ELL Match: Gregoria and Lisa

Lisa and Gregoria meet over Zoom.

Learn more about how English Language Learner, Gregoria, and her tutor, Lisa, found NALC and about their experience working together!

What brought you to NALC?

Lisa: I have a TESOL cert, and some tutoring experience, but it was hard to find any structure or consistency with conversation exchange arrangements. Having lived overseas, and working here with many expats, I know how stressful and difficult it can be to procure the basic necessities and services when you don’t have adequate language skills. It can be a real struggle. It’s great that programs like this exist to help those who have the discipline, but maybe not the resources to better their life. 

Gregoria: Ten years ago my husband was going to English classes at the Cohn School. Then I started going to the class. I started meeting with my first tutor Kim.

Note: Kim Karesh was matched with Gregoria when she first started working as NALC’s CEO in 2016. She and Gregoria met for more than a year, and they are still friends today. Kim is now also helping Gregoria’s oldest son with college applications.

What has your experience been like?

Gregoria: NALC has helped me to speak more English and understand my customers, my children’s teachers, and the doctors in the hospital. I feel like it has really helped me. 

Why do you volunteer?

Lisa: I enjoy working with students and thinking about how to present stories at their skill levels. It’s interesting to learn about their experiences and see them improve their English skills.