Cindy Grant, Program Coordinator

Cindy oversees the Blended Learning Program for nurses.  She coordinates the classroom tutoring with our clients and publisher Distance Learning Systems.  As requirements change and new requirements are added to the program, Cindy ensures the clients are aware of the changes and deadlines are met. 

In addition to the Blended Learning Program for nurses, Cindy works with the Home Instruction program in several school districts.

Cindy has a BSW and is a Licensed Social Worker with a MA in Counseling.  Her background in medical social work enabled her to become very familiar with clients in our Blended Learning Program as well as understanding their difficult work schedules. Cindy regularly adjusts classroom schedules to adapt to changes in clients’ needs.

Laura Kamis, Administrative Assistant

Laura provides administrative support to the staff at North Coast Education Services. She utilizes her customer service, problem solving and organizational skills in her role as Administrative Assistant.  She has a background in small business, the medical field; hotel industry and church setting that give her the diverse talent to handle all the details that help keep the office running smoothly.

Pamela Morton, Bookkeeper

With about 300 active tutors, Pam coordinates invoices, contracts, and individual tutoring programs for payroll processing.  In addition to preparing office payroll, she manages many other office details.  Pam is an experienced bookkeeper and recently owned her own small business.  She’s a great addition to our team.

Ellen Karakul, Director of Autism Scholarship Program

Ellen manages the North Coast Education Services – Autism Scholarship Program.  This Ohio Department of Education (ODE) program offers scholarships to parents of qualified autistic children.  NCTS is an approved provider for this program in North East Ohio and other Ohio cities, and was approved by ODE at the program’s inception.

Ellen works with new and existing autism clients, our field supervisors and tutors to ensure we deliver the best possible tutoring services.  The reporting process includes clients, school districts, and the ODE.

Ellen has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a professional background in human resources.  She brings a wealth of people skills and problem-solving skills to North Coast Education.

Sharon Miles, BS, MA, Site Manager

As a site manager, Sharon supervises programs in several schools. Her primary objective is to ensure the children in our programs are learning and improving basic skills. Test results show excellent growth and performance improvement with most children.

Sharon enjoyed a successful career in the Cleveland Municipal Schools, and has earned a number of education awards. Her master’s degree is from Cleveland State University and she has earned additional course credits from John Carroll University. She is the current President of the North East Ohio Tennis Association.

Allison Reker, Director of Student Services

Allison is the program director for our Academic Tutoring program. She carefully matches students with tutors, sends workbook materials, and does regular follow-up calls to ensure that families are satisfied with our tutoring services.

In addition to managing the Academic Tutoring Program, Allison handles students who are receiving state-funded tutoring through the Supplemental Education Services program (SES). She processes pre and post testing for each student, develops individualized learning plans, and sends all necessary books and paperwork to our tutors. She also audits all of the reports that must be provided to school districts and parents on a monthly basis. Allison works hard to ensure that our SES students get quality tutoring, and that the school districts receive accurate, complete paperwork.

Allison has a B.A. in writing and has done a significant amount of coursework toward an M.A. She has a strong professional background in administrative work and in running a small business.

Jessica Smith, Program Director

With a background in customer service, education, and communications, Jessica is the Program Director for our private and home school client families.

In addition, Jessica coordinates our Community Learning program with LakelandCommunity College, where classes in reading, math, and ACT/SAT prep are held throughout the year.

Jessica has a B.A. in French/English with a minor in Education as well as a M.A.ed in Clinical Mental health counseling. She holds her license as a Professional Counselor and currently practices with the child-adult population. She is an experienced tutor and has worked for NCTS in various capacities for several years.

John Kusik, Vice President, Director of Marketing and Special Projects

As an active member of many organizations and a marketing consultant, John has an excellent “feel” for assessing markets. His marketing approach at North Coast Education has been highly successful.

Prior to spending full time at NCES, John was President of Focus Communications, marketing consultants, and completed projects for large and small regional and national companies. John was also President/CEO of the International Publishing Group (IPG), publishers of monthly, quarterly, and annual health care publications.

John appears as a guest speaker for many organizations, has been interviewed on numerous radio and television programs as a small business expert, and was the host of the popular "Focus on Business" radio program. In addition, he produced several nationally syndicated radio programs. Most recently, John was featured in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Magazine (and web site) answering the question ”What do you think should be the highest priority of the next President and Congress?”

John is the acclaimed co-author of several business books and is currently working on a book about our education system and how to fix it. He is also writing a book for new business owners about simplifying business in a more complicated business and technological environment. He writes for regional and national business publications.

John has always been active in the community and has served on many local and national service organization boards. He is currently Board Chair of the non-profit Creative Education Institute, Inc, and is a Board Member of the National Tutoring Association. He recently completed his term as President and Board Chair of Sales & Marketing Executives of Cleveland. In his home town, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, John is an active Board Member and Vice President of the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre and serves on the Executive Committee of the annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival.