movies, or weight lifting.

Kelly Brannigan

Tutor

Kelly is a tutor in Wilmington, NC with a gift for working with kids of all ages. While Kelly has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studied at UNC Chapel Hill. When Kelly isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading a great book or exploring a new park with her dog.