Meet Our Team
Great Teachers Inspire
Our tutors and staff in New Bern consist of passionate educators who love inspiring children to succeed. Warm, caring and great at relating to kids, our tutors in New Bern know how to engage and motivate each child in a personal way—building confidence and smiles, as well as skills and better scores. We selectively choose tutors who know local curriculum and can link Sylvan lessons to what’s being taught in school.
Get to know our tutors and staff in New Bern!
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 Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Upon graduating, I returned to Onslow County Schools 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.
Elise McAbee
Tutor
Director
My name is Elise and I am the director of Sylvan in New Bern! I grew up in Onslow County, NC. I attended Craven Community College in New Bern where I received my Associates degree in Voice, and then I moved onto Appalachian State University where I majored in Choral Music Education. I’ve spent my career in education working with all ages, from infants to college adults, and I landed at Sylvan in January of 2025. When not at work, you’ll find me with my dog, Rosie, working on a new craft, or making music. I feel the best way to change the world is to educate the next generation, and I am so proud to be part of a team who works to put our students first in everything we do!
Tori Whitley
Tutor
Tori is an EC teacher in New Bern, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Tori has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading and science tutoring. She studied at Hampton University, VA Commonwealth University, Grand Canton University, and University of the Southwest. When Tori isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her baking, creating different candies, supporting her husband and children in sports. Tori’s husband is a chef who coaches football, basketball, and track.
Monica Worley
Tutor
Monica is a teacher in New Bern, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Monica has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading tutoring. She studied at Universidad Nacional Guzman Y Valle (Lima, Peru). When Monica isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her riding her bike, cooking, and traveling.
Kim Koonce
Tutor
Kim is an instructor in New Bern, NC with a gift for working with kids. While Kim has many tutoring talents, she finds the greatest joy in reading and writing tutoring. She studied at East Carolina University. When Kim isn’t at Sylvan, you’ll find her reading, taking pictures, and caring for her cats.
Start your child on the path to academic success today
Give us a call at (252) 772-9283 or fill out the form to discuss your child’s learning goals.
