ESL Faculty and Staff
Adriana Rodriguez-AlmadaESL Program Manager |
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Obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in International Business, a Master's Degree in Adult Education & Training, and an MBA in Project Management prepared me for work in Japanese and German companies in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and France. My experience includes 20 years of Customer Service and 5 years of teaching in Corporate/Higher Education. |
Josie GonzalesCE Program Coordinator |
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My family and I have always lived here in San Antonio, and my highest goal is to encourage my children to have a love for school and to graduate from college one day. |
Zully CarofilisAdjunct Instructor |
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Susan WhittleseyAdjunct Instructor |
I have a Master's Degree from Stanford University in California. In fact, I came here from Northern California not too long ago. I’m pleased to be here now and look forward to meeting you! |
Jinah CarlileAdjunct Instructor |
 Hi, this is Jinah Carlile. I do my best to make sure that learning English is an easy endeavor and can also be fun. I have been teaching English to second language learners over 20 years. I have taught English in South Korea and the U.S.A. Since English is also my second language, I know how my students feel learning English. A new language can be challenging, no matter what age the student is. I have found out that the best way to learn English is to enjoy it and to try your best. I have a dual Master’s Degree from Sookmyung Women’s University and UTSA majoring in TESOL. For me, teaching English is the most enjoyable and rewarding career. I love to teach English, which makes me happy to see my student’s improvement. Learning English could open a lot of opportunities in your life! Welcome to the ESL Program at Northwest Vista College and my fun class! I can’t wait to see you in my class!! |
Chiharu MatsudaAdjunct Instructor |
 Hi! I am Chiharu, and I love teaching languages (and music)! My mission in life is to make the world a better place through language education. I believe that being able to communicate in English with people from all around the world is very powerful in many ways, and I would love to help you to learn English with all the experiences and skills that I have. My bachelor’s degree is from Doshisha Women’s College, one of the most prestigious universities in Japan, and I have a master’s degree from Boston University. I am also equipped with years of teaching experience. I hope you can join me in a journey of learning English, and I am looking forward to meeting you in my class! |
Gina HarwardAdjunct Instructor |
 Hello everyone! Gina Harward here. Learning languages and helping others learn languages are two of my joys. As an ESL instructor in this program, I’m excited to have the chance to use my love of language learning to help you achieve your language goals. I’ve lived and taught abroad and understand the challenges of learning language in an immersion environment. My bachelor’s degree from UTSA is in French and Political Science, and my graduate work is in Middle East Studies. I hope I get the chance to be your ESL instructor! |
Zena Al JubouriAdjunct Instructor |
 Hello, my name is Zena Al Jubouri. I am originally from Iraq. After I completed my B.A. degree in English language and M.A. in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, I was awarded a full scholarship for study in the United States to get my M.A. degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I have taught ESL in my home country Iraq, Japan, and the USA. Teaching ESL to adults gives me great satisfaction and fulfillment and I always like to work towards making my students feel the same way. Come and join me in one of my classes at NVC so that we not only learn but enjoy our learning journey together. |
Nada Al HamdaneAdjunct Instructor |
 Hello everyone! My name is Nada Al Hamdane. I was born and raised in Iraq and now I'm a proud Texan. Learning English has been my passion since early childhood. Therefore, teaching English now at this phase of my life reflects this passion. I have earned my B.A degree in English Literature from The University of Baghdad in Iraq; and my M.A degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from UTSA. I have taught English in Baghdad to job seeking adults and currently I am teaching ESL with NEISD adult Education. I am aware, as an English learner myself, that learning another language is challenging, but it is very rewarding. It is my greatest pleasure to guide you my explorers throughout this expedition to gain all the necessary knowledge you need. I look forward to meet you all in my class and explore together the wonders of this journey. |
Cate WengelnikAdjunct Instructor |
 Hello students and welcome to a new semester at NVC! I am thrilled to get to know you and for us to create a safe, inclusive, experiential and collaborative learning environment together. I deeply care about my students and stay in contact with many of my former students. I have lived in three countries, speak six languages and have obtained several university degrees from the United States and abroad. My expertise is focused on study skills, success skills, learning techniques for the ESL classroom and intercultural communication. My classes cater to various learning styles and focus on the experiential and collaborate learning environment. So if you like to challenge yourself and are looking for opportunities to grow and to interact with your peers, you are in the right place! |
Hello! My name is Adriana Rodriguez-Almada. I was born and raised in Juarez, Mexico. After studying English in Mexico at the Elementary and middle school levels, I completed high school in Texas. My first year of high school was a "cultural shock," so I know how difficult it can be to integrate into a different country. I would like to help students feel at ease and confident as they learn English to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Greetings. My name is Josie Gonzales, and I have been working in NVC’s Community and Continuing Education offices for over six years. It has been such a rewarding journey for me, dedicating my professional career to being focused on students’ needs. One of our highest values at NVC is to bring an opportunity to every member of our community to go to school.
Hello, I’m Zully Carofilis. My first instructional experience began seventeen years ago teaching Spanish in various schools in San Antonio as well as other states. After teaching every age level in public schools, I have been teaching ESL at the Alamo Colleges for the past 7 years. I have enjoyed the great opportunity to teach students from all over the world. They have taught me a great deal about their customs and cultures at the same time they’ve learned about our American culture. This is why I love teaching ESL. My classes are interactive and fun. You will feel welcomed, relaxed and at home in my classroom as you are learning English. Come and join us at Northwest Vista College. See you soon! My education and experience include a Master of Arts in Spanish from UTSA, seven years of experience teaching ESL and translating.
This is a great opportunity to welcome you to my classes at Northwest Vista! If you’d like to consider learning more English or just polishing up what you already know, please come on over. Certainly, you’ll fit into one of my classes; they cover Levels 1-6. I have been teaching ESL for longer than you have been alive, most probably! And I revel in meeting you, learning about all your beautiful qualities, and teaching you English so you can thrive in your chosen field, whether that includes getting or improving your jobs, helping your children with their homework, or functioning with more confidence in your day-to-day lives.Contact Us
Adriana Rodriguez-Almada
ESL Program Manager
Phone: 210-486-4426
Email: achavez180@alamo.edu
Josie Gonzales
CE Program Coordinator
Phone: 210-486-4404
Email: jgonzales564@alamo.edu
