Debra Deane

As the Director, I am happy to see so many ELI students start our classes with a little bit of English and leave with a lot of English --- enough to study at a university in the U.S.!

I am proud of all of the ELI students and teachers who work so hard to make this "language miracle" take place. I am amazed at how our teachers inspire the students to study hard and how the students inspire the teachers to give their all for their classes.

I feel grateful to be a part of the ELI and know that my life has been enriched by all the students I have met over the years.

You can contact me at deane@uakron.edu.

Tom Swinscoe

I have been teaching English as a second language (ESL) for over 20 years. I first taught ESL at the University of Pittsburgh, where I received my TESL certification and an MA in Linguistics. I have taught for the English Language Institute at The University of Akron since 1990.

I've taught other subjects over the years, but teaching ESL has always been my "first love." People tell me that my personality shines in the classroom -- I become a performer. Maybe I'm an actor at heart!

You can contact me at swinsco@uakron.edu .

Martha McNamara

I've been teaching English as a second language for over 30 years. I've been in the ELI for the past 25 years. I often joke that I "never graduate"... and I'm very happy about that!

My favorite thing about teaching ESL is learning about our students, their countries and languages, their struggles with English and their impressions of the United States and Americans. I love to teach reading, writing, and even grammar. When I'm not in the ELI office, I like to read and exercise. I especially enjoy running. When I'm on a long run of 6 to 10 miles, I have lots of time to think of exciting new homework assignments for ELI students!

You can contact me at mmcnamara@uakron.edu.

Sherri Niesz

The past nine years in the ELI have been the most rewarding of the 19 years I have been an employee of The University of Akron. The best part of my job is meeting all the wonderful students from around the world! Although I have not traveled to other countries, our international students help me experience their cultures -- right here in Akron! In my spare time, I love to vacation to the beach, read books, and enjoy music and cultural events.

You can contact me at sniesz@uakron.edu.

Lisa Brown

I am an Akron woman through and through -- in fact, I was born in Akron Citizens' Hospital! After graduating with a bachelor's degree in Japanese and Asian Studies, I began my career as in English teacher in a small fishing and rice farming village in Japan. In 2005, I moved back to the United States and began teaching at The University of Akron.

My favorite part of teaching at the English Language Institute is watching students from all corners of the world develop their confidence in their ability to communicate with each other and share their cultures with one another. My second favorite part, of course, is giving homework!

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, reading, bicycling, studying languages, volunteering, and making new friends. I received my master's degree in Higher Education Administration in 2007.

You can contact me at lisabrown2@aol.com.

Jennifer Case

It has been a privilege and a lot of fun to teach reading and listening with the ELI. I enjoy getting to meet a new group of students every semester and being a part of reaching their goals at The The University of Akron. Every day, as I teach new things to my students, I get to learn new things from them about their countries and cultures. What an adventure!

I taught conversational English in Hungary for four years, so I have some experience in what it is like to live in another country far away from home. Learning some Hungarian was very difficult, so I also have a great appreciation for what my students are doing to become students at the university level in another language.

I got my TESL certificate here at The University of Akron when I got back from Hungary and have enjoyed putting my learning into practice here with the ELI.

You can contact me at imjenlee@hotmail.com.

Patricia Dolezal

My name is Patricia Dolezal and I've recently joined the ELI staff. Although new to the program, I am not new to teaching English to internationals. I've taught English to adults for the past 12 years with ABLE (Adult Basic Literacy Education) in Canton, Ohio and for two years at the College of DuPage in Illinois.

My senior year of college studying French in Switzerland gave me firsthand experience in learning a language and adjusting to a different culture. Then while pursuing my Master's degree in cross-cultural communications, I took several classes in TESL. I fell in love with the immigrants I met during my internship and knew that's the direction I wanted to go.

My favorite part of my job is meeting people from other cultures, learning about their way of life and sampling their delicious foods.

When not preparing lessons, you can find me reading a book, sewing or taking a walk.

You can contact me at padolezal@yahoo.com.

Jaclyn Gishbaugher

I studied at The University of Akron for many years to be a high school English teacher. It was during my master's studies that I stumbled onto English as a Second Language, and what a happy stumble it was! I began my career working as an instructor for the International Institute of Akron teaching newly-arrived refugees. I love that I get to learn as much as I teach; my students are so willing to share their culture!

I continue my work at the International Institute, but now I'm happy to join the ELI to expand my teaching experiences and my knowledge of the cultures that my students bring to the classroom.

When I'm not teaching English, you can find me on the dance floor! I teach American swing dancing both at The University of Akron and at a dance studio near Cleveland. An avid runner, you may also spot me in any of Akron's beautiful metroparks.

You can contact me at missgish2@yahoo.com.

Linda Gotthardt-Allende

I taught ESL for many years at Ashland University. I have moved to Canton, where I live with my husband Abraham and my cat Milagros. I enjoy traveling, exercising, reading, getting to know international students and giving homework.

You can contact me at lgotthar@ashland.edu.

Dylanna Jackson

Dylanna Jackson has taught all the English language skill areas, but in the ELI, she usually teaches writing. In her writing classes she enjoys reading her students' interesting ideas through their journal entries and essays.

In addition to her teaching in the ELI, Dylanna works at the International Institute in Akron, helping recent immigrants to the U.S. acquire English and adjust to their new life in Akron.

You can contact Dylanna at dylannajackson@gmail.com.

Rebecca Jenkins

I've been teaching and tutoring English for over 20 years. I've been with the ELI since 2002. I also work at the International Institute as an Immigration Counselor, advising non-citizens about U.S. immigration law. Obviously, I enjoy working with people from around the world! I also enjoy bicycling, reading, gardening and spending time with my husband and our son and daughter.

I lived in Osaka, Japan for over two years, teaching English. I often share with my students the difficulty I had learning Japanese. In fact, one of my favorite stories is when I went to the market to buy carrots. Because the words for "carrots" and "human beings" sound alike, I mistakenly asked if I could buy some "human beings"! This true story illustrates an important aspect in second language learning -- don't be afraid to make mistakes!

You can contact me at rjenkins2@neo.rr.com.

Dr. Kenneth Pakenham

Dr. Ken came to The University of Akron by way of Belfast, Northern Ireland and Pittsburgh, PA. He enjoys teaching reading and helping his students develop their skills and strategies. In addition to his ELI teaching, Dr. Ken is an associate professor in the Department of English, where he teaches linguistics courses.

When he is not teaching, Dr. Ken can be found on the ski slopes in the winter. Although he is the oldest member of the ELI faculty, he is an expert skier!

You can contact Dr. Ken at kpakenham@uakron.edu.

Michelle Pittinger

I am a Canton native and a graduate of The University of Akron (BA, MAEd). During my time as a student, I was very involved in non-traditional and international student programs. As an undergraduate, I held offices in both the UA Chapter of Women's Network and the Non-Traditional Students Organization. As a graduate assistant in the Office of International Programs, I was the Study Abroad Advisor and Graduate Administrative Assistant in the Study Abroad Program. I was also an active student member of the International Students Club on campus and was a Conversation Partner.

I have also lived in Bangkok, Thailand for two years, where I taught ESL and earned a TEFL Certificate. Currently, I am an adult education instructor for the Canton City Schools ABLE Program where I have taught ESOL evening classes for beginner and intermediate level adults for the past four years.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, singing Karaoke, and attending craft shows.

You can contact me at michellepittinger@hotmail.com.

Debbie Rozner

My path to teaching ESL began when I started learning another language myself. I lived in Germany when I was a teenager. Going to school in Germany really opened my eyes to how long and difficult the process of learning a foreign language is. I studied German at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and then I returned to Germany to teach English on a Fulbright scholarship.

I absolutely love teaching ESL. Every semester is different because of the new mix of personalities and cultures. I feel lucky to be part of my students' learning every day. One day I would love to visit the many fascinating countries my students come from. I admire the ELI students for traveling so far from home to study here.

When I'm not teaching, I take care of my two daughters and two sheepdogs. If there is any free time left after these two busy jobs, I like reading and playing board games.

You can contact me at mattikod@hotmail.com.

Barry Simpson

I learned French as a second language while living in France and French speaking Switzerland. I enjoyed the whole experience so much that upon my return to the U.S., I went to Cleveland State University and received a graduate degree in Education with a TESL concentration. I have come to The University of Akron by way of Arkansas State University and enjoy teaching ESL at the university level.

You can contact me at bsimpso@uakron.edu.

Rob Thomas

I have a long-standing fascination with languages, literature, and cultures. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree with Spanish major and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Kent State University. I have also completed fourteen hours of graduate studies in Multicultural Education at the University of Akron. In 1990 and 1991, I enjoyed the opportunity to serve as an ELI instructor at The University of Akron. Work then took me elsewhere. I am happy that it has once again become possible for me to be part of the ELI teaching team this fall semester 2009.

You can contact me at rtcleanserv@gmail.com.

Lauren Vogel

Ever since I was a little girl, I had a strong fascination with languages, cultures and travel. I began learning my second language, German, at the age of 14 and had the wonderful opportunity to study in Dresden, Germany. While studying in Germany, I also traveled to Budapest, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Upon returning from my study abroad program, I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in German and taught business German for a short period of time. However, it was my travels and studies abroad that led me to a Master's degree in TESL. After receiving my Master's degree, I taught ESL locally at different universities and community colleges, but more importantly, I had the wonderful opportunity to teach EFL in Istanbul, Turkey. After returning from Turkey, I began my teaching endeavors here at The University of Akron--alongside such truly wonderful and compassionate staff.

My experiences traveling, teaching and studying abroad have given me a clearer insight into understanding our ESL students' new comer afflictions in a more compassionate way than I could have done without these fulfilling experiences. I can truly teach, understand and mentor these new students while learning, understanding and appreciating their culture(s) as well -- a job I truly find rewarding.

You can contact me at spatzi22@gmail.com.

Parmelee Welsh

I love teaching English language because the students are so friendly and interesting. I have experience in teaching students from over 18 different countries and have traveled to over 36 countries, enjoying the variety of cultures worldwide. Maybe I've visited somewhere near where you have lived.

While I was living in the United Kingdom, I used the skills from my BA in English to complete a Cambridge CELTA certificate. I have taught in the U.K. and in Ohio, privately, as a volunteer, and in intensive language programs. When I'm not grading homework, I like to take walks and go on bike rides with my husband. We love to talk to our family on Skype. We have four fantastic adult children, two wonderful sons-in-laws, and two adorable grandchildren.

You can contact me at welshs@juno.com.