Meet the INTESOL Staff
INTESOL staff are dedicated to providing the highest level of tuition, be it onsite or online. All trainers are well qualified in TESOL at all levels, with a wealth of experience in teaching ESOL, ESP and EAP at all levels from primary to university, plus examining for the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate and materials writing.
INTESOL WORLDWIDE has been established since 1993 and has sold many TESOL/TEFL courses to students who have been looking for a quality, accredited TESOL course. INTESOL is run by Course Director, Lynda Hazelwood, who has vast experience in the field of teacher training in ESOL. Lynda is assisted by Technical Administrator, David Buckle who has a background in English and IT.
Lynda Hazelwood – Course Director
Lynda Hazelwood has been teaching languages since 1971. Since then she has taught in England and overseas, in both the public and private sectors, in primary, senior and adult education. She also has experience of English for Academic Purposes and materials writing at university level. Lynda has been employed by the British Council for whom she taught all levels including Cambridge exam classes and English for Specific Purposes. She has been an examiner for the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate and for the Pan-Hellenic Association of Language School Owners in Greece.Lynda founded INTESOL in 1993 in Bristol, England. A variety of courses and services were provided including one-to-one language tuition; adult language classes; French clubs for 5 – 11 year olds; English home stays for foreign learners and weekend introductory courses in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The most successful of these became the weekend introductory courses in TESOL. 80% of the participants wanted to take a course, which would qualify them to teach ESOL, but most could not give up four weeks of their time to study. Lynda decided to develop course materials for home study which soon developed into the world renowned INTESOL Certificate in TESOL by distance learning. A short time later the course achieved accreditation and is now one of the most respected courses worldwide.
David Buckle – Technical Administrator
David Buckle has been working for INTESOL since 2001 and looks after the technical aspects of the business. He has a BSc in Computing and Technology, and a good knowledge of both computer hardware and software systems. David’s duties cover general IT matters including website updates, maintenance of computing equipment and general technical administration tasks. He also assists in the production, printing, and sending out of prospectuses, information packs and course materials.
INTESOL Tutors
Vincent Ferrer – Senior Tutor
Vincent has been working for INTESOL Worldwide since 2003. He holds an MA in Education and English Language Teaching and a Diploma in TESOL. Of American and Spanish descent, Vincent has had a long career in TEFL / TESOL. He has had a number of teaching and managerial positions over the years: from teaching young learners to Director of Studies on EFL Summer Camps to Course Director and Academic Consultant on a number of TEFL training courses. Vincent is the author of a number of articles on various aspects of TEFL and has been a guest speaker in international conferences and symposiums. Currently he is utterly committed to training English Language teachers and his main motivation is, in his own words, to ‘better our courses constantly so that our teachers not only satisfy the demands of the market but actually make a difference when they teach’.
Mihaela Dascalu – Senior Tutor
Mihaela has been working for INTESOL Worldwide since 2003. She has run many pre-service and in-service training courses both face-to-face and distance courses in Romania and Greece; and delivered workshops at many international conferences. She has worked for a number of British Council projects on developing teacher training and training of trainers programmes. Mihaela has developed and coordinated onsite and distance training courses and has trained teachers for over thirteen years. She is the co-author of the In-service Distance Training Course for Teachers of English, British Council. She holds a Licentiate Diploma in English Language and Literature and French Language and Literature and an MA in Teaching at the School for International Training, Vermont, USA. Being a non-native speaker of English, she has experience of being a learner of English that is invaluable for developing the native speakers’ awareness of teaching their own language.
Alex Semakin – Senior Tutor & Student Support
Alex has been working for INTESOL since 2011. He got his Bachelors degree in TEFL in 1995 and has been teaching English ever since. His students have been adults and children in Russia, where he has worked in high schools and a language centre, and also as a private tutor. In addition to that, he has substantial experience teaching students across the world via the internet. Alex’s specializations include exam skills training, teaching advanced level learners and teaching academic writing. He was an official examiner for the Russian Department of Education, administering the National Exam in English. He is currently writing his dissertation for the MA TESOL programme at the University of Manchester, which he is completing online.
INTESOL Russia
Lidia Egorova – Course Coordinator
Lidia Egorova, joined the international education services industry and has been working in the field of education for more than 8 years. She has a degree from the Far Eastern Federal University in Russia and has been living in China for one and a half years. She studied at Cambridge University. She is a very energetic, easy-going, communicative person. Lidia likes travelling to foreign countries, reading and learning different cultures.
Elena Plekhanova – TESOL TRAINER
On graduation from Orenburg State University Elena committed herself to the education sector. She has been involved in teacher training and development since 2006. Elena has graduated with a Masters Degree (Language Theory) from the Orenburg State University. She has attended professional retraining according to the programmes “Teacher of specialized educational institution” and “The teacher of the higher school”. In her free time Elena enjoys ski mountaineering, yoga and travelling.
INTESOL Japan
Hogara Okamoto – Administration Officer
Hogara joined the education services industry after he had worked for advertising agencies for 19 years, mainly in the field of global business. He has a bachelors degree from Sophia University, Tokyo. He likes travelling to foreign countries and singing songs in karaoke.
Rocco Nigro – TESOL TUTOR
Rocco has been working for INTESOL Worldwide since 2005. He has been involved in the TEFL industry for many years as a teacher, teacher trainer, academic manager and examiner for TOEIC. He is currently based in Brisbane, Australia and has previously worked in Japan for two years and in China from 2001 to 2003. His initial studies include a Diploma in Engineering, and afterwards he completed a Master of Applied Linguistics through Macquarie University in Australia to add to his TEFL qualification.
INTESOL Nicaragua
Paul Mallick – Director & TEFOL Trainer
Paul’s love of teaching has seen him work and volunteer in many countries, including Spain, the UK and Nicaragua. An experienced teacher, he has built a solid reputation among his Nicaraguan students as a patient, reliable and knowledgeable educator. He is passionate about the natural beauty of Granada and the surrounding area. This, and his interest in meeting new people, led him to setting up INTESOL Nicaragua, Granada’s first TEFL teaching school.
Prior to teaching, Paul managed several restaurants for a large restaurant chain in the UK. He successfully founded and operated an online retail start-up which he grew into a profitable business. Paul’s entrepreneurial skills inform his teaching style and make his lessons engaging and varied. When he’s not teaching, Paul can be found kayaking on the nearby Lago de Apoyo, enjoying a mojito at his favourite restaurant or chasing after his two cats.
Amy Blackmur – Administration & Social Media Coordinator
Amy spent several months travelling through Central America, and fell in love with the relaxed and friendly nature of Granada and its people. So much so, she never left. Her project management background well equips her to manage the day-to-day operations of INTESOL Nicaragua. A traveller herself, she is sensitive to the needs of students new to the country, and ensures they receive the information necessary to making their stay in Granada as comfortable as possible. In addition, Amy manages the school’s social media presence so you may find her lurking on Facebook or Instagram during office hours (at least that’s what she tells her boss). When she’s not working, Amy is usually at the gym, satisfying her caffeine addiction at her favourite cafe or hunting for Granada’s best Fritanga.
Chris Allodi – Marketing, Communications & Events Advisor
Chris has lived and worked in Nicaragua since 2010, running a successful guesthouse that is consistently voted number one on Trip Advisor. Over the last five years he has built a reliable network of contacts and is well placed to advise on Granada’s best tours, activities and events. He is a wealth of local information and is well accustomed to Nicaraguan culture. He provides support and advice to the team on living, working and running a business in Granada. Chris is currently overseeing the building of two new houses in Granada, while still finding time to indulge in a weekly massage.
INTESOL South Africa
Karen Wiese – CEO
BA, B.ED Hons, Certified Mediator. Karin has years of experience in Education and Education Management as well as in the Aviation Industry. Her relevant experience includes: Leadership Training in Doha and Abu Dhabi, Principal of Schools in Kuwait, Duty Controller at George Airport for Domestic Carrier FLITESTAR and ex cabin crew South African Airways. Karin has also established several successful businesses including a Guest House, Coffee Shop and various Nursery Schools. She has always been passionate about Education, Aviation and the Tourism Industry.
Stuart Marran – Director
Qualifications: Honours Diploma in Human Resource Management, ICAO Level 4 Examiner. An Honours Diploma in Human Resources Management qualification and over 20 years local and international experience in the retail, advertising, leisure, sales, media, IT, F&B and Debt Counselling industries. Stuart has worked in the USA, UK, UAE and has travelled extensively. Stuart will be our in house ICAO Level 4 Examiner.
Ilse Marran – Operations Manager
Ilse has local and international experience in multiple industries managing staff and resources. She has worked in the UK and the Middle East having vast experience in the corporate world and working for Nakheel, one of the largest Real Estate Developers in the Middle East. Ilse was a Flight Purser for Emirates Airlines based in Dubai. Ilse is qualified in the Film and Television Industry, majoring in Film Editing.
INTESOL Ayutthaya
Travis Hammond – Teacher
My name is Travis Hammond. I was born in Durban, South Africa. I have always loved teaching and have run many youth camps to help promote the importance of hard work and equality. I started teaching English as a foreign language in Ayutthaya, Thailand back in 2014. I fell in love with the culture and the work. It’s amazing how you can be so far away from home but still feel so moved and accepted. I have taught all age groups and wouldn’t be able to pick one over the other. I simply love teaching.
INTESOL Bolivia
Colin Young – Teacher Trainer
Hi, my name is Colin Young. I am a teacher, a trainer, a traveller, a runner, and a language enthusiast. I am originally from Canada, but have been living overseas for over 10+ years in China, Korea, Turkey, Malaysia and Australia! English teaching was what brought me around the world and I have experience teaching all ages and levels, ranging from 5 year old kindergarten classes to rocket scientists at Samsung. I arrived in La Paz, Bolivia in January 2016 and have been enjoying training the English teachers of the future in our TESOL Certificate program at instituto-exclusivo!
Qatar Skills Academy
Rahima Yunus – Trainer & Assessor
Rahima is a UK qualified IT, English, Communication and Business Administration trainer who has worked with numerous individuals and a variety of multi-cultural organisations in Qatar over the last 2 years. Rahima has extensive experience in teaching English and IT working very closely with Qtel over the past year on their English and Technical Diploma programme as well incorporating specific work skills development programmes into their everyday teachings. Rahima also provides continuous professional development and IT training to Al Khaliji Bank on a weekly basis. Rahima has also taught IELTS and Business English with Capco and QChem. Previously Rahima worked at the Aeronautical College teaching English in specialise fields. Prior to moving to Doha, Rahima worked as Project Manager, IT and English Trainer for a selection of firms in London. Rahima has a Cambridge qualification in English as well as TEFL training, Train the Trainer and is a qualified ECDL Instructor. Rahima is currently studying for BA Hons in Islamic Studies. Rahima is described by our clients as of one of most positive and proactive trainers they have met. She is heavily customer focused with a commitment to providing solutions and services tailored towards specific requirements for all our clients.
INTESOL Cyprus
Antonis Ioannou – Course Director
Born in Limassol and educated in the UK, Antonis is a holder of two degrees and a post graduate degree in Greek , English and a PGD in TEFL respectively. He is one of the most experienced tutors in Teacher Training we have at Plato. He began as a teacher of English where he taught in Greece and in Governmental Schools in Cyprus. He was promoted to deputy and then head of the English Departments of more than 8 Governmental Lycea and Gymnasia and ended as the Headmaster of Polemidia Gymnasium, a governmental high school in Limassol Cyprus . Now with more than 27 years of experience in TEFL he is an asset to the TEFL Plato Team. Antonis has written hundreds of TEFL Materials and he is a member of ICM ,the IETFL Cyprus .
INTESOL Iran
Mohamadreza Tavaf – ELT Manager & TESOL Trainer
Born in 1976 Tehran
MA in Teaching
Manager of International Affairs
Kiarash Kasaie – ELT Manager & TESOL Trainer
Born in 1976 Tehran
Cambridge Celta
Iran INTESOL
Dr Ahmad Pourghasem Shadehi
PhD (Philosophy of Language, Mind)
INTESOL Director in IRAN
CEO of International Language Center of Amirkabir University of Technology
GTT Academy – INTESOL India
Sudhriti Roy (Aryan) – Director
Aryan has a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a Post Graduate Degree in Mass Communication and 7 years experience in the ELT Industry.
Rachel Banerjee – Director
Rachel has a Bachelor’s Degree in Eco-Stats-Maths with Post Graduate Degree in Business Administration and more than thirteen years experience in the ELT industry.
Andy Roy – Academic Head
Andy has 18+ years experience in the education field. He conducts TESOL courses in India and Thailand and continues to develop a wide range of training programs for teachers and trainers for online and onsite courses. Andy holds a Masters Degree in English Language Teaching, a TESOL Certificate, a Certificate in Leadership for Teachers and Trainers and a Certificate in Behavioral Skill and Advance Facilitation training.
Archana Chauhan – Tutor
Archana has more than fifteen years experience in teaching Pre and primary children with a degree in teaching. She is a course developer and evaluator and a mentor to future teachers.
INTESOL Cambodia
KD Eryarar – Supervisor
KD is the driving force behind INTESOL Cambodia – TESOL House. Working in education prominently in teacher training and TESOL for more than a decade, KD has great experience and knowledge in delivering and managing TESOL programmes.
Pisey Long – Director
Pisey Long is the TESOL House Director, as well as Campus Director of Aii Language Center, Mao Tse Tong Campus. He is one of the Senior Management in Mengly J. Quach Education in charge of overseeing the general operation of the whole school, both academic and non-academic.
Pisey joined MJQE in 2006 as a part-time ESL teacher. Due to his dedication and outstanding teaching performance for almost 5 years, he was promoted from a part-time and full-time ESL teacher to Head Teacher in 2010. In addition to his position as a head teacher, he was also appointed to be the Principal for English at the American Intercon School in 2013. In 2016, he got another promotion as Vice Chancellor and Board of Observer. Finally, he was promoted to be the campus director and he is also a Steering Committee Member of the Annual CamTESOL Conference.
Pisey received his Bachelor’s degree in Education majoring in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Build Bright University. He was also awarded the TESOL Teaching certificate, the internationally recognized certificate from INTESOL Worldwide based in the United Kingdom.
Steven Lee – TESOL & Management Trainer
Steven Lee is an experienced TESOL and management trainer from Singapore. He has a B.A. degree from The University of Tennessee in the U.S. and more than 10 years of experience working for multinational companies in Singapore like IBM, Thomson, and Singapore Press Holdings.
He has previously worked for about a year as an independent management trainer with The Mekong Private Sector Development Facility (MPDF), which is part of the World Bank Group. He completed the Training of Trainers for the “Supervisory Skills” program and facilitated the training for garment factory supervisors and managers in Cambodia. He also developed and facilitated “Management Perspective” workshop for companies in Cambodia like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports, and MJQ Education.
He has been involved in the TEFL industry for more than 15 years as a teacher and later as a teacher trainer. He tries to bring real-world examples into the training, so that it is engaging, fun, and immediately applicable. He enjoys being a trainer especially, in his own words, “when participants feel empowered, motivated, and equipped to use the hands-on skills as soon as they walk out of the training room.”
Thalyna Chhoeung – Executive Secretary
Thalyna Chhoeung received her Bachelor of Education in English from a reputable national university which is also one of the members of the ASEAN University Network (AUN). As part of her academic achievements, Miss Chhoeung took part and won first place in the JCI Cambodia Debating Championship both in 2013 and 2014. She also participated in the JCI World Public Speaking Championship in 2013, in South Korea and JCI World Debating Championship in 2014, in Japan. Following her winning the first place in the JCI Cambodia Debating Championship in 2013, she became an ESL teacher at the American Intercon Institute, one of the most well known language training centers in Cambodia, where she has gained most of her English language teaching experience as well as her management skills. She was later promoted to be the Executive Secretary to the Campus Director, and is now also in charge of overseeing the TESOL House administrative work.
Australian Dream College – Myanmar
James Gwa – Campus Director
James Gwa has extensive experience in the education field in both teaching as well as leading. Since March 2014 James has been the campus director at Queensland International Institute and from 2016 he held the same position at Australian Dream College, based in Myanmar. James has experience teaching English as a second language in Australia from 2008 to 2014. He completed his Graduate Certificate in TESOL in 2012 in Australia and his Masters of Business Administration in 2009. James also completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, which allows him to teach Australian Accredited Programs.
Belinda Swank – TESOL Trainer
Belinda Swank is currently enrolled at the University doing her Post Grad Diploma in TESOL. She has been involved in teaching as well as training since 2006 in Asia as well as in the USA. Ms. Swank has taught adults as well as young learners English as a Second Language in different countries. She completed her Diploma in Early Childhood Education as well as Human Resource Management. This last year Belinda has been working at our college in different Management and Compliance departments to gain more experience. She is also a qualified IELTS coach and has certificates both in TEFL as well as IELTS.