"I have always been enamored with language. I grew up surrounded by many languages and knew it was my key to open up limitless opportunities. I want to help others learn and do the same. My parents emigrated to America from Japan, and I grew up in a bi-lingual and bi-cultural environment. I have lived and taught ESL in Japan and South America, and I currently teach at a community college in downtown Denver, where I help newly-arrived refugees navigate their new lives in America.

I find it to be fascinating, and every time you study language, you learn something new and interesting. Since language is always evolving, there is never really a dull moment! I use various methods to help with language learning, and am open to new ways to improve the learning process. I am flexible with technology also and other media to enhance lessons. I try to tailor my lessons to individual interests. I have used traditional textbook methods, and have incorporated skits/acting and using current event articles to guide the lessons also. I always end up learning more from the student than I could ever really teach!

I love learning from my students also. I have learned and gained so much from my experiences with such a diverse student population from countries as close as Cuba and as far as Australia. I look forward to getting to know you and learning from you, and also teaching you a thing or two!" less...