Professor Nikolakakos has been an educator for 38 years. Her experience includes teaching, administration and supervision. As a teacher, Professor Nikolakakos taught grades from kindergarten through grade nine in the New York City Public School System. She subsequently became a literacy specialist sharing her expertise with new teachers and struggling readers. Her administrative positions include Director of Literacy and Library Programs at the district level and Assistant Principal of a very large elementary school.

Professor Nikolakakos has conducted numerous literacy seminars and workshops and has taught literacy courses at Mercy College where she was employed for several years.  For the past six years Professor Nikolakakos has directed the Master of Teaching Literacy Program. She is committed to ensuring that the Literacy Program prepares students to become qualified literacy professionals who will make a genuine difference in the lives of their students.

Professor Nikolakakos earned a baccalaureate degree in Speech Pathology from Hunter College, a Master Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College and a degree in Administration and Supervision from The City College of New York. She is near completion of her Doctoral Degree from Nova Southeastern University. She is a member of the International Association of Reading and the American Education Research Association.