Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, born in Kinshasa, I grew up in Toulouse in the South of France. I’m married with three children, who are my greatest joys and motivation in life. I did my initial schooling in France: after studying French literature, I graduated high school specializing in administrative communication. After obtaining my Brevet de Technicien Supérieur …
Liliane Nshimirimana
Liliane is a dedicated professional with a passion for the field of healthcare. Born and raised in Burundi, her educational journey began with her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in nursing. After completing her studies, Liliane embarked on a new chapter in her career as a medical representative. Her role as a medical representative allowed her to contribute to the …
Manon Whittlesey
Manon is a French American artist living and teaching in Maine. Her art is driven by the artistic process, and includes multiple media. A process driven maker, she revels in sharing a wide toolbox of skills, from watercolor to printmaking. www.morpheecreations.com
Cathy Varela
Cathy was born and raised in the North of France. Before she came to the U.S., she studied International Business and enjoyed traveling through Europe. She arrived twenty years ago in Maine as an Amity aid – a teacher assistant – at Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham. Her goal was to improve her English but she fell in love …
Willy Tshibangu
I did my primary and secondary studies in Kinshasa in Catholic schools where I obtained my baccalaureate in math-physics in 2005 and the university, at the Protestant where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in finance, banking, and insurance, in 2010 in Kinshasa. I had to work for 5 years in the banking sector and then I immigrated to the United …
Susie Pollard
Susie Pollard is originally from Florida. After studying photography and French, she was hired to open a French stock photo agency in Paris. She worked and lived in Montreal and then Paris for over 7 years. She later earned a Master of French from University of South Florida, where she also taught French at all levels. She moved to Portland …
Mary Okin
Mary lived in France and attended a French lycée as a teenager and more recently lived in Quebec City for two years. She has a B.A. and an M.A. in French literature and completed her PhD in Canadian History with a focus on French Canada. In the past, she has taught French courses at the University of Maine and at …
Rene Nyanutse
Rene is Togolese by birth. He was raised in Togo and graduated from college in Lome. He pursued higher education in Québec and graduated with a Master’s degree from the University of Rimouski, Québec. He has been teaching French in Maine since 2007 and is currently a French teacher at Scarborough High School. He joins the AFduME this spring with …
Michael Klimov
Michael was born in Kazakhstan and grew up in Ukraine. He moved to Maine with his family in 2000. Michael has taught French, Russian and English for more than twenty years to students of different nationalities, backgrounds and ages in various educational institutions – from public secondary schools and schools of higher education to private schools and colleges- in Ukraine, …
Nana Kanjinga
Nana Kanjinga is originally from the Congo. Born and raised in Kinshasa, Nana speaks French, Lingala, English and Tshiluba. From 2006 to 2014, Nana lived in Capetown, South Africa where she learned to speak English fluently. Nana has worked as a customer service representative in various companies. Living in Portland Maine since 2015, Nana graduated from SMCC with a degree …