About 

US



About the Alliance Française

The Alliance Française of New Orleans, is one of the leading providers of French language and culture education in the New Orleans area. Governed by a local nonprofit board, The Alliance Francaise of New Orleans is a member of the international network of Alliance Française chapters. Founded in 1883 in Paris by a group of eminent thinkers, including the scientist Louis Pasteur, the diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps, the writers Jules Verne and Ernest Renan, and the publisher Armand Colin, the Alliance Française is the largest network of French language and cultural centers in the world.





French

 

at your doorstep!







Nous parlons français





alliance française
By the numbers


  • 6000+ students served in the New Orleans region since 1984.

  • 800 Alliance Française locations worldwide in more than 136 countries.

  • 98% exam success rates including the DELF/DALF achieved by Alliance Française chapters US-wide.

  • 10,000+ hours taught by native speaking teachers with an average class size of 8 students.



 

Our 

Teachers


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! 

Ciné-Club
Ciné-Club

We welcome you to our monthly Ciné-Club film screening. Free for members!

Sophie
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
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.
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
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
Laurence

Référente pedagogique

Faustine
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

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
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
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

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
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
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.

Yassa
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
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
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

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!

Lawson Ota
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
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
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.

Our 

Staff



Emilie Georget
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
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
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.

Our 

Board

Presidents Emeritus*



Marina Schoen

President

Sophie Capmartin

Vice-President

Don Schwarzenbach

Secretary

James Holmes

Treasurer

Jessie Aries

Jennifer Bigelow


Sharon Holleran

Amy Kirk-Duvoisin


Will McGrew

Ryan Reeves

Christine Verdin

Suzanne Wiltz


Dianna Honoré

Laura Rachal

Susy Raga

Marci Schramm


Cecile Andry*



Joseph Dunn*


 
Norma Grace*


 
 
Christine R. LeBlanc
*

Claude Schlesinger*



 E. Alexandra Stafford*



 Alexandre Vialou*



Julia Ingraham Walker*



Annual Reports


AFNO 2020 Annual Report

AFNO 2021 Annual Report

AFNO 2022 Annual Report


Alliance Française
de La Nouvelle-Orléans

1519 Jackson Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70130

Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 10am-6pm
Friday: 10am-4pm

504.568.0770

afno@af-neworleans.org

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