As a leading provider of unique solutions to improve the quality of life for non-native individuals in the Greater Boston area, Boston Life focuses on assisting these individuals to improve their English communication skills and understanding of American culture along with providing support as they adjust to life in the United States and build their own community as they see fit. Our unique services, including language lessons, consultations and cross-cultural events are designed to meet your needs.

Mission Statement Boston Life is founded on the belief that a supportive community promotes successful living. To this end, staff and instructors dedicate their skills to provide invaluable opportunities for non-native clients to actively participate in their new community and the Greater Boston area, by way of language instruction and confidence building, cross-cultural consulting, social networking and guidance for daily tasks. Boston Life Business Philosophy Good community equals good life Boston Life Objectives ・ Assist non-native individuals to successfully integrate into the local community. ・ Offer a valuable opportunity for our customers to gain a different perspective of themselves. ・ Assist clients in fulfilling their language and community needs and better their lives in the United States. Our Roles is: ・ A facilitator of cross-cultural exchange ・ An advisor on successful living in the United States ・ A developer of a support network in the United States ・ A guide into the practical and necessary uses of the English language The People Takeshi Shinagawa (Founder & Executive Director)

Takeshi Shinagawa founded Boston Life to ensure that non-native English speakers could feel as though the language barrier would not stop them from fully integrating into their new community. The lessons and activity offerings are based on his own experiences of seeking classes and social events for those new to the Boston area. As a result, he readily understands the difficulties many non-native speakers face upon entering the United States. Staff All of our instructors are native English speakers. Many of our teachers have extensive experience abroad and are certified to teach English as a Second Language. These experiences have taken them to exciting and diverse destinations such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Australia, Great Britain, Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Cuba, Korea, Japan, among several other places. Our teachers are truly caring professionals and are committed to personal education. Administrative Staff Elba Molla (Office and Project Manager)

Alyssa K (Program Coopdinator)

My name is Alyssa. I am originally from Connecticut and have lived in Boston for the past four years. I attend Suffolk University as a management major. I love to meet new people and waitressing for five years has allowed me to meet many characters. I love Boston and the city atmosphere. I plan on continuing to live in Boston as long as I can. My favorite part about working at Boston Life is meeting people from around the world and learning about their cultures. I aspire to one day visit every continent. In my free time I like to read, sing and I never stop dancing. Caitlin Wahlers (Marketing and Development Staff)

Amanda Dos (Marketing and Development Staff)

Banu Erdim (Marketing and Development Staff)

Andi Z (Marketing and Development Staff)

What is your favorite thing about teaching at Boston Life? Can know different people from different countries Where are you originally from? China, Shanghai Last book read The good earth by Pearl. S.Buck Favorite thing to do in Boston? or Favorite neighborhood and why? Watch movies Words to live by ---- Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.- Gandhi Actually none for me... Instructors (Teachers) Allison Hoffman

Allie moved to Boston for college five years ago and decided to stay forever. She earned her TEFL certificate while living in Sevilla, Spain, and decided to put it to use upon her return to her beloved city. She loves talking about different cultures, her students' experiences, and grammar--for real. Allie is earning her M.Div. in theology and church music at Boston University, and fills up her free time playing the violin and/or hand-bells, baking cookies, sewing, and tap dancing. Clair Kaplan

Having completed both her B.A. and M.A. in Spain, Clair knows firsthand that learning another language isn't easy. As such, she focuses on giving students the tools necessary for them to feel confident in their growing command of English. Clair is particularly passionate about incorporating humor and practical vocabulary in her classes. Corie H.

Hi my name is Corie and I am a teacher at Boston Life. I am originally from Seattle, Washington and have been working and living in Boston for a few months now. I love traveling and meeting new people and to date I have lived in three countries and have visited 15 countries. One of my most memorable experiences was when I lived and worked in Tokyo, Japan! Come join the team here at Boston Life and get to know the amazing teachers and learn about their experiences while learning English at the same time. David Ober

Originally from Cleveland, OH, I came to Boston four years ago. I currently attend Northeastern University where I am working towards my PHD in English Literature. In addition to taking classes at NU, I also teach writing classes for the university. Currently I teach a college writing class for incoming freshman as well as an advanced writing class for students who are farther along in their major. In addition to the focus of my studies, 19th century American literature, I am also interested in films, rock music and soccer. Erin Hughes

Heidemarie Woelfel

Heide Woelfel is a recent addition to Boston Life, arriving in June. She has taught ESL since 1998, here in the U.S. and abroad in the Middle East. She has a Master's degree in Middle Eastern Studies and is currently a graduate student of sociology at Boston University. She enjoys engaging with students about their life and experiences in the U.S. Jake Molla

Jimmy Duggan

While at Emmanuel, I double-majored in English Writing & Literature and International Affairs. After college, I decided that I wanted a drastic change of pace before applying for graduate school, so I departed for China. I spent the past year teaching and tutoring English (speaking and listening mainly), studying Mandarin, and traveling throughout China and Southeast Asia. I feared that my enjoyable run of teaching English to eager and intelligent non-native speakers was over upon my return to the States, but then I saw that Boston Life was hiring...and here I am! -For fun, I like to skateboard, snowboard, play soccer, write, and go to concerts. My favorite food was pizza until I experienced, firsthand, authentic Asian dishes (e.g. 四季豆 stir-fry from Sichuan, fresh spring rolls from Vietnam). My favorite animal is the illustrious and elusive snow leopard (just watch Planet Earth, and you'll understand). My dream job would have to be a part-time Academy Award winning actor, part-time English literature professor. -Interesting fact: I'm named after "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, a WWF wrestler from the 1980s. Karen Manikowski

I am Karen Manikowski, both a traveler and educator. I decided to become an educator so that I could inspire people to learn, just as my teachers and the world fostered my love of knowledge. My favorite quote is "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." -Yeats Karen received her BA from the University of Minnesota and has worked in China and Senegal teaching and establishing English curricula. Her most memorable moment was the overwhelming excitement about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from students in China. When not explaining nuances of the English language you can find Karen wandering about Boston and frequenting the many fine eateries. Kassandra Seiwell

Kassandra calls Maine home? She has a Masters in Human Sexuality and taught English in Chiang Mai Thailand for 2 years. She's also worked with refugee families in Portland. Kassandra feels her most important job at Boston Life is to help students become more comfortable & confident out in the 'real world' so her sessions tend to be very conversational & encouraging more so than structured. Kate Fiorucci

Hi, I'm Kate. I'm grew up in Boston, but since graduating high school in 2001 I have lived in Oregon, Korea, and Singapore. Now I'm a graduate student at Simmons College, where I'm studying for my Masters degree in Library and Information Science. I love working at Boston Life because I get to meet so many interesting people and hear all about where they come from and what they do. I'm currently reading Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace, but it's so long and school keeps me so busy that I'm afraid it will take a long time for me to finish it! When I am not studying, I like reading everything I can get my hands on, doing crossword puzzles, walking around unfamiliar neighborhoods, communing with technology, and shopping for clothes. My favorite thing to do in Boston is ice skating on the Frog Pond in Boston Common during our long, cold, BEAUTIFUL winters Words to live by? "Now is now. It can never be a long time ago." Also "Dress for hope!" Kate Mast

Kate Mast is an ESL teacher who has just returned from teaching in Thailand. Having lived in another culture and country Kate is aware of the struggles her students face as they adapt to a new culture and struggle to master the English language. She focuses on fostering confidence in day to day language skills and her humor and easy going attitude put all students at ease. She loves to travel, is always ready for an adventure and loves spicy food. Kate loves to teach and is planning on getting her Masters in International Education and Development. Katharine Pilcher

Katharine Pilcher is originally from Columbus, Ohio, but she has lived in France, Washington D.C., and most recently Martha’s Vineyard before coming to Boston in November of 2009. She holds a BA from Wittenberg University (a private, liberal arts institution) in Ohio, where she majored in French. Katharine began teaching English as a Second Language six years ago in France, and has loved it ever since. Lindsay A. Button

Lindsay completed her undergraduate studies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in New York State. After graduation, Lindsay spent time teaching English in Japan and Korea. Currently, Lindsay is in a Master’s program for Speech and Language Pathology. She enjoys, traveling, reading, hiking, and trying new food. Michelle Matuszak

Prema S.

What is your favorite thing about teaching at Boston Life? My favorite thing about teaching at Boston life is watching students make progress through each lesson. The students' enthusiasm, dedication, and desire to master communicating in the English language is inspiring. Where are you originally from? Worcester, Massachusetts Last book read Surviving Paradise by Peter Rudiak-Gould Favorite thing to do in Boston? or Favorite neighborhood and why? One of my favorite things to do in Boston is kayak on the Charles River. The views of Boston and Cambridge are beautiful and the Charles River is an oasis of natural beauty in a city. Words to live by ---- “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson Robin C.

I’m Robin, I’ve been living in Arlington, MA for a very long time. Many things contribute to my well-being, such as: my husband and son, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and music. I have a BA degree in English and a MA in community development from Tufts University. I’ve been teaching at Boston Life for over two years. My approach to teaching is to encourage conversation, correct grammar and pronunciation. Sarah C. Haines

Thomas J. Morgan

Volunteers Chen Xi

Hiromi

Where are you originally from? I am originally from Chiba, Japan. It takes only 15minutes to reach Tokyo Disneyland by train from my place! Last book read Five Love Languages This book was initially recommended by my friend, and it is amazing how much I learn from this book. It's an eye-opener! Favorite thing to do in Boston? or Favorite neighborhood and why? Scooper bowl and Cram chowder festival! Words to live by You will never know what you can do until you try! -Unknown This phrase is the on the wall of the seminar room in my previous university. Susy Kim

Suzy, I’m from Seoul, Korea. I came to Boston in June and I was in San Francisco for 4 months before I came here. Sophomore at college in Korea, I’m majoring in Business. Last book I read is ‘Pride and Prejudice’, and I like to go to Boston Common and just lie down on the grass. I love to go to Quincy Market because there are many choices to eat! Also I'm interested in movies and music.

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