Our instructors

Anna Asadov-Ossowska is a native speaker of Russian and Polish with over a decade of experience teaching Russian language and culture at all proficiency levels. She holds an M.A. in International Relations with an emphasis in Russian from Wroclaw University of Economics and Business and a dual B.A. in International Business and Russian Language from San Diego State University, where she currently teaches at the Language Acquisition Resource Center (LARC). Anna has taught in federally funded programs such as STARTALK and Project Global Officer (Project GO), and she has designed curriculum and led immersive instruction for high school and college students. Her teaching is grounded in a communicative, proficiency-based approach. Several of her students have passed the OPI exam at the Advanced level and received prestigious scholarships to study abroad. As part of her ongoing professional development, Anna has completed the Middlebury STARTALK Institute for Teachers of Russian, a rigorous program focused on effective pedagogy and curriculum design. She is also a fellow of the AATSEEL K–12 Teacher Excellence Program and has earned certificates from Stanford STARTALK, the AATSEEL Certificate Program in Inclusive Pedagogies, the California World Language Project (CWLP), and the Flagship Teachers Training Workshop at Indiana University. Anna integrates creativity and culture into her classroom, often drawing from her interests in film, history, and cuisine to create immersive and engaging experiences for her students.

Claudia is a certified Portuguese and English language instructor with 20 years of teaching experience. She holds a master's degree in dual language education from SDSU (2017) and is certified through the prestigious Startalk Teacher Training program. Her teaching methodology adheres to ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) standards, ensuring students achieve measurable proficiency outcomes. Claudia enriches her language instruction with authentic cultural elements, including expertise in Capoeira, traditional Brazilian dance, and music, providing students with immersive language learning experiences that connect language acquisition with cultural fluency.

Ciao holds a master's degree in Conference Interpretation and a bachelor's degree in Translation Studies from the prestigious University of Lisbon, Portugal. As a Cambridge CELTA-certified language instructor (Cambridge English Language Teaching to Adults), she brings expert credentials to her language teaching methodology. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes comprehensive language acquisition through structured grammar instruction, strategic vocabulary development, and authentic cultural context. Ciao's passion for language mechanics enables her to break down complex linguistic concepts into accessible learning modules, making her an ideal instructor for students seeking mastery in both conversational fluency and technical language proficiency.

Mariana is an experienced English language instructor with a proven track record teaching all proficiency levels since 2013. She holds a TOEFL IBT C1 certification from the prestigious Atlantic Language School in Ireland (2014), demonstrating advanced English mastery. As a bilingual educator fluent in Spanish and English, she brings valuable cross-linguistic insights to her teaching methodology. Mariana's approach integrates cultural immersion with language acquisition, emphasizing authentic learning experiences that develop both conversational fluency and academic proficiency. Her student-centered teaching philosophy promotes language learning as a continuous developmental journey, making her particularly effective with learners seeking practical communication skills and cultural competence.

Daniele is a certified Portuguese language instructor with academic credentials including bachelor's and master's degrees in Social Work from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her professional background includes distinguished service with United Nations programs in both Brazil and the United States, bringing international perspective to her language instruction. Daniele's teaching methodology emphasizes cultural immersion alongside linguistic proficiency, creating authentic Brazilian Portuguese learning experiences. She specializes in incorporating cultural diversity discussions, Brazilian customs, and contemporary Brazilian society into her language curriculum, making her courses particularly valuable for students seeking both language skills and cultural competency for professional, academic, or travel purposes.

Maria Luiza (Malu) is a certified Portuguese language instructor with specialized training from the prestigious Startalk program at San Diego State University's Language Learning Resource Center. Since 2017, she has developed expertise teaching Brazilian Portuguese in diverse educational settings, including private language academies and public refugee integration programs in Brazil. Malu implements a research-based communicative approach to language acquisition, focusing on contextual grammar development through authentic conversational scenarios. Her methodology emphasizes practical language skills that prepare students for real-world communication, making her courses ideal for learners seeking functional Portuguese proficiency for business, travel, or cultural purposes.

With over a decade of experience in language education, Thiago brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching. He earned his Bachelor of Literature in Portuguese from the prestigious University of São Paulo (USP) in 2013, followed by a Master of Arts from San Diego State University (SDSU) in 2017. Additionally, he has studied ACTFL methodologies, equipping him with advanced strategies for language acquisition. Thiago has taught at Language Door and Southwestern College, helping students of all backgrounds achieve fluency. He is fluent in French, has a strong foundation in Italian, and teaches Spanish, making him a versatile language educator with a global perspective. Whether you're looking to master Portuguese, improve your Spanish, or explore new languages, Thiago provides expert guidance tailored to your learning needs.

With over 15 years of teaching experience, Olena is a dedicated Ukrainian and English instructor who helps students achieve fluency with proven learning strategies. She holds a degree in Ukrainian and English teaching from Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, named after G.S. Skovoroda. Since 2009, Olena has guided students through C1 and C2 level exams, ensuring top performance and confidence in their language skills. She specializes in mnemonic techniques, making language acquisition efficient and engaging. Whether you're aiming for academic success, professional development, or conversational fluency, Olena provides personalized instruction tailored to your learning style.

Karina is a dedicated educator in economic theory and languages, bringing extensive expertise to her students. She teaches economic theory and English at Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, named after G.S. Skovoroda, while also serving as an English and Ukrainian teacher at a secondary school in Kharkiv since 2009. Known for her effective and engaging teaching techniques, Karina simplifies complex economic concepts and makes language learning accessible and immersive. Her approach ensures students build strong foundations in both subjects, gaining confidence and academic success. Whether you're interested in mastering economics or language fluency, Karina provides tailored instruction designed to support your learning goals.

With over a decade of professional language teaching experience, Daria is a highly skilled Russian language instructor with a strong background in linguistics and multilingual education. She holds specialized degrees from Russian State Pedagogical University and St. Petersburg University, equipping her with deep expertise in language instruction. Daria is fluent in Russian and possesses advanced German proficiency (C1 level) along with intermediate English skills (B1-B2 level). Her multilingual expertise allows her to provide personalized instruction tailored to students looking to master Russian or refine their German language abilities using proven teaching methodologies. Whether you're seeking fluency, academic success, or professional language skills, Daria offers effective, engaging, and structured lessons designed to help you achieve your learning goals.

With over a decade of teaching experience, Nana is a dedicated Georgian language instructor who helps students of all levels master the language with ease. She graduated from the Faculty of Foreign Languages in Georgia and has been teaching Georgian since 2010. Nana has worked in private schools, the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, and the Peace Corps, equipping students with effective learning strategies. She specializes in simplifying grammar, making complex concepts easy to grasp for learners from A1 to C2 proficiency levels. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, Nana provides structured, personalized instruction designed to help you achieve fluency and confidence in Georgian.

Tamta is an experienced Russian and Georgian language instructor with a strong academic foundation in Russian Philology and Culture from the St. Petersburg Russian Christian Academy of Humanities. Since 2005, she has been teaching in private language schools, helping students of all levels master Russian and Georgian with confidence. With a deep passion for Russian and Georgian grammar, Tamta has a unique ability to simplify even the most complex language rules, making learning both clear and engaging. Her interactive approach ensures students build a strong linguistic foundation while enjoying the learning process. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, Tamta provides expert guidance tailored to your goals, helping you navigate fluency in Russian and Georgian with ease.

Marika is an experienced Georgian language instructor with a strong academic foundation in English language and literature from the University of Tbilisi. She has been teaching Georgian since 2009, working with students across all proficiency levels, from A1 to C2. Beyond the classroom, Marika collaborates with various volunteer groups and educational projects, using her expertise to support learners in diverse settings. Her passion for language and creative teaching methods ensures that every student—regardless of background—finds Georgian accessible, engaging, and easy to understand. Whether you're starting your Georgian language journey or aiming for advanced fluency, Marika provides structured, personalized instruction tailored to your goals.

With over 30 years of experience teaching Russian and English as foreign languages, Anatoli has helped learners of all backgrounds achieve fluency and confidence. His students range from high school learners reconnecting with their Russian heritage to business executives mastering languages for professional success. Anatoli holds an MBA from the University of Washington and possesses in-depth expertise in linguistics and translation, making him uniquely qualified to provide structured, effective instruction tailored to individual needs. Whether you're looking to refine your business language skills, strengthen your heritage connection, or achieve advanced fluency, Anatoli delivers personalized, results-driven lessons designed to help you succeed.

Irina is an experienced Russian language instructor with a strong academic background in Russian Philology and Culture from the St. Petersburg Russian Christian Academy of Humanities. Since 2005, she has been teaching in private language schools, helping students build confidence and fluency in Russian. With a deep passion for Russian grammar, Irina has a unique ability to simplify even the most complex linguistic concepts, making learning clear, engaging, and accessible. Her structured yet interactive approach ensures students develop a strong foundation while enjoying the learning process. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, Irina provides expert guidance tailored to your goals, helping you navigate Russian fluency with ease

Maria is a dedicated Russian language instructor who balances her medical studies at the University of Mechnikov in St. Petersburg with her passion for teaching. Though new to formal instruction, she demonstrates a remarkable talent for making complex language concepts accessible and engaging. Her students appreciate her innovative approach to Russian grammar and pronunciation, as well as her ability to integrate cultural contexts that bring the language to life. Maria's natural teaching ability compensates for her limited classroom experience, making her lessons both effective and inspiring. Passionate about both medicine and languages, Maria remains committed to education while pursuing her medical degree, seeing her dual interests as complementary paths in helping others.

Natalia is a seasoned language education specialist with extensive experience in curriculum development, teacher training, and instructional innovation. As the Education Director at Bistro Languages, Inc. since 2018, she has successfully designed and enhanced online programs for a diverse range of LOTE (Languages Other Than English) courses, including Russian, Portuguese, German, French, Georgian, and more. Under her leadership, the school achieved WASC accreditation, UC approvals, and recognition from multiple school districts. Since 2013, Natalia has also served as Program Director at San Diego Russian School, where she founded and directed the Russian as a Second Language (RSL) department. She has spearheaded individual and group online courses for both adults and children, making Russian language learning accessible and engaging. Previously, Natalia worked as Lead Language Instructor at Extra-Class Language Centre in St. Petersburg, Russia (2006–2013), teaching Russian and English as second languages while pioneering adaptive curriculum development and technology-integrated instruction to maximize student success. With a deep passion for language education, Natalia continues to shape modern language learning, helping students worldwide achieve fluency and confidence in their chosen languages.

Victoria is a seasoned Russian language instructor with over two decades of teaching experience, specializing in advanced language courses and test preparation. Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia, she graduated in 1996 from the Russian State Pedagogical University named after A.I. Herzen, where she built a strong academic foundation in language education and pedagogy. Since March 2020, Victoria has focused on teaching advanced Russian language learners, helping students achieve fluency, academic excellence, and test success through structured and personalized instruction. Her expertise in linguistic development ensures students grasp even the most challenging concepts with clarity and confidence. Beyond her professional dedication to language education, Victoria is passionate about music and psychology, often integrating creative and cognitive strategies into her teaching approach. She particularly enjoys working with children, creating engaging, immersive lessons that make language learning accessible and enjoyable. Whether you're preparing for proficiency exams, advancing your Russian language skills, or looking for expert guidance, Victoria provides tailored instruction designed to support students at every stage of their learning journey.

Ekaterina, known as Katya, is a highly experienced Russian language instructor and Program Director, bringing over 25 years of expertise in teaching and curriculum development. She graduated from the Philological Faculty of St. Petersburg State Pedagogical University, where she built a strong foundation in Russian linguistics, grammar, and etymology. Since 1998, Katya has been teaching Russian in private language schools and consulates, helping students master the language with precision and confidence. As a content creator for various tests and programs, she designs highly effective instructional materials that ensure her students achieve exceptional results—with many earning A+ grades and scoring 100% on proficiency exams at levels C1 and C2. ( advanced and proficient levels). Katya’s passion for Russian grammar and word origins shines through in her teaching, making even the most complex concepts accessible and engaging. Her leadership in curriculum development, exam preparation, and innovative teaching methodologies continues to shape successful language learners. Whether you're preparing for advanced proficiency tests, aiming for academic excellence, or seeking structured language instruction, Katya provides expert guidance tailored to your learning needs.