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

I decided to found DLA to support people’s language learning journey and become part of a 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!

Hello, My name is Jasmine Harris, a Deaf educator with a deep passion for teaching American Sign Language (ASL). Currently pursuing my graduate degree, I am dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in education.

Traveling and hiking are my greatest joy. By teaching ASL, I strive to bridge the communication gap and foster understanding between Deaf and Hearing communities. Let's join forces and create more inclusive and vibrant world together.

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.

Hello, my name is Jiaxin. I have been teaching and tutoring Chinese Mandarin for over 6 years. I’m passionate about spreading the language and culture as a whole. I have worked with students of different levels.

I love composition writing and visiting museums. I’m more than happy to devote my time to teaching and helping people improve their Chinese language skills.