Slavica (pr. Slah-vit-sa) arrived in Denver in 1997 as a refugee after fleeing war-torn Bosnia. Like most refugees, she found her way to Emily Griffith Technical College to study English. Slavica was eventually offered a job in the Language Learning Center and five years later became Dean of the department. "I am one of the luckiest people in the world; I wake up in the morning knowing that I get paid to do something I absolutely love. It is a real pleasure to work with a dedicated, compassionate and well educated team. Even more so it is a great inspiration to watch our students go through so many obstacles and challenges but never give up and succeed in the end."

Emily began volunteering at Emily Griffith Technical College in 2010 and eventually joined the staff as a tutor in the Work Intensive Skills Camp. Prior to working at EGTC, Emily spent a year teaching English in Kazakhstan. "Having the opportunity to work with refugees has provided me with so much insight and perspective into not only their lives but my own as well," says Emily. Emily has a bachelor's in sociology and criminal justice from Colorado State University.

Katie has been with Emily Griffith Technical College since 2007, but has over 10 years of experience including time spent teaching English in Taiwan and Costa Rica. It's no wonder Katie loves working at EGTC because she gets to teach students from all over the world. Katie enjoys learning about their different cultures and religions, and she likes to teach her students about American culture. Katie earned a master's degree in ESL and has a passion for teaching students how to read and write.

Justin joined the staff of Emily Griffith Technical Collge in 2011 and teaches in the Colorado Refugee ESL program. Justin has extensive travel experience visiting many beautiful cultures of the world. Most recently, Justin spent a year teaching English in South Korea. Now that he has returned, Justin says, "The best part about teaching at Emily Griffith is that you have the amazing opportunity to help those who don't necessarily have the means to help themselves." Justin earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Merrimack College, and an ESL certification specializing in teaching business English.

Ahmed comes to us from Iran and has been teaching at Emily Griffith Technical College since 1997. When asked what he enjoys about teaching English, Ahmed reminisces "it reminds me of my early years in America." Ahmed earned a master's in education from Saint Michael's College.

Kate has been with Emily Griffith Technical College since 2001, but first began teaching English when she lived in China for eight years. Kate has a master's of education from the University of Colorado and a BA from Tufts University. About her teaching at Emily Griffith, Kate says, "I love teaching refugees. I am so in awe of my students who have been through so much, but who always come to school with tremendous enthusiasm and a smile on their faces. I love my students. This is the best job I've ever had!"

Uta has been teaching at Emily Griffith Technical College since 1999. Uta has held various positions as an ESL instructor for adult, middle and elementary school students. Uta was first inspired to become a teacher while living in Germany, after working with asylum seekers. "I enjoy sharing my language and culture with students and am honored to learn from them. They create a multi-cultural community inside every classroom and I feel privileged to have this little window to the world." Uta has a master's in curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis on ESL and adult education from the University of Colorado.

Heidi's career at Emily Griffith Technical College began as a volunteer and in 2009, she joined the staff as a tutor in the Work Intensive Skills Camp. "This has proven to be the most enjoyable job I have ever had," says Heidi. "Working with refugee populations has given me a new perspective and has been an extremely healthy and rewarding experience, one I will continue to learn from for years to come." Heidi Grossnickle graduated with a bachelor's degree in German from Michigan State University and in 2008, earned her certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults.

Dana joined Technical College in the fall of 2000 and adds 14 years of experience to the program. In addition to her experience, Dana has earned a master's in language, literacy and culture from the University of Colorado a. In addition to teaching, Dana travels throughout the country as an English school site reviewer for the U.S. Department of Education. When asked what she loves about working at EGOS Dana responds "...the students. They are dedicated to becoming English speakers and it is an honor to help them toward their goal."

Scott has been teaching at Technical College for 14 years. "The best thing about teaching ESL is to see adults from around the world interacting with each other to achieve a common goal. Seeing the harmony, compassion, and friendship that develop among the students in a multi-cultural classroom leads me to believe that if this can happen here then maybe there's hope for the world at large."

Kim has been teaching at Emily Griffith since 2004. She first became acquainted with the school while completing her master's degree in education. After volunteering with various teachers, Kim knew that Emily Griffith was where she wanted to be. Before becoming a teacher, Kim was a social worker, probation officer and small business owner. She enjoys her work because of the relationships she forms with the students. "I love coming to work. Seeing the students' faces always brightens up my day." One of the best things about teaching English is learning about the students' culture, background and lives. "I learn something new everyday!"

Shae began volunteering at Emily Griffith in the mid-1990's, where her experiences with Bosnian refugees led her to travel to Bosnia to work as an election supervisor after the war. Shae later became a teacher at EGTC in 2010. Shae feels privileged to teach the students at Emily Griffith. "I am endlessly inspired by the dreams and courage they bring to the classroom," says Shae. In addition to teaching, Shae is a writer and documentary producer. Shae has a master's degree in mass communications.

Cayenna has been teaching since 1998 but fell in love with ESL while living in Morocco. In addition to English, over the years, Cayenna has taught subjects that range from business and computers to psychology and math. Her students have been flight attendants, health professionals, and refugees. She has taught in schools, thrift stores and even while camping in the mountains. Before coming to Emily Griffith, Cayenna was a case manager at African Community Center. Cayenna loves Emily Griffith because, "EGTC is truly a place that helps people. Students begin learning English and end in nursing school. Emily Griffith changes people's lives!"

Lindsey joined Emily Griffith in 2006. Prior to joining EGTC, Lindsey spent four years teaching ESL in Washington D.C. and in South Korea. Currently, Lindsey is earning a master's degree in linguistically diverse education from the University of Colorado at Denver. Lindsey has also worked as a legislative aide for the U.S. Senate, and as a municipal bond Analyst for George K. Baum & Company.

Sharon has been working at EGTC since 1996. In addition to teaching, Sharon also oversees the in-home tutoring program for refugee women. Sharon holds a master's degree in multicultural education from the University of Colorado. When Sharon was younger, she thought she would spend her life traveling the world. Now, the world comes to her every day. "Getting to know people from dozens of cultures and countries makes this a fascinating place to work. Knowing that the work I do makes a difference in the world is the reason I stay."

Kevin joined the staff in 2008 and brings his experience learned while working at local non-profit organizations. Kevin's experience has also been influenced by his time spent traveling abroad, most notably while serving as a foreign peace observer in Chiapas, Mexico. Kevin has a BA from the University of Virginia. Now that he is a part of our staff, he looks forward to broadening the scope of the Language Learning Center.

Diana Ord joined Emily Griffith Technical College in 2011 and is excited to be part of the organization. Previously, Diana taught ESL at a Denver charter high school. Diana decided ESL was the field for her while teaching abroad in Veracruz, Mexico. She loves letting her students teach her new things about their cultures as much as she loves teaching them English! Diana has a bachelor's in English Education from Colorado State University and is currently pursuing a master's in linguistically diverse education from the University of Colorado at Denver.

Susan has been with the Language Learning Center since November of 2007. Susan has extensive travel experience and has lived in Russia, Japan, Italy, and Greece. "It is very rewarding to work with students from all over the world." Susan also enjoys running marathons. Susan earned a master's in classics from the University of Colorado atBoulder.

Coming from a family of educators, Cathryn feels she was predestined to teach. Cathryn joined EGTC in 1996 and adds over 18 years of teaching experience to the program. Cathryn is patient and poised, and her lessons are practical and polished. According to Cathryn, it's important to plan, stay positive, and give praise. "It's a privilege to work with such a phenomenal group of students. I'm proud to be part of this program."Cathryn earned a master's curriculum and instruction.

Kevin has been a part of Emily Griffith since 2005. It is these studies that have given him an opportunity to be around what he loves, language. "Teaching English allows me to pass on my love of language to students who inspire me on a daily basis." Kevin earned a bachelor's degree in sociology with a focus on language and linguistics from Metropolitan State College of Kevin plans to continue his studies in Sociolinguistics at the University of Colorado next year.

Alena joined the staff of Emily Griffith Technical College 2010. Alena immediately fell in love with teaching and working with international students when she taught English in China. Upon returning, Alena knew that Emily Griffith Technical College would be the perfect place to work. She feels working here allows her to experience and learn about different cultures on a daily basis. Alena earned her bachelor's in business and marketing from the University of Colorado.

Mary has been teaching at Technical College for 17 years. Mary enjoys working with students of all levels as well as teaching them how to use computers.

Katica (pr. Kah-tit-sa)is originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina and arrived in the United States in 2000 after fleeing the war. Being a refugee herself, Katica understands how difficult it is to relocate to a new country. She enjoys the opportunity at EGTC to meet and help people who have recently arrive in the U.S. "I can relate to what they are going through and help them adjust to this culture." Katica also remarks on how much she loves the atmosphere of the office. It is no wonder why she has been with Technical College for seven years.

Laura immigrated to the United States several years ago from Mexico. "I didn't speak any English so I decided to go to Emily Griffith." Laura's dedication was so pronounced that after six months as a student she was offered a job. Seven years later Laura is now Manager of the CRESL program. "The part that I love most about my job is being able to advise students. It is also rewarding to see how students succeed, how their needs unify them no matter where they are from."

Lisa has been at Emily Griffith Technical College since 1997. She joins us from Louisiana where Lisa not only developed her love of food, but graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southeastern Louisiana University. When asked what she likes about teaching at EGTC Lisa responds "I'm inspired by the dedicated staff and love getting to know and help students from all over the world. I am honored to work for them. "

Barbara joined the staff at Emily Griffith Technical College in 2010 and teaches English in the commercial cleaning job training program. Barbara brings eight years of experience teaching English. She loves watching students grow as they learn a new language and prepare to enter the American workplace. Barbara has a master's in curriculum and instruction from the University of Colorado.

Alison Wilson began working at Emily Griffith Technical College in 2010. She enjoys her work at EGTC because the student population is culturally and linguistically diverse. Previously, Allison taught adult ESL in Prague, Czech Republic for five years. Outside of work, Allison enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. Alison earned a master's in education psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver.