Most of our instructors work full time as French Immersion teachers in New Orleans, and devote a few hours a week to teach French at the
Alliance Française. Originating mostly from a wide-range of regions in France, our teachers teach French in an immersive, interractive way
that ensures that the majority of class-time is taught in the target language—French!
Sophie
Je m’appelle Sophie et je suis de Montpellier. J’enseigne depuis 18 ans et j’aurai vécu 8 ans à la Nouvelle-Orleans! J’ai aussi enseigné en
France et à Madagascar. J’ai deux enfants trilingues qui adorent NOLA!
Lilia
My name is Lilia Baptista. I’m leaving now in France. I love America. I like traveling and working around the world. I'm a French
teacher. I have more than twenty years of experience. I have taught in several countries, to adults and children.I take great pleasure in
passing on linguistic and cultural knowledge. we work with all skills. I am always available to listen to each student and respond to their
expectations.Come and learn French with me and let's have some fun! Long live the Alliance Française!
Nicole S.
Native French speaker, born and raised in Brussels, Belgium. I like teaching foreign languages, and I have done it for 30 years now !Always
trying to find the right balance between having fun in the classroom while still learning seriously.
Alice
Following a fulfilling six-month internship at Alliance Française, during which she engaged with students and the French-speaking community,
Alice connected with our esteemed teacher team this summer. With a fervent passion for social studies spanning sociology, environmental
studies, and public policy science, she adeptly infuses fresh media and materials into each class, ensuring a captivating and invested
learning experience for all!
Laurence
Say bonjour to Laurence, our exceptional teacher and pedagogical maestro (Référente pedagogique). For a whopping 15 years, she's
been the heartbeat of our Conversation à la Carte class, infusing it with the charm of French cafés and the energy of bustling markets.
But that's not all – Laurence's passion extends beyond the classroom as she expertly guides our aspiring French teachers, igniting their
path with her wisdom and experience. With Laurence leading the way, learning French is not just an adventure, but a journey peppered with
insights, laughter, and a sprinkle of je ne sais quoi.
Faustine
Introducing Faustine, our dedicated French instructor with a wealth of experience. With her passion for language and culture, she
effortlessly guides students on their journey to mastering French. Faustine's teaching approach is a harmonious blend of tradition and
innovation, creating a dynamic and engaging classroom atmosphere. Beyond just language, she instills a deep appreciation for the richness of
French culture.
Brigitte
Brigitte, a valued member of our team for 15 years, hails from France and brings a wealth of experience to our language classes. With a
background in studying in Toulouse, she holds certification in the immersive Français Langue Étrangère method. Brigitte's dedication to
teaching has earned her national recognition from the Federation of Alliances Françaises, USA, for her contributions to the development of
French cultural projects in the New Orleans area. Notably, she has been awarded the esteemed French Art and Letters medal, attaining the
rank of Chevalier. Her passion for teaching and deep cultural insight enrich our language learning environment.
Justin
Je m’appelle Justin Marshall. I have been speaking French for over 12 years now and French has continued to remain at the forefrunt of my
educational career in college and graduate school. I have worked with students of many different ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. My
classes continue to build on the 4 critical skills when learning a language. In addition, I also like to add in some information about
culture from time to time in order to give students some insight into the language and culture they are studying.
Evrard
Say hello to Evrard, our cool-as-a-cucumber instructor who knows how to create a serene and comfortable learning environment. With his
tranquil approach, he effortlessly puts learners at ease, making every lesson a breeze. Evrard's teaching style is like a gentle stream,
guiding students through the intricacies of French with grace and patience.
Valérie
Valérie Duval finally comes to her beloved New Orleans to semi retire near one of her daughters. She taught French for 37 years at all
levels and to all ages from French for children, adult AF classes, high school International Baccalaureate program and lower division at the
University of New Mexico. She holds a Ph.D from UNM and a Diploma of Foreign Language Didactics from the University of Paris III.
Dr. Tom Klinger
Meet Dr. Tom Klingler, our Cajun French connoisseur. With his deep expertise in the realm of linguistics, he brings a wealth of knowledge to our Cajun French courses. Dr. Klingler is not only a dedicated teacher but also a respected figure at Tulane University. As the Director of
Linguistics and French Study Abroad Programs, he's at the forefront of language exploration. His research interests span a fascinating array
of topics including French linguistics, Creole studies, dialectology, and lexicography. Join Dr. Klingler's classes or workshops to immerse
yourself in the rich tapestry of Cajun culture through the lens of language.
Liliane
Meet Liliane, our vibrant instructor with years of experience under her belt. With a heart as warm as a croissant straight from the oven,
Liliane creates a nurturing haven for our young learners. Not only does she introduce them to the beauty of the French language, but she
also weaves in mindfulness, emotions, and sensory exploration. With Liliane, it's all about fostering an atmosphere where giggles, growth,
and learning go hand in hand.
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Yassa
I grew up in Northern France before going to finish my studies on the Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, then going to live in French
Guyana in South America. I have been in Louisiana since 2016 where I have held the positions of French interventionist in Lafourche
Parish, 2nd grade teacher, Instructional Coach, Dean of Students and now Assistant Principal for the Early Childhood Learning Center.
Blaze
Introducing Alexandra Blaze D'Amico, a versatile force with a passion for both law and creativity. As a JD Candidate specializing in
Intellectual Property, her legal prowess is matched only by her love for the creative industry. With a background in museums and a flair for
all things artistic, she brings a unique perspective to our classes. Alexandra is not only a legal mind but also an accomplished teacher of
both Français Langue Étrangère (FLE) and English as a Second Language (ESL). Whether in a group setting or through private lessons, her
expertise and enthusiasm shine brightly, making each learning experience a true masterpiece.
Manon
A native speaker of French, Manon moved to New Orleans in 2016. In addition to Alliance Francaise, she teaches at different French
organisations in town. Manon's background includes art and art history, and she has led creative workshops in various schools and art
academies in Europe for both children and adults. In the last ten years, she has lived in France, Germany, and Switzerland.
Manon looks forward to sharing her knowledge of French language and culture, and believes that making mistakes is part of the beauty of
learning. She is excited to live in New Orleans and Louisiana as centers of Francophone and Caribbean culture. When it comes to teaching,
she finds inspiration in this quote from Christian Bobin: « L’art suprême consiste à savoir donner sa langue au chat. »
Photo credit: Camille Lenain
Nathan
Nathan is a French native, originally from Paris, and is passionate about languages. In addition to French and English, he also speaks
Italian and Spanish. Although Nathan has a French J.D. and an LL.M. in U.S. law from Loyola, his love for languages led him to become a
registered court interpreter, and recently created his own company specializing in legal translation and interpretation services. Now,
Nathan gets to transmit and share his passion for languages at the Alliance Française with our fellow students!
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Lawson Ota
Lawson Ota is the founder of Tours by Marguerite, a tourism company offering
tours in French and English of historic places in New Orleans. He is also a teacher of French as a foreign language. He is trained in
linguistics having graduated in 2012 in French, linguistics and German. He has devoted his career to the defence of the heritage languages
of Louisiana (that is, Louisiana French and Louisiana Creole).
Viviane
"I'm Viviane, a native French certified World Languages Teacher. I have a Master degree in French as a second language. I have been teaching
during these past 20+ years for the French Ministry of Education (France) and in the USA in various immersion schools as well as at Alliance
Française. I am so excited to meet you soon!
Sarah Mahoney
Administrative Coordinator
Originally from New Hampshire, Sarah graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in French and Music, and from Tulane University with a
Masters in Social Work. She spent six years in Paris, France pursuing opera and teaching English, and has been living in New Orleans since
2016. Sarah has held various teaching positions in France and the United States, and has most recently taught Pre-K at a French Academy. She
is committed to excellence in education and excited to contribute to AFNO’s vision and mission in greater New Orleans.
Emilie Georget
Executive Director
A native of Normandy, France, Emilie has lived in many countries of the Americas including Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, but also in
Australia. Prior to assuming her post with AFNO, she was in charge of artistic and cooperation projects in several cultural
services in French Embassies before going back to France in 2013. In Lyon and Paris, she worked for different non profit organizations
in the field of arts and La francophonie. In 2020, she arrived in New Orleans to be the Executive Director of the Alliance
Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans. She brings with her a strong attachment to linguistic diversity and the will to share the
richness of francophone cultures with the warm communities of New Orleans.
Karla Ewing
Events/Communications Coordinator
A product of the French Immersion program in Lafayette, Karla is a proud franco-louisianaise. She has her Masters in French Studies
from ULL and her thesis is entitled Thesis: Bayous, bières et beignets : la représentation culturelle de la Louisiane à travers le tourisme.
She studied both Liberal Arts and Communications, and minored in French at Nothwestern State University. After living in France and
traveling, she has landed in New Orleans. Before her time at AFNO, Karla was a French teacher. Karla loves speaking French
with fellow francophones especially those living in Louisiana as well as attending cultural events.
Sarah Mahoney
Administrative Coordinator
Originally from New Hampshire, Sarah graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in French and Music, and from Tulane University with a
Masters in Social Work. She spent six years in Paris, France pursuing opera and teaching English, and has been living in New Orleans since
2016. Sarah has held various teaching positions in France and the United States, and has most recently taught Pre-K at a French Academy. She
is committed to excellence in education and excited to contribute to AFNO’s vision and mission in greater New Orleans.
