Meet Our Staff

Founder & Executive Director
Takeshi Shinagawa
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.

Administrative Staff
Claire Brown (Program Director)
Claire moved to Boston in February and has been enjoying exploring the city and all its offerings. She first discovered her talent for teaching English while at university in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Currently, she works as a teacher for Boston Life and in the office as an administrator. Her favorite things include chocolate, watching movies and traveling.

Marketing and Development Staff
Caitlin Wahlers
My name is Caitlin Wahlers and I am originally from Seattle, Washington. Currently a student at Northeastern University, I'm pursing a major in International Affairs and minoring in Social Activism. Due to the fact that I am relatively new to the Boston area, I enjoy wandering the city and checking out all the local coffee shops. I have spent some time traveling abroad, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Greece, Spain, and the Netherlands, but I still yearn to explore more countries. I am an avid reader and passionate about music, so if you would like some recommendations I would be more than happy to assist you.
Amanda Dos
Hello I'm Amanda! I'm an intern here right now working on the website reconstruction. Currently I am studying Information Systems at Suffolk University. I've lived in Massachusetts my whole life and have no complaints except for all the snow storms lately. My favorite thing to do in Boston is walking around and finding places to eat!
Julia Shuruyeva
I was born in Kiev, Ukraine, and found myself in the USA at age 6. Currently, I attend Suffolk University and hope to major in Advertising and minor in Computer Science. I enjoy all things new media, and have an unhealthy passion for web design. Although I have been rock climbing since before I can remember, I've recently discovered a love for tennis on the weekends.
Banu Erdim
Hi I`m Banu. I am from Turkey. I am an architect and interested in green architecture. I love Boston, and it is a fabulous city to live. There is so much history and architecture to see. The most interesting about working at Boston Life is meeting new people and culture. I like taking photos of Boston in my spare time.
Andi Z
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...

Teachers
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.
Amy Quan
Amy has lived in Cambridge on and off for a few years and loves going to shows to see her favorite bands, playing/watching soccer, going to diners, exploring the east coast, baking, and bargain shopping! She is originally from Southern California where she taught Test Prep, Sociology, and Writing for several years. She completed her B.A. in Global and International Studies, M.A. in Sociology, and is currently attempting to complete her doctorate in International and Comparative Education. At Boston Life, she loves working with students to improve their vocabulary, conversation skills and writing.
Caitlin O'Neil
Hello! My name is Caitlin and I am a teacher at Boston Life. I have been teaching English as a Second language for two years in Boston and internationally in Spain. Originally I am from Cape Cod but moved to Boston five years ago to attend Simmons College. I am now actively pursuing my Masters degree in Teaching English as A Second Language. I truly value the gift of language and communication. I am driven to help new students find comfort and language here in this beautiful city! 
Christina Berry
Christina comes from a very multi-cultural family and has traveled extensively including Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain and Ireland. She loves to teach languages and surrounds herself with friends from all over the world. Having earned her Bachelors’ degree from Northeastern University, Christina is also certified in TEFL from the Boston Academy of English. Her interests include cooking, dancing, traveling and culture.
Christie Perkins
Hi, my name is Christie Perkins. I am from Rhode Island but have lived in Boston for the past 5 years. I am a preschool teacher at a Spanish Immersion Preschool in Cambridge. I am working towards my master's degree in Special Education at Northeastern's College of Professional Studies. Last year I graduated from Northeastern with a major in English and minors in Spanish and Elementary Education. I love working with kids, meeting new people, reading, writing, and traveling! 
Danielle Richardson
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.
Patrick Bubul
Pat started teaching at Boston Life in February of 2011. Originally from West Pittston, Pennsylvania—close to Scranton, where the show “The Office” is set—he graduated from Boston College with a degree in English and has been living in the area for the past six years. Pat enjoys spending his time going to concerts (mostly indie rock), reading (lately: Fante, Hemon, Hesse, and Bukowski), traveling (most recently: Germany and Holland), strumming his guitar (maybe one day you’ll hear him play) and watching/playing basketball (New York Knicks!!!). Pat says: “If you’re interested in improving your English skills while working with fun, thoughtful, and unique individuals from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, Boston Life is the place to be.”
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.
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. ??? 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 two years. She has also worked with refugee families in Portland. Kassandra feels her most important job at Boston Life is to help students become more comfortable and confident out in the ‘real world,’ so her sessions tend to be more conversational and encouraging than formal and 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 and traveled all over Asia and Europe and some of the Middle East. 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. 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.
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.
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
My name is Sarah Haines and I’m 23 years old. I am currently studying to be an ESL elementary school teacher at Simmons College in Boston. Last year I spend 5 months teaching English in Thailand to elementary aged students. My passions are teaching, traveling, reading and spending time with friends and family!
Thomas J. Morgan (Marketing Coordinator/TOEFL Specialist)
Tom first learned of his love for teaching English while living in Daegu, South Korea. After earning his B.A. from Dickinson College, Tom headed to South Korea, where he lived for two years teaching TOEFL and conversation classes. Tom loves interacting with different people from around the world. He believes it gives him a better understanding of people’s homes, customs and beliefs. He believes this is important for human growth. “Basically, Boston Life is a wonderful place for different cultures to meet”, says Tom. He also enjoys reading, listening to music and watching movies.

Volunteers
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.