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 Opportunity School to study English, however, she never left. Slavica was offered a job in the Language Learning Center and five years later became the Dean. “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.”

Jacqueline Kharouf is the office administrative assistant. She is a recent graduate of Regis University, where she studied writing. This is Jacqueline's first year at Emily Griffith and she is excited about the opportunity. Jacqueline has been inspired and motivated by the determination and courage of the students, who also like to give her short lessons of their native languages.

Kevin has recently joined our staff 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.

Susan has been with the Language Learning Center since November of 2007. She brings an MA in Classics from the University of Colorado in Boulder and a BA in Classics from the University of New Hampshire. 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.

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 EGOS 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 Opportunity School 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.”

Katie has been with Opportunity School since January of 2007, but has over 10 years of experience including time spent teaching English in Taiwan and Costa Rica. It’s no wonder Katie loves teaching at EGOS because she has students from all over the world. Katie holds a Master’s degree in ESL and has a passion for teaching students how to read and write. Katie also enjoys learning about their different cultures and religions, and she likes to teach her students about American culture.

Kate has been with EGOS 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!"

Dana joined Opportunity School 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 and a BA in foreign languages from Ball State University. 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 Opportunity School for 14 years. In addition to teaching, Scott also enjoys leading the daily conversation groups for high level English students. “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!”

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, "EGOS is truly a place that helps people. Students begin learning English and end in nursing school. Emily Griffith changes people's lives!"

Sharon has been working at EGOS 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 and a BA in Broadcasting and Journalism from Long Island University. 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.”

Coming from a family of educators, Cathryn feels she was predestined to teach. Cathryn joined EGOS in 1996 and adds over 18 years of teaching experience to the program. Cathryn holds an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction and a B.A. in Linguistics with Russian and German Minors. 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.”

Kevin has been a part of Emily Griffith since 2005. He graduated from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a degree in Sociology, focusing on Language and Linguistics. Kevin plans to continue his studies in Sociolinguistics at CU Boulder next year. 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. “

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

Lisa has been with Opportunity School for 11 years. 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 EGOS 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. “

Ahmed comes to us from Iran and has been teaching with Opportunity School since 1997. His education includes a Master’s in education degree from Saint Michael’s college. When asked what he enjoys about teaching English, Ahmed reminisces “it reminds me of my early years in America.”

Ann joined Emily Griffith in 2001, and brings a combined 16 years of teaching English. Ann has a Master’s in TESOL from the School for International Training and a Bachelor’s in German from the University of Texas. With a passion for traveling and studying other languages, Ann says she never looked back after deciding to teach. Her many years at EGOS are a testament to the wonderful students and the supportive and creative staff. Ann also currently manages the evening assessment testing program.