My students begin speaking and understanding this beautiful and popular language quickly which gives them confidence and the incentive to continue studying. My method is quite simple. I teach the way I learn. I don't merely tell my students what they have to know. Rather, I show them HOW to learn, demonstrating how Italian makes sense by forming patterns and using ways to simplify the learning process . . . always maintaining a light, joyful atmosphere. Laughter is essential to lift the burden of self- consciousness. I believe that we learn better under the influence of some emotion, be it fear, anger, anxiety or joy. Light-hearted anecdotes from my personal experience always work to help my students remember what might otherwise be difficult to remember.

Everyone learns at a different pace and excels in different areas. For example, one student might speak more freely and without inhibition while another might pick up the finer details of the grammar but be hesitant in speaking. Some have a more finely-tuned "ear", while others are more sensitive to detail. There are also those who prefer a brief course in "Travel Italian" before taking a trip to Italy.

My experience has taught me to teach to each student individually according to his/her learning style and preference. I address each student's particular needs and goals and direct each class to meet these objectives, emphasizing a non-stressful, comfortable atmosphere. I offer not only the language, but also the culture and characteristics of the people and their customs, thus familiarizing them with the "Total Italian Experience".

"Language is a template, a map into the culture."

Whether your interest is in travel, the study of music, dining, increasing your language skills or merely for personal enjoyment, you will profit from my low-pressure, high-achievement technique.

A great deal of my life has been dedicated to Language, Cultural Diversity and Travel. Even greater than my own personal experience is the opportunity to share it.

BACKGROUND:

My experience lies not only in my Italian heritage, but also in my own language education. I am a graduate of UCLA in foreign language with a major in Italian. I studied and have taught French, Spanish and ESL (English as a Second Language). I received my California Teaching Credential and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from UCLA as well.

A free-lance interpreter of Italian, I have also been a coach for Italian actors in Rome, a translator, a private tutor and an instructor for the Los Angeles Unified School District and Beverly Hills School District. As an interpreter, I have been on call at major hotels for conventions, assisted visitors who wish to see the sights or attend business meetings, and am interpreter for a well-known film composer both here and in Italy.