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.

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.

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.

Laura Ward

Tutor

Laura is a retired teacher in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Laura has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She studied at the University of California Santa Cruz. When Laura isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her going to the beach, kayaking, and cross-stitching.

Juliette Blevins

Tutor

Juliette is a tutor in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Juliette has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in math tutoring. She is currently studying at UNC-W. When Juliette isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her dancing at Dance Theatre of Jacksonville.

Melissa Rials

Tutor

Melissa is a 3rd grade 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 UNC-W. When Melissa isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her working out, reading, and spending time with her family.

Lisa Cherubini

Tutor

Lisa is an art teacher in Jacksonville, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Lisa has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading and writing tutoring. She studied at UNC-C, ECU, and UNC-W. When Lisa isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her going to the beach, teaching art, drawing, and writing.