Our teachers and administrative staff are fun, energetic, enthusiastic, personable and patient

We adapt to make your learning experience enjoyable. Our teachers are certified language instructors, and unlike other agencies that hire volunteers, we at JLC, carefully select our instructors for their passion for teaching and language education. We pride ourselves on developing lasting relationships with our students, that are built on respect and mutual understanding. 

ADMINISTRATION

Experience and Credentials:

• Business Administration and Marketing degree from Leeds Schools of Business at at the University of Colorado in Boulder

• CEO & Founder of Journey Language Center, Journey Culinary Ltd and Minaya Group Real Estate Investments

• 4 years Spanish professor at the Longmont Free University

• 10 years teaching Spanish to professional adults and companies providing private lessons and group classes at SEF & JLC

• 10 years of experience teaching ESL for adults, teens and children

• 8 years creating and developing the Spanish Easy & Fun and Journey program language curricula

• Co-Author of 14 Spanish Journey language books

• Awarded as “Best Language Teacher” in 2013 People’s Choice Awards by Daily Camera

• Awarded in the “40 under 40” Boulder Valley 2017 by Biz West for leadership, entrepreneurship and business innovator

• Diploma in International Culinary Fundamentals at Escoffier Culinary Academy School

• Author of “A Journey of Flavors” recipe book

• 5 years of experience teaching French, Mediterranean and Spanish Cuisine Cooking Classes to adults

• Certified Nutritional Juicing Therapist

Travel Experience: 

Canada, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Perú, Dominican Republic, Panamá, Costa Rica, Colombia, Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand.

Experience and Credentials:

• Architect degree from Ricardo Palma University in Lima, Peru

• 10 years of professional career in Colorado focused on residential design.

• Art, Poetry, and Italian language studies in Lima, Peru.

• Journey Language Center (JLC), Journey Culinary, and Minaya Group Real Estate Investment Founder.

• 18 years teaching Spanish in Colorado to professionals, adults, and children through group and private classes at JLC, universities, companies, corporations, and the Boulder School District.

• 6 years teaching Italian to adults and children at JLC.

• Researcher and author of ten Spanish is Easy and Fun books for adults that include grammar, writing, and conversation topics for beginning, intermediate, and advanced level students. Author of six Spanish is Easy and Fun books for Children. Author of four Italian is Easy and Fun books for adults.

• Awarded as “40 under Forty” Boulder Valley 2017 Awards by Biz West as a remarkable and influential professional and entrepreneur.

Travel Experience: 

U.S.A., South America, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Monaco, Mexico, and Canada

Jenny Sojor
Language Program Coordinator

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• 6 years of working in BPO Companies

• On-Site Escalation (Supervisor Position) at Sitel Philippines

• Online English Teacher for Korean Students

• Administrative Assistant for a Real Estate Company based in QLD, Australia

• Contract Desk Associate for JVM Lending that is based in CA, USA

• Transaction and Compliance Coordinator for Keller Williams Realty - BKT based in TX, USA

• SME and Trainer (Internal Position) for an Outsourcing Company that is based in CA, USA

• CRM Consultant for an Automotive Company based in VIC, Australia

• Purchasing Assistant for a Construction Company based in WA, USA.

INSTRUCTORS

Jala Pfaff
Spanish, Portuguese & English Communications Specialist

“I love working at JLC because of the informal, relaxed environment and the great attitudes of our students.”

Services offered:

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of Spanish and English in group classes and private lessons for adults

Experience and Credentials:

• Doctoral coursework, General and Hispanic Linguistics, OSU, Honors

• M.A., Hispanic Linguistics, University of Colorado at Boulder, Honors

• B.A., Spanish, Alma College, Honors

• A.A., International Studies, Lansing Community College, Honors

• Medical Interpreter Certification Training, Bridging The Gap program

• Spanish instructor at Lifelong Learning Program

• 10 years of ESL instructor at SEF language School & Journey Language Center

• University of Colorado, Ohio State, and Front Range Community College

• Over 10 years of experience teaching all levels of Spanish and English in group classes, semi private and private lessons at JLC

• IBM

Besides being an exceptional Spanish and English language teacher, Jala is also a published writer, and a professional artist, specializing in abstract painting.

Travel Experience: 

Mexico, Spain, Cuba, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Europe, Iceland, Japan, Korea, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, India, and New Zealand

Experience and Credentials:

• Portuguese born

• Colorado State University—Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics & TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

• American University of Paris – studied international business & French Language

• 25 years teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language

• International English Program IEC - CU Boulder

• English Language Program - SUNY New Paltz, NY

• English Language Program - Lane Community College, Eugene, OR

• American Cultural Exchange – MSU, Bozeman, MT

Travel Experience:

Lived in: Portugal, France, Italy, Germany, England, Finland
Traveled to: Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Canada

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Speaks five languages

• President of Longmont sister cities Association

• Served the CDC Cosmetology Advisory Board

• Served the Longs Peak Beauty Academy Advisory Board

• Served the Transportation Advisory Board for the City of Longmont

• She teaches English as a Second Language, German, and Norwegian. 

Courtney Michelle is a modern Renaissance woman. She grew up in Texas, spent a year in Norway as a Rotary exchange student, and another year in Berlin, Germany. She completed her degree in Linguistics at the University of Texas at Austin. She worked in high tech and continues traveling whenever she gets the chance. In 2007, she chaperoned her first group of students to Ciudad Guzman, Mexico, with Longmont Sister Cities. She is currently president of that organization and has visited all three of Longmont’s sister cities.

Travel Experience:

Austin Texas, Norway, Germany, Chino, Japan and Guzman, Mexico

Andrea Zanon
Italian, Spanish & French Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of Italian, Spanish & French in group classes and private lessons.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Italian language and Coaching specialists

• 20 years of experience in training and teaching Italian, Spanish and French

• Has a Degree in foreign languages from the University of Bologna, Italy

• Master degree in international affairs from Georgetown University

• Provided language and cultural classes courses to children, students and professionals.

• Founder of women entrepreneurship acceleration program working with 15,000 women CEO in 13 countries in the Middle East and Latin America

• Worked and traveled as a sustainability and capacity building consultant in Brazil, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Mozambique, Ethiopia, South Africa, most of the Middle Eastern countries except Iran
  

Travel Experience:

Europe, Africa, Latin America, Brazil, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Mozambique, Ethiopia, South Africa, most of the Middle Eastern countries except Iran

Ericka Oliva
Spanish Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of Spanish group classes and private lessons online.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Graduate of Advertising from the Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Guatemela

• Marketing and Publicity Coordinator with Grupo Editorial, Norma, S.A

• Merchandising Coordinator with Electrónica Pan Americana

• Account Executive with DNT Marketing Studio

• Assistant for Direct Sales and Advertising Agencies in Ogilvy Guatemala

• Marketing and Services Assistant with Corporación de Noticias, S.A. (Newspaper) 

• Has a passion for global cultures and communication

• Dedicated and enthusiastic Spanish conversational Partner

• Has the strength of Patience and Education, Love for Conversation, Conversation Partner, Multicultural Vision, and Individualized Approach

I specialize in teaching Spanish conversation with patience and respect, creating a positive learning environment for my students. I enjoy conversing with people from diverse cultures, which enriches my teaching with global perspectives. I believe learning a new language is essential for unforgettable cultural experiences and better intercultural understanding. I understand that every student has their own learning style, and I tailor my methods to meet their unique needs.

Travel Experience:

Florida, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Puerto Rico

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Speaks English and Spanish

• 150-Hour TEFL Certification

• Emergenetics Certified Associate

• B.A. in Communications Studies and Business Administration from Colorado State University

• Professional experience in the service industry, marketing, non-profits, and ESL instruction, locally and abroad

Sarah is a Denver native whose true passions are travel, language, nature, and helping people and animals. Sarah has traveled to over 21 countries, having lived six months in The Netherlands as an exchange student, six months in Spain interning for a language consulting company, and two years in Panama, working remotely and advancing her Spanish language skills. Sarah has volunteered for Spay and Neuter clinics and currently volunteers to teach English to refugees/newcomers. Certified in ESL instruction, career coaching, and emotional intelligence assessments, Sarah's goal is to help people be successful in their lives and careers through language learning, self-improvement, and sustainability. She also focuses on helping to grow the companies she cares about through innovative marketing strategies. 

Travel Experience:

Aside from states all over the USA.. Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador/Galapagos Islands, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ireland, England, Scotland, Spain, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Greece, Albania, Croatia, Belgium, Portugal

Lenz Francois
French & Spanish Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of French & Spanish in group classes and private lessons.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Outcome Specialist/ Social Worker at Bethanna - Community Umbrella Agency # 8

• Facilitation Process for Latino Parent Advisory Council (CAPL) with Luna Cultura, Boulder

• Professor Department of Psychology, State University of Haiti, P-au-P, Haiti

• Social Worker – Social Therapist, Port-au-Prince, Haiti

• Dean of the Department of Psychology, State University of Haiti, P-au-P, Haiti

• Supervising Psychologist, International Organization for Migration (IOM), P-au-P, Haiti

• Monitoring Agent, Belgian NGO, Entraide et Fraternité

• Consultant, Oxfam Quebec, Canada, and UNESCO

Experienced Psychologist, Social Therapist, and Mental Health Counselor with a 25-year track record of successfully developing and implementing techniques aimed at empowering children, teenagers, and young adults to make positive transformations in their lives. Proficient in providing mental health support during both emergency and post-disaster scenarios. Proudly served as a Correspondent for Haiti within the esteemed International Network of Clinical Sociology (RISC). Possesses full authorization to work in the United States.

Travel Experience:

Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Holland, Quebec

Jim Brunetti
German, French, Italian, English & Spanish Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of German, French, Italian, English & Spanish in group classes and private lessons.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Taught at Berlitz School in Rome

• Degree from University of Perugia

• Bachelor in French and Spanish from Metropolitan State University

• Masters in Whole Learning Education

• Principal’s License

• Taught Spanish, French, Italian, and Latin in Denver Public Schools and Jefferson Country Public Schools

• Dean, Assistant Principal in Adams 12 public schools

• Played professional Tennis

• Coached girls and boys Tennis, Soccer, and Volleyball

Travel Experience:

Europe, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden

Deborah Dupuis
English Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning and Intermediate levels of English group classes and private lessons for adults.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York

• Graduated from The University of Colorado in 2000 with a teaching degree, and worked in the Denver area public schools

• Taught environmental education in the summers

• Completed a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) degree program at Front Range Community College in 2019

• Taught immigrants and refugees in Aurora, Colorado

• Started learning Spanish in December 2019

• 2 years of experience working with young learners

• Experience being a conversational English tutor for adults

I have been a teacher for most of my life. I honed my skills working in bake shops and kitchens around the country, eventually choosing to teach culinary arts.  In 2000 I graduated from The University of Colorado with a teaching degree which I used to work in the Denver area public schools.  In the summers I taught environmental education and in the winters, skiing on the weekends.  In 2019, I completed a TESL degree program, (Teaching English as a Second Language) at Front Range Community College.  This degree gave me the skills and knowledge to teach immigrants and refugees in Aurora, Colorado.  I taught classes in person and online.  In December of 2019, I began learning Spanish and continue to do so.  I love travel, languages, and learning about other cultures. When in Colorado, I am happy to reflect on my home culture and share it with those visiting from abroad.

Travel Experience:

Lima and Machu Picchu in Peru, Cuenca Ecuador, Spain, France, Switzerland, Dolomites and along the Ligurian coast of Italy, Czech Republic, Austria, Greece, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Israel

Johanna Franco
Spanish Communication Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and advanced levels of Spanish in group classes and private lessons for adults & kids. Business and Cultural Spanish. Translations and interpreter services (ENG-SPA)

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• International Business Professional graduated in 2013 from the University of Valle in Cali, Colombia

• Currently pursuing a Master’s in Accounting at the University of Colorado Denver (2025)

• Over 10 years of experience in high-level executive and administrative support roles

• Experience in coaching youth in both sports and the Spanish language

Born and raised in Cali, Colombia, I lived in Bogotá and Medellín for some time, and then moved to Miami, USA, in 2018 before settling in Denver in 2020. Throughout my life, I’ve always been in bilingual environments, which has shaped my appreciation for communication as a vital tool in both personal and professional settings. As a bilingual professional, I understand the power of communication and its role in bridging cultures. This is why I am passionate about teaching Spanish and helping others connect on a deeper level through language.

Travel Experience:

Colombia, Panama, Spain, Norway, Iceland, USA

Jessica Deal
Italian & English Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning and Intermediate levels of Italian and English in group classes and private lessons for adults & children.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Born and raised in Denver with family roots in Southern Italy (Calabria)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Italian and Philosophy, University of Denver 

• Law Degree, University of Denver

• Study Abroad, University of Bologna (through Brooklyn College of Law)

• Studied abroad at the University of Bologna as an undergraduate

• Legal Internship, Rome

• 15+ years in private legal practice

• Experience teaching Italian 2004-present includes: Private lessons, afterschool and summer programs, adjunct instructor at the University of Denver, adjunct instructor at Colorado Women’s College, Dante Alighieri Society Language program

Jessica understands that learning a foreign language can be very intimidating. As an instructor, she makes it her goal to create a productive and fun learning environment for students that fosters interest and encourages participation. She aims to not only help her students succeed in the classroom but also inspire them to organically incorporate Italian (or English if teaching ELA) into their daily lives to create lifelong learners. Jessica has a particular love for Italian music and movies. 

Travel Experience:

Italy, France, Argentina, Austria, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Germany, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Mexico, and Poland.

Yuka Hicks
Japanese Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of Japanese in group classes and private lessons for adults, teens & children.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Born and raised in Japan

• Certified Japanese language teacher: Completed the 420-hour Japanese Language Teacher Training Course. 

• Over 7 years of experience as a private Japanese tutor

• Taught group Japanese lessons for 2 years.

• Supported students in grades 1 through 6 who need help developing their Japanese language skills at the Japanese School of Denver—a supplementary school accredited by Japan’s Ministry of Education.

Yuka was born and raised in Japan, and is a qualified Japanese language teacher, having completed a 420-hour training course accredited by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Before moving to Colorado, she taught group Japanese lessons for two years in Oklahoma. Since relocating to Colorado, she has been teaching Japanese for over six years through both in-person and online lessons. Teaching her native language and sharing her culture with people from other countries brings her great joy—especially seeing her students grow and improve over time. She also understands what it’s like to be a language learner herself. She studied English while living and traveling in New Zealand for a year and in Canada for another year, and continues to learn English. This personal experience allowed her to empathize with her students and better support them on their language-learning journey.

Travel Experience:

Japan, England, New Zealand, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, France, Taiwan, Australia

Jorge Alvarado
Portuguese, Spanish & English Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of Portuguese, Spanish, and English in group classes and private lessons for adults & children.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Raised in Central Mexico

• 15 years as a certified public speaker in 4 languages

• 8 years of teaching, public speaking, and translating in the Portuguese language

• 7 years of instructing and public speaking in the Albanian language

California-born but raised in Mexico, learned English very young, and then moved to Mexico for formative years up to mid-teenage years, re-learned English, and later immersed in the Brazilian & European Portuguese culture, living in NYC, continued to grow an interest to learn languages in such a melting pot, learning Albanian among the growing population in the city.

Travel Experience:

Albania, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Panama, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland & United Arab Emirates.

Bobby Bourque
Italian & English Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning level of Italian and Beginning and Advanced levels of English group classes and private lessons for adults & children.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• BA in Italian Studies and Neuroscience & Behavior from Wesleyan University

• Received the Scott Prize for excellence in modern languages (Italian)

• Studied abroad at the University of Bologna, Jan-May 2022

• Inducted into Phi Beta Kappa upon graduation

• Summer intern at English at Large, a non-profit specializing in providing ESOL resources to the Greater Boston area

• Tutoring and teaching experience in Italian, English, chemistry, and biology

• Presented a research project at the International Conference on Development & Learning in 2024

Bobby Bourque is currently a master's student at CU Boulder at the ATLAS Institute, studying creative technology and design. He wants to combine his passion for education with games and technology to create immersive learning experiences in topics ranging from language to STEM to practical skills. He thinks that learning should be fun and engaging. He received his bachelor's from Wesleyan University in Italian Studies and Neuroscience & Behavior. 

Travel Experience:

Italy, UK, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Montreal

Juan Pablo Rodriguez
Spanish Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of Spanish in group classes and private lessons for adults & children. Instruction in Business and Cultural Spanish.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering with a concentration in Production, Master’s Degree in Telecommunications, and a Specialization in Finance.

• Certified in ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)

• ISO 9001 in quality management and IT service management.

• Former University Mathematics Instructor and Real Estate Advisor in infrastructure maintenance.

Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, He has over 35 years of professional experience in multinational companies across various productive sectors: beverages (Pepsi), food (Heinz), brewing (Polar), glass manufacturing (O-I), telecommunications (CANTV – Venezuelan state-owned company), and oil (PDVSA – Venezuelan state-owned oil company). Juan Pablo has held leadership positions managing multidisciplinary teams in technological projects, inventory and transportation logistics, process improvement (reengineering), industrial and environmental safety, development and administration of service contracts, as well as documentation and personnel training in new technologies, among others. His Mission is to promote learning, teaching, and cultural exchange by helping people learn Spanish not only as a language but also as a bridge to understanding the culture, gastronomy, history, customs, linguistic diversity, and rich traditions of the Hispanic world.

Travel Experience:

Venezuela, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the United States.

Daniela Sanchez
Spanish & English Communications Specialist

SERVICES OFFERED: 

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of Spanish and English in group classes and private lessons for adults & children.

EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS:

• B.S. in Biology, Minor in Ecology & amp; Marine Biology — Simón Bolívar University

• Marine ecologist with fieldwork and data management experience for the Punta Cana Coral Reef Network

• Loan Processor Assistant with experience managing documents, client communication, and complex case coordination

• Professional Spanish–English translator with 5+ years of experience

• Case Manager supporting immigrant and bilingual communities in Colorado

• 7+ years of tutoring experience in science, math, and Spanish

• Strong background in cross-cultural communication, supportive teaching, and student-centered learning

Daniela Sanchez is a bilingual Spanish–English instructor with the heart of a scientist and the soul of a traveler. Before becoming a language teacher, she explored coral reefs as a marine ecologist in Punta Cana, lived in a biological research station in Costa Rica, and traveled through Peru, Colombia, and Panama collecting stories, colors, and cultural experiences she now brings into her classes. Alongside her scientific path, she also worked as a Loan Processor Assistant—an experience that sharpened her attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to guide people through complex information with clarity and patience. She brings that same energy into every lesson, making language learning fun, meaningful, and always connected to the real world.

Travel Experience:

Costa Rica, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Peru, Colombia, and Panama.