Meet Our Management Team

  • Addam Cohn, CEO

    Addam Cohn, a proud graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, has been leading A+ Skills with passion and vision since 2017. After taking the reins from founder Debbie Mandell, Addam brought fresh energy and a forward-thinking approach to the company, integrating 21st-century technology while staying true to the mission of providing personalized, high-quality tutoring for every student.

    Over the past 8 years, Addam has worked directly with students and families across Southwest Florida, the country, and even internationally. He is the founder and director of A+ Skills’ College Planning Program and has overseen the growth of all company locations. In 2021, he expanded A+ Skills into the Dallas-Fort Worth area with offices in Keller and Southlake, TX, while also broadening the company’s virtual reach through Zoom services.

    Under his leadership, A+ Skills has served thousands of families and continues to grow. Today, the company is recognized as the longest-running tutoring service in Naples and is well known for its results-driven approach, trusted expertise, and unmatched dedication to student success.

  • Debbie Mandell, Founder & Education Director

    A+ Skills was founded in 2004 by Debbie Mandell, an educator with over 30 years of experience in Greenwich, Connecticut. Debbie’s illustrious career spanned roles as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and administrator at the elementary and middle school levels. Her academic credentials include a Master of Science in Reading and a Sixth-Year Degree in Administration and Supervision, reflecting her deep commitment to education.

    In 2017, Debbie sold A+ Skills to Addam Cohn and currently serves as the company’s Education Director. Debbie leads all elementary and middle school services, including specialized programs for students with learning differences and gifted learners, and continues to provide invaluable support and mentorship to A+ Skills' team of dedicated tutors. She works closely with Addam, who founded and directs the company’s College Planning Program, helping nearly 75–100 students annually through a comprehensive, personalized admissions process.

    Together, Debbie and Addam have transformed A+ Skills into the longest-running and most trusted tutoring company in Naples, now serving families across the country and around the world.

  • Zach Harter, Managing Director

    In June 2021, when Addam expanded A+ Skills to the Dallas–Fort Worth area, he brought on Zach Harter, a hard-working and dedicated recent graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, to lead operations in Naples. Zach has taken Addam’s vision and continued to elevate it—driving innovation, integrating advanced educational technologies, and enhancing the student experience across all services. His relentless work ethic and forward-thinking approach have helped expand A+ Skills’ undergraduate and graduate coaching programs, offering support in advanced math and science courses, business and engineering tracks, certification prep, and career-focused advising.

    Zach works closely with students on academic organization, career exploration, and course selection, while leading specialized programs tailored to the unique needs of college and graduate-level learners. His leadership has been instrumental in building out structured coaching for students pursuing medical, business, and STEM careers. Together, Zach and Addam collaborate directly on key initiatives, including SAT/ACT Test Prep, college and graduate school applications, internship placement, and long-term career planning. Their partnership continues to fuel A+ Skills’ growth, bringing impactful and individualized support to students of all ages, both in-person and around the world through a rapidly growing virtual platform.

  • Elena Null, Administrative Assistant

    As A+ Skills rapidly expanded from serving 50 to over 250 weekly students, Elena’s role as Administrative Assistant became essential to sustaining the company’s growth and excellence. Addam hired her for her enthusiasm, reliability, and natural ability to make the entire team more efficient—and she has exceeded every expectation. Elena is an indispensable part of the management team, supporting daily operations with precision, professionalism, and care. With exceptional organizational skills and a sharp eye for detail, she ensures smooth communication across all locations, managing everything from scheduling and progress reports to issuing receipts and assisting with program coordination.

    Her behind-the-scenes dedication allows the educational team to stay focused on what matters most: student success. Elena’s ability to manage a high volume of logistics while providing fast, thoughtful support to both families and staff makes her a cornerstone of the A+ Skills experience.