About Us

Anastasiia Chyzh

Hi! My name is Anastasiia, and I am originally from Kyiv, Ukraine. I am a member of the Class of 2027, double majoring in Data Science and Political Science. I speak Ukrainian and English, and have also studied Chinese, Italian, Spanish, and Polish. In my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, traveling, and learning about different cultures.

Deborah Loera

Hello! My name is Deborah and I am class of 2029 majoring in Data Science with a minor in business. I love to stay active playing volleyball and going to the gym! My favorite part about working at the Language Center is meeting new people and making everlasting memories!

Komail Mohebbi

Hello everyone! I am Komail and I am from Afghanistan. I am a junior majoring in Financial Economics and International Relations. I enjoy reading books and going to cafes in my spare time.

Joydin Bishop

My name is Joydin Bishop. I am a sophomore majoring in English and Digital Media. I enjoy seeing the smiling faces of those who enter the center and appreciate language learning and the expression of culture.

Monique Siruge

Ola! My name is Monique. I am Brazilian American and a native Portuguese speaker. I'm from Hudson, MA, with deep roots in central Brazil. I study Comparative Literature and Linguistics at the University of Rochester. I love learning languages and reading works from all over the world; I believe engaging in international art, no matter the medium, creates a stronger understanding of the world around us and deepens our social bonds with others. As a Program Assistant at the Language Center, I aim to share my understanding to boost connection and enthusiasm for different cultures, not only here at UR but the world beyond.

Nancy Flores

Hi! My name is Nancy, and I am a senior at the University of Rochester and I am from Highland Park, IL. I am majoring in Latin American Studies with a minor in Math. I am involved in SALSEROS (Latin dance organization here at U of R) and enjoy a good game of chess, playing music, watching movies and trying new food.

Natália Bigolin

Hello! My name is Natalia and I work both as a Program Assistant and Portuguese Tutor at the LC! I am from Brazil and I am in my senior year majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Anthropology and Environmental Engineering

Paxton Burke

Hi, I'm Paxton! I'm from San Jose, California. Here at URochester I am a double Humanities major (Politics, Philosophy, and Economics + English) on the track to law school. I'm involved in student government and UR Model United Nations! I love dabbling in a variety of languages, especially French and now German.

Vitória Castor

Hi! My name is Vitoria Castor. I am a PhD student in Education at Warner School with a background in English as a Foreign/Second Language Teaching. I am originally from Brazil and came to U.S. as an International student. I love talking about books, movies, hobbies, travel and more.

American Sign Language

Renee Dansereau
Renee Dansereau is a senior at the University of Rochester  that is intending to graduate with a dual degree in American Sign Language and Brain and Cognitive Science. This is Renee's second year being the ASL tutor and she is excited to meet everyone! Outside of work Renee is involved in two different research labs, ASL Club, and athletics. She is also passionate about connecting with the Deaf community and hopes to further spread that passion to others.

Ancient Greek and Latin

Kate Stout
Hello! My name is Kate and I am a junior majoring in Classics and Creative Writing. I am involved with the Campus Times and work as a Writing Fellow for the Writing, Speaking and Argument Program. For fun, I like to watercolor paint.

Arabic

To be announced.

Chinese

Miki Chiu
Hey everyone! 大家好! My name is Miki Chiu, pronounced Micky like the mouse, and I am the Chinese tutor at the LC! I am currently a junior and this is my second year working as the language tutor. I was born in Hong Kong but mainly grew up in New York City. I have a pet Shiba Inu and in my free time I like to listen to music, sing, and open blind boxes! With that being said, I can’t wait to meet you all and that’s it for now! 谢谢大家，再见!

English

Vitória Castor
Hi! My name is Vitoria Castor and I’ll be the new English Tutor. I am a PhD student in Education at Warner School with a background in English as a Foreign/Second Language Teaching. I am originally from Brazil and came to U.S. as an International student. I love talking about books, movies, hobbies, travel and more. Come to our English Conversation Hour to improve your language skills while still having fun!

French

Noa Harradou
Hi! My name is Noa Hauradou and I am an Electrical and Computer Engineering student. I am a native French speaker and I have always been very connected to French language and culture, especially by spending time in France in the summer.

At Rochester, I am the Language and Culture Ambassador for French Toast, the French club, where I share French culture on campus. I also learned English and Spanish, which helped give me a personal understanding of the challenges and rewards that come with learning a new language. I am very excited to be a French tutor because I look forward to meeting students and encouraging everyone to ask questions and enjoy speaking.

German

Elena Bachmann
I’m Elena, the German tutor. I am in my fourth year studying German and economics. I am the Campus Times’ Publisher and VP of UROC. I enjoy playing soccer, rock climbing, rollerblading, and skiing, as well as playing piano and singing. I like traveling a lot, especially to visit family in Germany and Austria — I value practicing my German, so chances to talk with someone are always a blessing. Hope to see you around, hope to chat!

Hebrew

Lia Polster
Hello! My name is Lia Polster and I am from Cleveland, OH. I am a member of the class of 2027, majoring in Linguistics with minors in Math and Computer Science. In my free time, I enjoy dancing (any style) and learning bits of new languages.

Italian

Pilar Guido
I am a political science major and Italian minor. I have been studying the language for the last 3 years at URochester. I recently just finished a study program in Rome as well. Outside of the classroom, I also love to play soccer!

Japanese

Kana Sakagami
Hi! My name is Kana Sakagami, and I am from Richmond, VA. I am in the class of 2029 and am planning on majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Epidemiology. Some of my hobbies include reading, baking/cooking, playing the piano, and arts and crafts! On campus, I am an RA for Gilbert Hall and am a member of CRANES and the Baking Club. English and Japanese are my native languages, but I love learning new languages! Currently, I take Chinese courses at the University and am learning Korean in my free time. Japanese food is my absolute favorite, with sushi and Japanese curry tied for my favorite.

Korean

Sophia Chung
Hello! My name is Sophia Chung and I’m from Seoul, South Korea! I am a member of the class of 2029, double majoring in BCS(BA) and Psychology. I like to watch K-dramas and practice ASL in my free time.

Polish

Agata Zolc
Hello, I’m Agata! I was born in Gliwice, Poland, and moved to England at the age of five, but I have spoken Polish at home and studied it throughout my life. I love sharing my language and culture with others. I am a physics major and have always enjoyed learning languages. In my free time, I like to bake, read, travel, and spend time with friends. I am also involved in the Polish Student Association and other student organizations on campus. 

Portuguese

Natália Bigolin Groff
Hello! My name is Natalia and I work both as a Program Assistant and Portuguese Tutor at the LC! I am from Brazil and I am in my senior year majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Anthropology and Environmental Engineering

Russian

To be announced.

Spanish

Nancy Flores
Hi! My name is Nancy, and I am a senior at the University of Rochester and I am from Highland Park, IL. I am majoring in Latin American Studies with a minor in Math. I have been tutoring Spanish here at the Language Center since August 2025 and I enjoy creating fun and engaging Conversations Hours while also showing my creativity.

Outside of tutoring, I am involved in SALSEROS and enjoy a good game of chess, playing music, watching movies and trying new food! I can’t wait to help you all reach your Spanish-language goals!