Hello. I’ve been an educator for over 15 years. I am passionate about bilingualism and the different ways that language acquisition occurs.

I was born in México and raised in a Mexican-American culture.

I decided to found DLA to support people’s language learning journey and enrich our growingly diverse community.

I was born in Europe into a bilingual Italian and French family. I hold a degree from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, in Italian, French, and English language and literature studies, and a Master’s degree from Tufts University in linguistics.

I have taught Italian and French at Tufts and at Wellesley College. I have also taught Italian classes for adults and children, and I’m currently teaching Italian to my granddaughter.

I love to teach and to share the language and the culture of my countries of birth. My approach to language learning is to involve each student to actively participate, interact, and have fun!

I am originally from Alaska and moved to Davis in 2021. I am a dedicated learner of the Spanish language and received my degree in Spanish from Arizona State University.

Having acquired a second language in adulthood, I understand just how uncomfortable it can be to take it outside the classroom, but I also know all the life changing connection and gratification it can bring.

I am especially passionate about language acquisition but when I'm not in the classroom I also love to dance, read, and travel!

I was born in Woodland and raised in my hometown, Davis. When my family discovered that I am Deaf, they immediately began learning sign language to communicate with me. American Sign Language (ASL) is my native language, and English is my second language.

I earned an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Seattle Central Community College and a B.A. in Human Services from Western Washington University. I've had the amazing opportunity to travel to Europe three times, where I connected with Deaf communities and used International Sign Language.

I’ve taught ASL to people of all ages—from infants to senior citizens. I’m also a proud mother of three sons—two are Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs), and one is Deaf.

I’m truly excited to be a part of the Davis Language Academy!

Kaori is a Japanese instructor and a learning designer from Tokyo, Japan, as well as an avid language learner herself. After a decade of working as an ESL teacher in Tokyo, she came to the U.S. to obtain her MA in instructional design degree. Since graduating, she has been working for the University of California system. Her expertise includes faculty development, curriculum design, and learning interface design. She believes in the power of self-efficacy in learning. In her class, you'll be given a lot of scaffolded practices until you gain the confidence to start expressing yourself, which is the ultimate outcome of her lessons.

I moved to Davis with my family in 2005. Everybody who considers learning a language has different reasons, like traveling, friendships or moving to a German speaking country for a job. Learning a language needs commitment and opportunity to practice. I'm happy to adjust my German language instruction to your level of interest and your needs.

How do I teach? With 100% enthusiasm, with a lot of context of German culture, step-by-step, and with active practice for every student at any level. German is a very descriptive and precise language, you will enjoy it.

As a director of preschools, kindergartens and a school I was co - founder of a bilingual school and childcare in Berlin. Before, I worked in adult school programs. In addition, I was chairwoman of the education committee at the Berlin State Parliament. Here in Davis I volunteered with lectures in the classes of my children. I can assure you that I'm very knowledgeable and talented to work with people of any age. I will be happy to work with you, too!

Born in Guadalajara, México I migrated to the U.S. in the late 80´s along with my family like many others at the time. I lived in Southern California before moving to Davis in 2015. I have always had a passion for designing clothes and became a seamstress at an early age, which I still do as a hobby. Since Spanish is my native tongue and have had to learn English for most of my life, I also love helping others to have the same opportunity that was presented to me so many years go, learning a second language.

I was a volunteer at Cesar Chavez Elementary for a couple years and it was then that I understood the profound impact we can have in our children’s learning process when we are involved in their development. My primary goal is helping them gain life skills, which can offer them a better understanding of their community and a satisfying connection to a second culture.

Dr. Xiaochuan Zhang is a passionate Mandarin educator with over a decade of experience in dual language immersion and world language programs. Originally from China, she holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Tsinghua University and later earned an M.Ed. in World Language.

Before joining DLA, Dr. Zhang led Mandarin programs in public schools across Minnesota, North Carolina, and California. She is dedicated to helping students become confident multilingual communicators and future global leaders with open and curious minds.

Outside the classroom, Dr. Zhang enjoys hosting online reading clubs focused on Chinese classics and staying active in her home gym.