Our teachers and administrative staff are fun, energetic, enthusiastic, personable and patient

We adapt to make your learning experience enjoyable. Our teachers are certified language instructors, and unlike other agencies that hire volunteers, we at JLC, carefully select our instructors for their passion for teaching and language education. We pride ourselves on developing lasting relationships with our students, that are built on respect and mutual understanding. 

ADMINISTRATION

Experience and Credentials:

• Business Administration and Marketing degree from Leeds Schools of Business at CU

• Journey Language Center, Journey Culinary Ltd and Minaya Group Real Estate Investment CEO & Founder

• 4 years Spanish professor at the Longmont Free University

• 10 years teaching Spanish to professional adults and companies providing private lessons and group classes at SEF & JLC

• 5 years of experience teaching ESL for adults and teens

• 8 years creating and developing the Spanish Easy & Fun and Journey program language curricula

• Awarded as “Best Language Teacher” in 2013 People’s Choice Awards by Daily Camera

• Diploma in International Culinary Fundamentals at Escoffier Culinary Academy School

• Author of “A Journey of Flavors” recipe book

• 5 years of experience teaching French, Mediterranean and Spanish Cuisine Cooking Classes to adults

Travel Experience: 

Canada, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Perú, Dominican Republic, Panamá, Costa Rica, Colombia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Experience and Credentials:

• Architect degree from Ricardo Palma University in Lima, Peru

• 10 years of professional career in Colorado focused on residential design.

• Art, Poetry, and Italian language studies in Lima, Peru.

• Journey Language Center (JLC), Journey Culinary, and Minaya Group Real Estate Investment Founder.

• 18 years teaching Spanish in Colorado to professionals, adults, and children through group and private classes at JLC, universities, companies, corporations, and the Boulder School District.

• 6 years teaching Italian to adults and children at JLC.

• Researcher and author of ten Spanish is Easy and Fun books for adults that include grammar, writing, and conversation topics for beginning, intermediate, and advanced level students. Author of six Spanish is Easy and Fun books for Children. Author of four Italian is Easy and Fun books for adults.

• Awarded as “40 under Forty” Boulder Valley 2017 Awards by Biz West as a remarkable and influential professional and entrepreneur.

Travel Experience: 

U.S.A., South America, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Monaco, Mexico, and Canada

Jenny Sojor
Language Program Coordinator

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• 6 years of working in BPO Companies

• On-Site Escalation (Supervisor Position) at Sitel Philippines

• Online English Teacher for Korean Students

• Administrative Assistant for a Real Estate Company based in QLD, Australia

• Contract Desk Associate for JVM Lending that is based in CA, USA

• Transaction and Compliance Coordinator for Keller Williams Realty - BKT based in TX, USA

• SME and Trainer (Internal Position) for an Outsourcing Company that is based in CA, USA

• CRM Consultant for an Automotive Company based in VIC, Australia

INSTRUCTORS

Jala Pfaff
Spanish, Portuguese & English Communications Specialist

“I love working at JLC because of the informal, relaxed environment and the great attitudes of our students.”

Services offered:

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of Spanish and English in group classes and private lessons for adults

Experience and Credentials:

• Doctoral coursework, General and Hispanic Linguistics, OSU, Honors

• M.A., Hispanic Linguistics, University of Colorado at Boulder, Honors

• B.A., Spanish, Alma College, Honors

• A.A., International Studies, Lansing Community College, Honors

• Medical Interpreter Certification Training, Bridging The Gap program

• Spanish instructor at Lifelong Learning Program

• 10 years of ESL instructor at SEF language School & Journey Language Center

• University of Colorado, Ohio State, and Front Range Community College

• Over 10 years of experience teaching all levels of Spanish and English in group classes, semi private and private lessons at JLC

• IBM

Besides being an exceptional Spanish and English language teacher, Jala is also a published writer, and a professional artist, specializing in abstract painting. Her work can be seen at the Osmosis Gallery in Niwot, and also at www.jalapfaff.com.

Travel Experience: 

Mexico, Spain, Cuba, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Europe, Iceland, Japan, Korea, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, India, and New Zealand

Experience and Credentials:

• Portuguese born

• Colorado State University—Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics & TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

• American University of Paris – studied international business & French Language

• 25 years teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language

• International English Program IEC - CU Boulder

• English Language Program - SUNY New Paltz, NY

• English Language Program - Lane Community College, Eugene, OR

• American Cultural Exchange – MSU, Bozeman, MT

Travel Experience:

Lived in: Portugal, France, Italy, Germany, England, Finland
Traveled to: Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Canada

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS: 

• 2 years of experience teaching Spanish

• 2 years of experience teaching English

• graduated with a TESOL certificate

Nikki’s family is from Mexico. She was born in El Paso and was raised in Colorado. She graduated from Front Range Community College in Boulder County with a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Abroad & K-12) certificate.

Travel Experience:

Mexico, Spain, Malta, Canada.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Speaks five languages

• President of Longmont sister cities Association

• Served the CDC Cosmetology Advisory Board

• Served the Longs Peak Beauty Academy Advisory Board

• Served the Transportation Advisory Board for the City of Longmont

• She teaches English as a Second Language, German, and Norwegian. 

Courtney Michelle is a modern Renaissance woman. She grew up in Texas, spent a year in Norway as a Rotary exchange student, and another year in Berlin, Germany. She completed her degree in Linguistics at the University of Texas at Austin. She worked in high tech and continues traveling whenever she gets the chance. In 2007, she chaperoned her first group of students to Ciudad Guzman, Mexico, with Longmont Sister Cities. She is currently president of that organization and has visited all three of Longmont’s sister cities.

Travel Experience:

Austin Texas, Norway, Germany, Chino, Japan and Guzman, Mexico

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Born and grew up in Siena, Italy

• IT Degree from Northern Virginia Community College

• TEFL certification

• One year of teaching Italian and English in Pena Blanca, Honduras

• Almost 10 years of experience working with kids, including those with disabilities, as a Social Worker and private teacher.

• 4 years of experience in teaching singing techniques

Guglielmo was born and raised in Siena, a small but lovely town located on the hills of Tuscany. Life and wife brought him away from medieval bricks in 2019, and since 2023 he’s been working with JLC, providing Italian classes to adults and children. He used to be a singer, a singing teacher and a professional social worker for several years, before meeting his wife and moving in Denver, CO.

Travel Experience:

Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Poland, Belgium, Netherlands, England, Ireland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Croatia, USA, Nepal, India, Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, the totality of Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Australia, New Zealand

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Italian born

• 3 years of experience in teaching Italian as a foreign language to adults

• 5 years of experience in Italian educational tutoring for children + 3 years in tutoring children and teenagers with special needs

• Majored in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy

• Bachelors in Foreign Languages & Cultures (English & French), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy

Travel Experience:

Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Estonia, Poland, Portugal, Spain, England, Scotland, Czech Republic, Turkey, San Marino.

Andrea Zanon
Italian, Spanish & French Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of Italian, Spanish & French in group classes and private lessons.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Italian language and Coaching specialists

• 20 years of experience in training and teaching Italian, Spanish and French

• Has a Degree in foreign languages from the University of Bologna, Italy

• Master degree in international affairs from Georgetown University

• Provided language and cultural classes courses to children, students and professionals.

• Founder of women entrepreneurship acceleration program working with 15,000 women CEO in 13 countries in the Middle East and Latin America

• Worked and traveled as a sustainability and capacity building consultant in Brazil, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Mozambique, Ethiopia, South Africa, most of the Middle Eastern countries except Iran
  

Travel Experience:

Europe, Africa, Latin America, Brazil, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Mozambique, Ethiopia, South Africa, most of the Middle Eastern countries except Iran

Ericka Oliva
Spanish Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of Spanish group classes and private lessons online.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Graduate of Advertising from the Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Guatemela

• Marketing and Publicity Coordinator with Grupo Editorial, Norma, S.A

• Merchandising Coordinator with Electrónica Pan Americana

• Account Executive with DNT Marketing Studio

• Assistant for Direct Sales and Advertising Agencies in Ogilvy Guatemala

• Marketing and Services Assistant with Corporación de Noticias, S.A. (Newspaper) 

• Has a passion for global cultures and communication

• Dedicated and enthusiastic Spanish conversational Partner

• Has the strength of Patience and Education, Love for Conversation, Conversation Partner, Multicultural Vision, and Individualized Approach

I specialize in teaching Spanish conversation with patience and respect, creating a positive learning environment for my students. I enjoy conversing with people from diverse cultures, which enriches my teaching with global perspectives. I believe learning a new language is essential for unforgettable cultural experiences and better intercultural understanding. I understand that every student has their own learning style, and I tailor my methods to meet their unique needs.

Travel Experience:

Florida, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Puerto Rico

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Speaks English and Spanish

• 150-Hour TEFL Certification

• Emergenetics Certified Associate

• B.A. in Communications Studies and Business Administration from Colorado State University

• Professional experience in the service industry, marketing, non-profits, and ESL instruction, locally and abroad

Sarah is a Denver native whose true passions are travel, language, nature, and helping people and animals. Sarah has traveled to over 21 countries, having lived six months in The Netherlands as an exchange student, six months in Spain interning for a language consulting company, and two years in Panama, working remotely and advancing her Spanish language skills. Sarah has volunteered for Spay and Neuter clinics and currently volunteers to teach English to refugees/newcomers. Certified in ESL instruction, career coaching, and emotional intelligence assessments, Sarah's goal is to help people be successful in their lives and careers through language learning, self-improvement, and sustainability. She also focuses on helping to grow the companies she cares about through innovative marketing strategies. 

Travel Experience:

Aside from states all over the USA.. Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador/Galapagos Islands, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ireland, England, Scotland, Spain, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Greece, Albania, Croatia, Belgium, Portugal

Daniel Jackson
English Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of English group classes and private lessons for adults and children.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• 6 years of ESL/EFL instruction (mostly in South Korea)

• At least five years of English tutoring, expository writing, and other college-level teaching experience.

• BA in English from CU Boulder. MFA in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College. CELTA certified.

Daniel Jackson ("Dan" to his friends and students) is a Denver native, enthusiastic about language, literature, art, cinema, music, travel, culture, and learning and teaching.

Travel Experience:

Spain, France, UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Russia, Finland

Lenz Francois
French & Spanish Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of French & Spanish in group classes and private lessons.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Outcome Specialist/ Social Worker at Bethanna - Community Umbrella Agency # 8

• Facilitation Process for Latino Parent Advisory Council (CAPL) with Luna Cultura, Boulder

• Professor Department of Psychology, State University of Haiti, P-au-P, Haiti

• Social Worker – Social Therapist, Port-au-Prince, Haiti

• Dean of the Department of Psychology, State University of Haiti, P-au-P, Haiti

• Supervising Psychologist, International Organization for Migration (IOM), P-au-P, Haiti

• Monitoring Agent, Belgian NGO, Entraide et Fraternité

• Consultant, Oxfam Quebec, Canada, and UNESCO

Experienced Psychologist, Social Therapist, and Mental Health Counselor with a 25-year track record of successfully developing and implementing techniques aimed at empowering children, teenagers, and young adults to make positive transformations in their lives. Proficient in providing mental health support during both emergency and post-disaster scenarios. Proudly served as a Correspondent for Haiti within the esteemed International Network of Clinical Sociology (RISC). Possesses full authorization to work in the United States.

Travel Experience:

Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Holland, Quebec

Jim Brunetti
German, French, Italian, English & Spanish Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of German, French, Italian, English & Spanish in group classes and private lessons.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Taught at Berlitz School in Rome

• Degree from University of Perugia

• Bachelor in French and Spanish from Metropolitan State University

• Masters in Whole Learning Education

• Principal’s License

• Taught Spanish, French, Italian, and Latin in Denver Public Schools and Jefferson Country Public Schools

• Dean, Assistant Principal in Adams 12 public schools

• Played professional Tennis

• Coached girls and boys Tennis, Soccer, and Volleyball

Travel Experience:

Europe, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden

Hannah Adsit
English & Spanish Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of English & Beginning level of Spanish in group classes and private lessons for adults and children.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English

• Minored in Spanish and Education Studies

• Experience teaching English and Spanish in elementary classrooms stateside and abroad

• 2 years of experience working with young learners

• Experience being a conversational English tutor for adults

Hannah was born and raised in Pennsylvania, but life has taken her on adventures far beyond her small town. She graduated from Allegheny College with a degree in English and has had the privilege of teaching abroad in both Costa Rica and Spain. In addition to teaching in the classroom, Hannah worked as a children’s librarian in her hometown. In her free time, you’ll most likely find her baking cakes, cooking soup, or reading a good book. 

Travel Experience:

U.S, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Spain, Italy, Austria, Belgium, England

Deborah Dupuis
English Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning and Intermediate levels of English group classes and private lessons for adults.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York

• Graduated from The University of Colorado in 2000 with a teaching degree, and worked in the Denver area public schools

• Taught environmental education in the summers

• Completed a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) degree program at Front Range Community College in 2019

• Taught immigrants and refugees in Aurora, Colorado

• Started learning Spanish in December 2019

• 2 years of experience working with young learners

• Experience being a conversational English tutor for adults

I have been a teacher for most of my life. I honed my skills working in bake shops and kitchens around the country, eventually choosing to teach culinary arts.  In 2000 I graduated from The University of Colorado with a teaching degree which I used to work in the Denver area public schools.  In the summers I taught environmental education and in the winters, skiing on the weekends.  In 2019, I completed a TESL degree program, (Teaching English as a Second Language) at Front Range Community College.  This degree gave me the skills and knowledge to teach immigrants and refugees in Aurora, Colorado.  I taught classes in person and online.  In December of 2019, I began learning Spanish and continue to do so.  I love travel, languages, and learning about other cultures. When in Colorado, I am happy to reflect on my home culture and share it with those visiting from abroad.

Travel Experience:

Lima and Machu Picchu in Peru, Cuenca Ecuador, Spain, France, Switzerland, Dolomites and along the Ligurian coast of Italy, Czech Republic, Austria, Greece, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Israel