Hello! My name is Mara, and I am the founder of The Language Lounge!

I have loved languages for as long as I can remember.

When I was three years old, my preschool teacher taught some basic sign language signs to the class and that was the first time that I realized that there are SO many different ways to communicate with each other, and I only knew one of them.

As an elementary-schooler, the birthday gifts I asked for were an Italian-English dictionary, a Japanese CD, and The Ultimate Grammar Reference book. Weird, yes, but how cool is it to feel so passionate and inspired by something at such a young age?

As I got older, I studied languages in a more academic setting. It was during my study abroad experience in Shanghai, China, when that same realization I had as a three-year-old hit me again, but this time, not only was I recognizing how many different ways people communicate with each other, I was recognizing that the more languages you know, the more people you can talk to, build relationships with, and learn from. From this moment on, this has always been what language learning means to me.

After returning back home to the United States and after another summer spent at Middlebury College’s prestigious Summer Chinese Language School, I ultimately earned degrees in both Chinese and Communication Science from the University of Pittsburgh.

Following graduation, I went on to teach at the elementary school level for four years and was blessed enough to gain experience with students from PreK to 5th grade. Because of this, I have a great overall view of education—where students come from and where they need to go.

During my years as a teacher, I taught both Chinese as a Second Language and English Language Arts. As a language nerd, one of my absolute favorite things to do is help students master phonics skills, giving them the confidence needed to learn how to read.

I bring a lot of passion and energy to my lessons, especially those with young children (I know how hard it can be to sit still), and I truly believe that in order for learning to be effective, it must be fun.

Owning my own business and sharing my love of language with others has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I want languages to be accessible to everyone, regardless of where you come from or where you are headed. I want this, because everyone deserves to be able to communicate with others, and I believe that the more people there are who can communicate, the more peaceful this world will be.

I am so happy that you have landed in my little corner of the world, and I am honored by the opportunity to work with you and/or your children.

(For questions, please reach out to mara@thelanguagelounge.com)