Fall 2020 Facilitator Bios
Beginner Proficiency
Small Group Leaders
Tuesday
Laura Phelan at 2:00pm
Hi everyone! I’m Laura. I’m from Long Island, New York, and I’m a freshman at UMD. In my free time, I like to learn languages and do art. I’m really excited to learn with you guys about our cultures and stories!
Thursday
Beatriz Jose at 9:00am
Hi! My name name is Beatriz Jose, and I am a junior at UMD, majoring in general biology. I was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States when I was younger. I am passionate about sharing my experiences about living in the United States and helping other people acclimate to this new country. Let's have a great time talking about culture, family, food, travel, and everything in between!
Elizabeth Vallecanas at 3:00pm
Hello! My name is Elizabeth and I'm a senior studying French and Chinese. When I'm not studying, I love watching movies/shows, trying new foods, and discovering new music in other languages too. I was an ECP facilitator last spring and really enjoyed the conversations, so I look forward to this semester's group and speaking with you all soon!
Laura Phelan at 2:00pm
Hi everyone! I’m Laura. I’m from Long Island, New York, and I’m a freshman at UMD. In my free time, I like to learn languages and do art. I’m really excited to learn with you guys about our cultures and stories!
Thursday
Beatriz Jose at 9:00am
Hi! My name name is Beatriz Jose, and I am a junior at UMD, majoring in general biology. I was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States when I was younger. I am passionate about sharing my experiences about living in the United States and helping other people acclimate to this new country. Let's have a great time talking about culture, family, food, travel, and everything in between!
Elizabeth Vallecanas at 3:00pm
Hello! My name is Elizabeth and I'm a senior studying French and Chinese. When I'm not studying, I love watching movies/shows, trying new foods, and discovering new music in other languages too. I was an ECP facilitator last spring and really enjoyed the conversations, so I look forward to this semester's group and speaking with you all soon!
Intermediate Proficiency
Small Group Leaders
Monday
Barathi Aravindan at 3:30pm
Hi everyone! My name is Barathi Aravindan. I am a junior Finance and Psychology double major at UMD and have been a part of ECP since Spring 2019. Every semester has been so unique and fun as I get to know a new group of participants from all around the world and I look forward to doing the same this semester. My interests and hobbies include dance, reading, New Girl, and travelling. Can't wait to meet all of you!
Tuesday
Wednesday
Katharine Zhu at 11:30am
I'm Katharine, a senior studying Neurobiology & Physiology, and minoring in Chinese and Nonprofit Leadership. Through this program I hope to help you guys practice conversation skills, garner more information about this country/surroundings, and have a good time! We'll be playing some games, having some fun debates, and sharing each other's cultures.
Thursday
Becky Jantz at 9:00 am
Hello! My husband and I are from California originally, but we move often with the U.S. Air Force, and now we are excited to be here at the University of Maryland. I have enjoyed teaching English conversation classes in Germany, Budapest and Japan as we have moved with the military, and I love how language learning builds relationships! My hobbies are playing piano, reading biographies, and drinking good coffee. I can't wait to meet you!
Sarjana Oradiambalam Sachidanandam at 4:30pm
I come from India, am trilingual, and love anything to do with food, books, language, art, and culture. At UMD, I am a Masters student in Engineering trying to build robots.
Rex Butler at 7:00pm
I have enjoyed sharing conversation with international students for 20 years. I retired from the university 2 years ago. 39 years ago I married my wife, who is Japanese. We have traveled to several Asian countries so I have a feeling for being in a place with a different language and culture. I like to have conversations about reality and life choices.
Friday
Bethany Kuo at 10:00am
Hello! I am a sophomore Computer Science and Linguistics double major at the University of Maryland. I was born in Taiwan, but I grew up here in Maryland. In my free time, I enjoy reading, drawing, and learning languages. I look forward to getting to know everyone!
Barathi Aravindan at 3:30pm
Hi everyone! My name is Barathi Aravindan. I am a junior Finance and Psychology double major at UMD and have been a part of ECP since Spring 2019. Every semester has been so unique and fun as I get to know a new group of participants from all around the world and I look forward to doing the same this semester. My interests and hobbies include dance, reading, New Girl, and travelling. Can't wait to meet all of you!
Tuesday
Wednesday
Katharine Zhu at 11:30am
I'm Katharine, a senior studying Neurobiology & Physiology, and minoring in Chinese and Nonprofit Leadership. Through this program I hope to help you guys practice conversation skills, garner more information about this country/surroundings, and have a good time! We'll be playing some games, having some fun debates, and sharing each other's cultures.
Thursday
Becky Jantz at 9:00 am
Hello! My husband and I are from California originally, but we move often with the U.S. Air Force, and now we are excited to be here at the University of Maryland. I have enjoyed teaching English conversation classes in Germany, Budapest and Japan as we have moved with the military, and I love how language learning builds relationships! My hobbies are playing piano, reading biographies, and drinking good coffee. I can't wait to meet you!
Sarjana Oradiambalam Sachidanandam at 4:30pm
I come from India, am trilingual, and love anything to do with food, books, language, art, and culture. At UMD, I am a Masters student in Engineering trying to build robots.
Rex Butler at 7:00pm
I have enjoyed sharing conversation with international students for 20 years. I retired from the university 2 years ago. 39 years ago I married my wife, who is Japanese. We have traveled to several Asian countries so I have a feeling for being in a place with a different language and culture. I like to have conversations about reality and life choices.
Friday
Bethany Kuo at 10:00am
Hello! I am a sophomore Computer Science and Linguistics double major at the University of Maryland. I was born in Taiwan, but I grew up here in Maryland. In my free time, I enjoy reading, drawing, and learning languages. I look forward to getting to know everyone!
Large Group Leaders
Monday
John Kucera at 10:00am
Hi! I am an undergraduate Computer Science major at University of Maryland Global Campus, in my third year of school. I volunteered to facilitate for this program in Spring/Fall 2019 and Spring/Summer 2020 and found that it was a great experience to talk and learn with the participants. I am so grateful to come back for Fall 2020 to have conversations and help anyone build their confidence in speaking English. In my sessions, I like to start with some light vocabulary review, then get into any kind of conversation we feel like having. I look forward to being in this program with you!
Mollie Blum at 1:00pm
Hi, I'm Mollie! I'm a junior majoring in Public Policy and minoring in French, but I also take Arabic courses at UMD. In my free time I love to explore new places and travel. This is my first semester as a facilitator and I'm excited to get started!
Tuesday
Martin Pickett at 11:00am
Hi everyone, my name is Martin. I'm an undergraduate English Education double major with two minors in Japanese and Second Language Education. I am aiming for a MCERT Masters of Education in TESOL (Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages). I'm also considering Applied Linguistics with a focus in Second Language Acquisition for a PhD. My hobbies are card games, board games, video games, computer games, and learning Japanese/Spanish/Chinese and other languages etc! I love helping people learn English and enjoy creating an enjoyable environment for my ECP participants. Right now I work part-time as an elementary school tutor. I look forward to speaking with you all!
Dana Andre at 2:00pm
Homeschooling mom who also has been teaching conversational English Classes for 20 years.
Norma Silvera at 4:30pm
I am Jamaican by birth. My mother tongue is English. I work with an international organization as a Resource Management Analyst, and have Accounting and Leadership degrees. I have been involved with students, spouses, and scholars, at UMD for the past eight years. I am in my 6th year volunteering with English Conversation Partners, and I enjoy being part of this great program. Being able to meet and engage individuals from different cultures is worth every moment. I look forward to meeting many of you.
Monica Pizzo at 6:30pm
Hello all! I’m a recent graduate from UMD, and I’m super excited for this year’s ECP Program! I hold a bachelors in Chinese Language, with concentrations in General Business and Linguistics, and I’m a Junior Design and Operations Associate at Hattaway Communications. I enjoy cooking, reading, traveling, and learning about new ideas, languages and cultures whenever I can. I hope our sessions can help you build your confidence speaking English as well as open up opportunities for friendship along the way.
Wednesday
Isabel Conforti at 10:00am
Hi, my name is Isabel Conforti. I’m from Ellicott City, Maryland and I’m a senior studying Government and Politics, Anthropology, and French. This will be my third time being a facilitator and I’m excited to return! In my free time I enjoy baking, reading, watching movies, hiking, and exploring new places. I look forward to getting to know everyone!
Michael Schechtman at 3:30pm
I am a retired science and environmental policy advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, focusing on agricultural biotechnology. Prior to that, many years ago, I was on the faculty of the Department of Biology at Syracuse University. I graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Biochemical Sciences, got my Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Cornell University, and did postdoctoral work at Stanford University. I love to cook, travel, and read, and am learning to brew beer.
Thursday
Iskander Lou at 1:00pm
Hello! I’m an international student from Kyrgyzstan. I’m a senior undergrad Information Science major. I’ve been facilitating for four semesters, but this semester is my first one using Zoom. I’ve prepared a bunch of fun activities that will improve your conversational skills. I look forward to meeting you!
Friday
David & Angela Kim at 12:00pm
Hi everyone. My name is David Kim and I will be leading this group with my wife Angela Kim. I'm Korean and my wife is Taiwanese and this will be our third time leading a large group. We are excited to meet with you and share our experience of America. We both love talking about food and places we've been to but would also love to share with you our experiences living in America!
John Kucera at 10:00am
Hi! I am an undergraduate Computer Science major at University of Maryland Global Campus, in my third year of school. I volunteered to facilitate for this program in Spring/Fall 2019 and Spring/Summer 2020 and found that it was a great experience to talk and learn with the participants. I am so grateful to come back for Fall 2020 to have conversations and help anyone build their confidence in speaking English. In my sessions, I like to start with some light vocabulary review, then get into any kind of conversation we feel like having. I look forward to being in this program with you!
Mollie Blum at 1:00pm
Hi, I'm Mollie! I'm a junior majoring in Public Policy and minoring in French, but I also take Arabic courses at UMD. In my free time I love to explore new places and travel. This is my first semester as a facilitator and I'm excited to get started!
Tuesday
Martin Pickett at 11:00am
Hi everyone, my name is Martin. I'm an undergraduate English Education double major with two minors in Japanese and Second Language Education. I am aiming for a MCERT Masters of Education in TESOL (Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages). I'm also considering Applied Linguistics with a focus in Second Language Acquisition for a PhD. My hobbies are card games, board games, video games, computer games, and learning Japanese/Spanish/Chinese and other languages etc! I love helping people learn English and enjoy creating an enjoyable environment for my ECP participants. Right now I work part-time as an elementary school tutor. I look forward to speaking with you all!
Dana Andre at 2:00pm
Homeschooling mom who also has been teaching conversational English Classes for 20 years.
Norma Silvera at 4:30pm
I am Jamaican by birth. My mother tongue is English. I work with an international organization as a Resource Management Analyst, and have Accounting and Leadership degrees. I have been involved with students, spouses, and scholars, at UMD for the past eight years. I am in my 6th year volunteering with English Conversation Partners, and I enjoy being part of this great program. Being able to meet and engage individuals from different cultures is worth every moment. I look forward to meeting many of you.
Monica Pizzo at 6:30pm
Hello all! I’m a recent graduate from UMD, and I’m super excited for this year’s ECP Program! I hold a bachelors in Chinese Language, with concentrations in General Business and Linguistics, and I’m a Junior Design and Operations Associate at Hattaway Communications. I enjoy cooking, reading, traveling, and learning about new ideas, languages and cultures whenever I can. I hope our sessions can help you build your confidence speaking English as well as open up opportunities for friendship along the way.
Wednesday
Isabel Conforti at 10:00am
Hi, my name is Isabel Conforti. I’m from Ellicott City, Maryland and I’m a senior studying Government and Politics, Anthropology, and French. This will be my third time being a facilitator and I’m excited to return! In my free time I enjoy baking, reading, watching movies, hiking, and exploring new places. I look forward to getting to know everyone!
Michael Schechtman at 3:30pm
I am a retired science and environmental policy advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, focusing on agricultural biotechnology. Prior to that, many years ago, I was on the faculty of the Department of Biology at Syracuse University. I graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Biochemical Sciences, got my Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Cornell University, and did postdoctoral work at Stanford University. I love to cook, travel, and read, and am learning to brew beer.
Thursday
Iskander Lou at 1:00pm
Hello! I’m an international student from Kyrgyzstan. I’m a senior undergrad Information Science major. I’ve been facilitating for four semesters, but this semester is my first one using Zoom. I’ve prepared a bunch of fun activities that will improve your conversational skills. I look forward to meeting you!
Friday
David & Angela Kim at 12:00pm
Hi everyone. My name is David Kim and I will be leading this group with my wife Angela Kim. I'm Korean and my wife is Taiwanese and this will be our third time leading a large group. We are excited to meet with you and share our experience of America. We both love talking about food and places we've been to but would also love to share with you our experiences living in America!
Advanced Proficiency
Small Group Leaders
Monday
Samuel Chiou & Jennifer Yang at 9:00am
Hi! I'm Sam and I'll be leading this conversation group with my fiancé Jen. This is the first time that we'll be doing this. I grew up in the States but Jen spent most of her childhood in Taiwan. We both went to college in California and now work as software engineers. We're looking forward to meeting you all, hearing about your culture, and sharing ours.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Audrey Hong at 9:00am
Hello, I am a second generation ABC (American born Chinese), enjoying retirement. With travel, I shared and learned about international cultures, meeting other citizens of the world. I have volunteered for over 18 years with this program. Our sessions are based on what the international students would like to explore.
Samuel Chiou & Jennifer Yang at 9:00am
Hi! I'm Sam and I'll be leading this conversation group with my fiancé Jen. This is the first time that we'll be doing this. I grew up in the States but Jen spent most of her childhood in Taiwan. We both went to college in California and now work as software engineers. We're looking forward to meeting you all, hearing about your culture, and sharing ours.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Audrey Hong at 9:00am
Hello, I am a second generation ABC (American born Chinese), enjoying retirement. With travel, I shared and learned about international cultures, meeting other citizens of the world. I have volunteered for over 18 years with this program. Our sessions are based on what the international students would like to explore.
Large Group Leaders
Monday
Byron Silvera at 5:30pm
I am originally from the Island of Jamaica, and a Native English speaker who has lived in and traveled to various parts of the world. I am retired from UMD (Chemistry), and I enjoy the opportunity to engage and encourage students from foreign lands. I have been with ECP for the last 7 years. My hope is that having engaged you in my group, you will be able to confidently progress in your journey on the Campus and in America.
Tuesday
Jonathan Tumin at 10:00am
I have been an ECP volunteer since January 2019; it is something I enjoy greatly. I am a retired federal employee; I worked for the investigative arm of Congress, the US GAO, for about 30 years. I have a PhD in political science and I enjoy talking with students about politics and any other topics that are of interest to them. Topics in my classes have included movies; local tourist sites; food and restaurants; and personal finances (among many others). It's been great to be able to help foreign students navigate life in this area.
Julie Sigman at 2:00pm
Traveling to many countries and having friendships with international students in the US has given me the opportunity to learn about other cultures and share American traditions like Thanksgiving.
Part of my career has been in event planning, airlines and teaching. I enjoy hiking, movies, spending time with friends and family, and cooking.
Wednesday
Sonia Postolache at 8:00am
Sonia Postolache is a senior at the University of Maryland majoring in Biology and Spanish. She recently spent a year in Spain, improving her Spanish, coaching soccer and teaching English. She grew up in a multicultural family with a half Russian, half Romanian father and a Filipino mother. She enjoys spending her free time on outdoor adventures with her dogs and playing board games with her 5 siblings.
Amanda Dennis at 2:00pm
Hi Everyone! My name is Amanda (She/Her/Hers) and I am a first year in the Student Affairs Masters program. I'm from New York, but spent time in Philadelphia for my undergrad where I studied psychology and worked in both study abroad and career services. Outside of school, I bake and do a lot of yoga! I'm excited to meet other Terps and chat about your home countries, the US, culture, and more!
Vincent Lan at 4:00 pm
Hi everyone, I'm Vincent. I'm a materials science and engineering major at UMD. I really enjoyed my first two semestesr with ECP and can't wait for my third one. I love talking about food, music, culture, and lots more!
Thursday
Paul Thompson at 10:30 am
Paul Thompson has led conversation group sessions for the last several years. He is semi-retired, and enjoys sharing his love of the English language with international students and visitors, while getting to know more about their home countries and cultures. Mr. Thompson received a Master's Degree from the University of Maryland - College Park.
Valerie Goubeau at 1:30pm
Valerie has been a UMD employee since graduating with a degree in music (with an Italian minor) in 2008. She works with students in her position with the Department of Transportation Services, but loves engaging with students in other areas of campus. In recent years, she has been a Ten Woman/Ten Man Plan facilitator with the Fraternity and Sorority Life and was the staff advisor on an Alternative Breaks trip. She has participated in the university's speaking partner program in the past and is very much looking forward to facilitating English Conversation Partner sessions this fall.
Fred Andre at 5:30pm
Long time resident of Maryland, parent of UMD graduate, married and parent of four children. I love skiing, hiking, biking and traveling.
Friday
Carol Nezzo at 4:00pm
I live in the neighborhood next to campus. Neighbors enjoy knowing students - especially for Thanksgiving.
Byron Silvera at 5:30pm
I am originally from the Island of Jamaica, and a Native English speaker who has lived in and traveled to various parts of the world. I am retired from UMD (Chemistry), and I enjoy the opportunity to engage and encourage students from foreign lands. I have been with ECP for the last 7 years. My hope is that having engaged you in my group, you will be able to confidently progress in your journey on the Campus and in America.
Tuesday
Jonathan Tumin at 10:00am
I have been an ECP volunteer since January 2019; it is something I enjoy greatly. I am a retired federal employee; I worked for the investigative arm of Congress, the US GAO, for about 30 years. I have a PhD in political science and I enjoy talking with students about politics and any other topics that are of interest to them. Topics in my classes have included movies; local tourist sites; food and restaurants; and personal finances (among many others). It's been great to be able to help foreign students navigate life in this area.
Julie Sigman at 2:00pm
Traveling to many countries and having friendships with international students in the US has given me the opportunity to learn about other cultures and share American traditions like Thanksgiving.
Part of my career has been in event planning, airlines and teaching. I enjoy hiking, movies, spending time with friends and family, and cooking.
Wednesday
Sonia Postolache at 8:00am
Sonia Postolache is a senior at the University of Maryland majoring in Biology and Spanish. She recently spent a year in Spain, improving her Spanish, coaching soccer and teaching English. She grew up in a multicultural family with a half Russian, half Romanian father and a Filipino mother. She enjoys spending her free time on outdoor adventures with her dogs and playing board games with her 5 siblings.
Amanda Dennis at 2:00pm
Hi Everyone! My name is Amanda (She/Her/Hers) and I am a first year in the Student Affairs Masters program. I'm from New York, but spent time in Philadelphia for my undergrad where I studied psychology and worked in both study abroad and career services. Outside of school, I bake and do a lot of yoga! I'm excited to meet other Terps and chat about your home countries, the US, culture, and more!
Vincent Lan at 4:00 pm
Hi everyone, I'm Vincent. I'm a materials science and engineering major at UMD. I really enjoyed my first two semestesr with ECP and can't wait for my third one. I love talking about food, music, culture, and lots more!
Thursday
Paul Thompson at 10:30 am
Paul Thompson has led conversation group sessions for the last several years. He is semi-retired, and enjoys sharing his love of the English language with international students and visitors, while getting to know more about their home countries and cultures. Mr. Thompson received a Master's Degree from the University of Maryland - College Park.
Valerie Goubeau at 1:30pm
Valerie has been a UMD employee since graduating with a degree in music (with an Italian minor) in 2008. She works with students in her position with the Department of Transportation Services, but loves engaging with students in other areas of campus. In recent years, she has been a Ten Woman/Ten Man Plan facilitator with the Fraternity and Sorority Life and was the staff advisor on an Alternative Breaks trip. She has participated in the university's speaking partner program in the past and is very much looking forward to facilitating English Conversation Partner sessions this fall.
Fred Andre at 5:30pm
Long time resident of Maryland, parent of UMD graduate, married and parent of four children. I love skiing, hiking, biking and traveling.
Friday
Carol Nezzo at 4:00pm
I live in the neighborhood next to campus. Neighbors enjoy knowing students - especially for Thanksgiving.
