Meet Our Instructors
Our enthusiastic and experienced teachers (many whom are native speakers) can’t wait to see you succeed
Nuria Fortier
Director of ILSCA, Spanish teacher
¡Hola! I’m Nuria Fortier, the Director of the International Language School for Children and Adults (ILSCA), where we’re passionate about teaching Languages to students of all ages. It is my honor to provide you with enthusiastic and passionate teachers like myself who are excited, knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated to helping you learn your desired language. Our goal is to provide a fun and engaging environment where students can learn to communicate effectively in different languages and gain a unique perspective on the world.
As a native Spanish speaker, I’m excited to share my love for the language and culture with our students. I love to share my passion for the beautiful Hispanic world and help my students achieve fluency in the Spanish language. I have an ELE (Spanish as a second language) instructor certificate from UNAM and I continue to learn new ways to help my students with language acquisition.
At ILSCA, we believe that learning languages not only improves communication skills but also provides numerous neurological and social benefits. We’re dedicated to helping our students achieve their language goals and providing them with a solid foundation for continued success.
Aside from my role at ILSCA, I also lead Spanish Meetup groups for adults looking to practice their language skills in a relaxed and casual setting. I understand the importance of community and believe that practicing Spanish outside of the classroom is a great way to reinforce language skills and build relationships.
When I’m not teaching or leading meetups, you can find me hiking, reading, cooking, or exploring new destinations with my family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for Spanish and look forward to welcoming you to ILSCA. Join us and take your first step towards fluency.
Angela Landa
Spanish teacher
Welcome to the world of language learning with Angela Martinez!
As an experienced and passionate Spanish teacher, I believe that every student has the potential to excel and reach their goals. My mission is to empower each and every student with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, regardless of their learning style or pace.
With a degree in Education from the prestigious University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. But it’s not just about book smarts – I also infuse my lessons with creativity, energy, and enthusiasm, making each day a fun and engaging experience for all.
Born and raised in Peru, I bring a unique cultural perspective to my teaching, enriching the learning experience for my students. Now based in California with my husband and two children, I’m proud to be a part of the International Language School community, helping students of all ages unlock the power of language.
When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me at home taking care of my family or indulging in my passions for reading, writing, and dance. I bring this same sense of joy and fulfillment to my teaching, inspiring my students to discover their own passions and reach for the stars.
Join me on this exciting journey of language learning and personal growth. Let’s work together to unlock your full potential and achieve your dreams!
Miranda Sue
Chinese teacher
Meet our credentialed native Chinese teacher! With fluency in the Chinese language, excellent teaching skills, patience, organization, and communication skills, she is the perfect guide for your Chinese language journey.
Since 2017, I have been teaching Chinese at ILSCA, where I enjoy interacting with my students. My love for the Chinese language and culture was nurtured during my early years teaching Chinese in China to students from 1st grade to 4th grade.
With experience teaching beginner’s Chinese lessons as well as advanced classes, I am able to teach Chinese and make lessons fun for my students effectively. My passion for developing students’ Chinese language skills and intercultural competency shines through in my work.
At Cal Poly Pomona, I studied Education, which further strengthened my teaching abilities. Outside of work, I love to travel and explore new cultures as well as take care of my family, read, shop, and cooking. Please join me in discovering the beauty of the Chinese language and culture!
Audrey Campos
Spanish and English teacher
Meet Audrey Campos, our dynamic Spanish and English teacher who has been transforming young minds for over 31 years.
As a native Californian, I am dedicated to sharing my love of the English and Spanish languages with my students, instilling in them a passion for learning that will last a lifetime.
I have a Master’s degree in MFCC and a B.A. in the social sciences, as well as a multiple-subject credential, making me an expert in my field. But what really sets me apart is my commitment to creating a positive, inclusive learning environment for my beloved students. I understand that every student has unique strengths and weaknesses, and I go above and beyond to provide differentiated instruction that meets the needs of each student.
I know that learning a language takes hard work, repetition, and memorization skills, and I provide a variety of opportunities for my students to achieve their goals. But it’s not all work and no play with me – I love to hike, travel and play Phase 10 with my family and two adorable dogs, Shakespeare and Ace.
Join me in my classroom and discover the joy of learning a new language with me. I truly care about your success!
Tandy Robinson
American Sign Language teacher
Hi, I am Tandy Robinson, and I am thrilled to be the American Sign Language teacher at ILSCA.
My passion for Deaf Studies and teaching ASL to both children and adults led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Behaviour Science and become certified in ASL/Interpreting. At ILSCA, I love the “excellence in everything” mentality, the family atmosphere, and the countless opportunities provided to our students to explore their interests.
When I am not teaching at ILSCA, I also teach at the American Museum of Ceramic Arts for students ranging from kindergarten to high school. As an active community member, I enjoy traveling, learning about different cultures, and spending time with animals.
If you are interested in learning ASL, I would love to help you develop your skills and understanding of the Deaf community. Let’s work together to make your language-learning journey a success!
Marina Simonetti-Lutz
Italian and German teacher
Welcome to the world of Italian and German with Marina Simonetti-Lutz!
As a native Italian speaker and fluent in German, I take pride in teaching both languages to students of all ages. My ultimate goal is to make learning fun and enjoyable for everyone. Because let’s face it, we all learn better when we’re having fun and surrounded by positive energy!
My teaching style is tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you need to learn Italian or German for work, travel, or to ace an exam, I am here to help. I employ a communicative approach, which includes plenty of speaking practice, dialogues, discussions, and activities that will broaden your vocabulary and improve your listening skills.
I have been teaching since 2001 and have had the pleasure of teaching at the International Language School for Children and Adults. Prior to joining ILSCA, I taught Italian at the Oxford Institute Italiani in Milan, Italy, which gave me the opportunity to learn various approaches and teaching techniques.
Aside from teaching, I hold a BA in Linguistics and Literature from Università degli in Milan, Italy. I also have a certificate in German from the GOETHE INSTITUT BOPPARD AM RHEIN, Boppard, Germany. When I’m not teaching or studying, I love to explore the great outdoors, travel, cook, and take photos.
Join me on a journey of language learning, cultural immersion, and personal growth. Let’s learn together and have fun doing it!
Mariam Zaki
French teacher
Meet our passionate language teacher, Mariam Zaki, who believes that learning a second language can change the way we see the world! She holds a bachelor’s degree in French Language and Arts from Assiut University in Egypt and a Master’s in Art in Teaching (MAT) from NLU, Chicago, IL.
With years of teaching experience, I have found that my students’ excitement and smiles while learning are both contagious and rewarding. I encourage my students to challenge themselves while having fun and tailor my teaching style to suit their interests.
In today’s globalized world, learning a second language is more important than ever, and I believe that it can broaden one’s horizons, open up new opportunities, and foster a deeper understanding of different cultures and customs. Join me and let me guide you on your language-learning journey!
Mia Brantley
Spanish and English teacher
Having studied Spanish most of her life, Mia passed the AP Spanish test with a 5 and has devoted her skills to teaching teens and AP Spanish students to broaden their knowledge of the Spanish language and Culture.
She’s a talented Spanish Language instructor passionate about making high school-level Spanish a positive experience for all students. She is positive and encouraging to both children and adult students of all levels.
Sammy Rugnao
Japanese teacher
Meet Sammy Rugnao, our passionate Japanese teacher at ILSCA! With years of experience in teaching beginners, Sammy is excited to help you achieve success in learning the beautiful Japanese language.
Aside from teaching, I am also a talented translator, specializing in comic and manga translations. I bring my expertise and love for Japanese pop culture to my classes, making them fun and engaging for students of all ages.
My long-term goal is to create communities of lifelong independent language learners, and I believe that learning Japanese is not just about language, but also about understanding the unique culture and customs of Japan.
Ana Maria Rada
Spanish and Portuguese teacher
Meet Ana Maria Rada, our passionate Spanish and Portuguese teacher at ILSCA. With a BA in sociology from Universidad Central de Venezuela.
I love to share my love for language and culture with my students. My teaching style is interactive and fun, while also ensuring that students meet their learning objectives.
I have been with ILSCA since 2019 and take pride in seeing my students build self-confidence through role-playing skits in class and using what they’ve learned in the real world. I believe that learning a new language can be intimidating. Still, my enthusiastic, cultural approach to teaching enables students to acquire language skills in a manner that keeps them interested and motivated.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling, reading, writing poems, and doing photography. Join my classes to not only learn a new language but also gain insights into the culture and traditions of Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Viviane Hanna
French teacher
Viviane Hanna is a certified French language teacher. She is fluent in French with a high degree of fluency in English, Arabic, and Spanish.
Welcome to my class! I create an enthusiastic environment to make learning a happy journey among students.
I work in a polite and friendly manner and enjoy designing and delivering lesson plans to my students varying from children to adults by integrating the latest tools of technology in the curriculum, to ensure my student’s motivation.
Florida Rojas Robayo
Spanish teacher
Meet Florida Rojas Robayo, our enthusiastic and knowledgeable Spanish teacher!
As a native speaker from Colombia, I am passionate about teaching Spanish and sharing my culture with students of all ages. I received my B.A. in Textile Design from the Universidad Autonoma de Colombia and am also a certified instructor of Spanish as a Foreign Language from UNAM.
At ILSCA, I have developed my own curriculum and teaching philosophy, which focuses on project-based learning and encourages students to start speaking Spanish from the very first class. I love being part of the supportive and structured environment ILSCA provides and enjoy working with children and adult students.
My goal is to make learning Spanish a fun and interactive experience while providing a strong foundation in the language. I believe that learning a new language is an important tool for broadening horizons and understanding different cultures. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy traveling, reading, and exploring different art forms. Join me in class and start your Spanish language journey today!
Want to join our team?
Are you a passionate, talented educator?
Do you want to join us in our mission to spread the love of foreign languages and culture to children and adults?
If so, please email us your resume to hello@ilsa.com. We will get back to you!
Interested in joining our family?
why join ILSCA…
Find Your Perfect Course
Not sure what course is right for you or your child? Sign up for a free assessment!