Faculty Amélie Le Gall Petite Section / Preschool Teacher Amélie Le Gall comes from Saint-Paul de Vence in the beloved Mediterranean Provence Region of France. Amélie is a Renaissance Woman with an advanced degree in mathematics and a passion for classical piano. After studying mathematics at the University of Nice, she graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences while pursuing her education in piano and musical theory at the Cagnes Sur Mer Music Conservatory. Amélie then decided to join the Institut Universitaire de Formation de Maitres de Draguignan (Teacher Training Program) to become a preschool and an elementary school teacher. She happily taught for six years in various classroom levels from preschool through 5th grade throughout the Provence region. Amélie has a preference and fondness for the petite and moyenne section levels (preK). She has created countless innovative activities to help the little ones grasp new concepts and learn socialization skills. Interestingly, she uses puppets to model desired behaviors to her students, particularly, her favorite puppet, "Souris", a little mouse of her own creation who is an active participant in the daily life of her classroom. "Souris" interacts with the children, assists Amélie in telling stories, and gives the children another avenue through which to express themselves. Amélie finds that using puppets helps break through to some children and that they can open up to puppets in a manner different than they do with people. Her students are also fond of her musical activities. In France, Amélie volunteered her time in after school programs by offering musical education to young children. L'Ecole Française du Maine is thrilled to welcome Amélie to its faculty. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Laura Piehl K-1 Assistant Teacher Laura was born in Aubagne, in the south of France. She grew up in Castellet, a small village in the Var County. After earning her Baccalauréat Degree (French High School Equivalent), she went on to complete an Associate’s Degree in business. Her studies in business gave her a better understanding of various cultural and social environments. Her cultural awareness and understanding were further reinforced by her travels around the world, to the US, Canada, Australia, New Caledonia and France. Laura got her first taste of teaching when she tutored middle school students in their homes and realized right away this was to be her vocation. She particularly enjoyed working with students who had special learning needs. She enrolled in a teacher preparatory program and concentrated her studies on speech therapy where she worked individually with several children of various ages. Laura finished her Bachelor’s of Science degree in education at L'Université d'Aix en Provence. Here, she discovered diverse educational methods and was able to observe children of all ages and stages of learning. She continued on for one year to the IUFM (teacher training school) in Avignon. Anxious to put her newly acquired skills to work in the classroom immediately, she began working as a long-term replacement teacher for private schools in the area. She taught many grade levels in several schools throughout the Bouches du Rhône area through this position. She was assigned full responsibility of a class almost immediately. Laura worked diligently to follow closely the French national curriculum and respect each child’s learning needs. Finding her pleasure in teaching, Laura decided to bring together her two favorite things, teaching and cultural exchange, which ultimately brought Laura to the teaching team at L’Ecole Française du Maine. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Philomène Rossini Assistant Teacher Philomène Rossini comes from Metz, capital of the Lorraine region at the junction of France, Germany, and Luxembourg. After earning her Baccalauréat Degree (French High School Equivalent), she went on to complete a Bachelor's Degree at the University of Metz, majoring in European History. Philomène has taught in preschool and elementary schools throughout the Lorraine Region; She also taught high school history and helped her students prepare presentations on the role of women during the French Revolution. She has a strong interest in children's literature and has been involved in various school libraries (Bibliothèque Centre Documentaire d'école -BCD), offering workshops and activities using books and innovative technologies to engage students in preschools and elementary schools. Her interest in education and history of art were further reinforced by her extensive travels with her family (Paris, Rome, Venise, Prague, Austria and Germany). She is an avid runner and practices hiking throughout the Alps and the Pyrennees. Philomène loves to read, cinema and she is quite a decent cook! [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Yassine Merchi Kindergarten / First Grade Teacher Yassine Merchi comes to Maine from the Joseph Haydn School in Immendingen, Germany where he has taught preschool/kindergarten for the past two years. Originally from Northern France, he has been teaching for the French Ministry of Education in the Metz region for the past seven years. After a math/science Baccalauréat Yassine studied History and Geography at the University of Metz, and joined the Institut Universitaire de Formation des Maîtres (Teacher’s Training Program) to teach younger children, and he became a certified teacher. For the first few years of his career, Yassine taught all elementary levels and he was an intern at the Staatliche Europa Schule European School in Berlin, Germany. He is particularly interested in innovative technology, history and visual arts. Yassine has developed computerized games to help students with phonological concepts: some of them can be used on Yassine's blog which compiles innovative activities and art work of Kindergarten students from the Joseph Haydn School in Immendingen, Germany. Yassine has travelled extensively, mixing family time and academic research. He is a cyclist and an accomplished table tennis player (French National level) and was a certified official referee for that sport. Yassine and his wife Philomène are thrilled to bring their passion for teaching to L’Ecole Française du Maine. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Jean-François Fouque 2nd- 3rd Grade Teacher Jean-François Fouque comes from Saint Christol d'Albion, a pitoresque little town situated on the high plateau of Albion near the mountain ranges of Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux near the Luberon Regional Park in Provence. This area of Vaucluse, rich in culture and history is famous for its lavender fields. After graduating as a Biology and Mathematics major from Lycée Paul Cézanne in Aix-en-provence, Jean-François completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Provence. Jean-François soon realized he particularly enjoyed working with young children while working at various summer camps. After serving as a Corporal in the French Marine Artillery Regiment for his military service, he decided to pursue his teaching certification and joined the teaching Training Program of Aix en Provence (Institut Universitaire de Formation des Maîtres of Aix en Provence). Jean-François has been teaching all grade levels throughout the provence region, often in rural settings. He is particularly experienced with multilevel classrooms, his last teaching position was a combined 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade. Jean-François enjoys hiking and cycling through the inviting landscapes of Mont Sainte Victoire in provence, famous through Cezanne's paintings. He loves rugby and is known for his outstanding "omelette aux herbes de provence". His love of traveling and teaching are bringing him to l'Ecole Française du Maine, where he can combine his interests and share his experiences with the CE1-CE2 students. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Elodie LeNezet-Soule CM1-CM2-6ème / 4th- 5th- 6th Grade Teacher Elodie was born in Normandy, France. Growing up, she traveled extensively around the world, to places such as New Caledonia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. From this travel came her love for languages and cultural differences. Elodie studied English literature and civilization at the University of Angers, France, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in English and French as a Foreign Language. Elodie also attended the University College of Dublin, Ireland. Elodie began her teaching career in New Orleans at the International School of Louisiana as an assistant in a kindergarten classroom. She chose to stay a second year, during which she was the music and dance teacher’s assistant. While working, Elodie wrote a research paper on the American filmmaker David Lynch, which earned her a distinction. After New Orleans, she returned to University of Angers, France to earn a Master’s degree in English and one in Teaching French as a Foreign Language. There, she taught French phonetics and conversation classes to foreign students enrolled at the CIDEF (Centre International d’Etudes Françaises), which teaches French language and culture to hundreds of foreign students every year. Her interests include food and cooking, reading, raveling, watching films, and discovering the beautiful landscapes of Maine. Elodie began working at l’Ecole Francaise du Maine in September 2005. She also teaches French Adult Education at l'Ecole Française du Maine and organizes the ciné-club. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Friederike Munz Support Teacher in Grades 2-6 Friederike was born in Freiburg, Germany, bordering the Alsace region. Growing up, she traveled extensively to France and was a student of a French High School. She completed a Masters Degree in Bilingual Teaching at the University of Education in Freiburg and studied French and Mathematics at the University of Perpignan, France. She is a certified middle school teacher with a specialty in bilingual teaching: She taught at a French immersion school in Canada and was highly involved in the formation of a bilingual curriculum at her recent school in Breisach, Germany. There, she was a German, French and Mathematic teacher and taught Math in French. Friederike is especially interested in multiculturalism, evolutionary linguistics and intercultural communication. She was a volunteer organizer of German-French summer camps and Youth Meetings. Her personal interests are: Music (Piano and Trombone), reading, traveling and outdoors (Hiking, Mountain Biking, swimming and snowshoeing). Friederike began working at EFDM in January 2008. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Elodie Chancelier Français Langue Etrangère / French Teacher Elodie earned her Bachelor’s and Maîtrise degrees in Applied Languages from the University of Tours, France. Elodie speaks German and English and has had several experiences abroad, having been an exchange student in Germany, Canada and Scotland. Elodie teaches FLE (French as a Foreign Language, equivalent to ESL) at L’Ecole Française du Maine. With specific training in this area geared towards working with children learning a foreign language, Elodie brings the ideal qualities and training to this position. For the past six years at L’Ecole Française du Maine, Elodie has worked closely with small groups of children and individual students to increase their French skills and enhance their experience at the school. Elodie has worked extensively with young children in a variety of settings, having participated in workshops and having completed an internship in classrooms at a primary school in Bourré, France. Her personal interests are: music, cinema, storytelling, traveling, and reading. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Bonnie Hannigan English Language Arts Teacher Bonnie grew up in Maine and attended the University of New Hampshire, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a dual major in Philosophy and Education. While there, she traveled around the world with Semester at Sea, visiting many different countries. She moved to Boston and worked for a non-profit drug and violence prevention program, teaching all grade levels at many inner city schools. She worked with a Harvard professor to develop a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the program, which led to its National Validation. She returned to UNH to earn a Maters Degree in Education, and over the years, has taught as a classroom teacher in grades K, 2, 4, and 5 in Maine and New Hampshire. She also became a teacher/coordinator of the Gifted and Talented program in grades K-3 in Bangor, Maine. Over the past few years she moved to Kittery, took time off from teaching to volunteer in her own children’s classrooms and build/sell rustic furniture. She became a part-time librarian at a public library, working with adult circulation. Now, she is enthusiastically returning to the classroom to teach English and civics at L'Ecole Francaise du Maine. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Daria Betts Support Teacher in Grades 1-6 Dasha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Teaching, Department of Romance Languages from Voronezh State University - Voronezh, Russia, and Masters of Science in Education: MTL and Applied Literacy from the University of Southern Maine, ETEP/ Extended Teacher Education Program. She is a K-12 certified teacher through the State of Maine. In addition to her Maine teaching certification, Dasha holds a DALF diploma, (Diplôme Approfondi de la Langue Française), Advanced French Language Diploma, certified by the French Ministry of Education. Dasha’s teaching experience is extensive and varied, having taught French as an intern at Freeport High School and as a full time teacher at Boothbay High School in Maine, as well as teaching both English and French in many situations in Russia. Dasha is a talented artist and holds an Honor Certificate from the Voronezh Youth Fine Arts School. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Nathan Kolosko Classical Guitar Critically acclaimed classical guitarist Nathan Kolosko has performed throughout the US, Europe and Asia. Nathan’s debut recording Sonatas & Sonatinas has received praise from many critics. “A high-octane agenda from a guitarist with the skill, imagination, and confidence to bring it alive."- Classical Guitar, London. Nathan studied with Joanne Castellani of the Castellani-Andriaccio Duo and the legendary Cuban guitarist/composer Ricardo Iznaola. He has participated in master classes with players such as Oscar Ghiglia, Sharon Isbin, and Christopher Parkening. As a musician, Nathan is compelled to expand the voice of the guitar. He is currently collaborating with visual artist Ling-Wen Tsai on several inter-disciplinary projects and with flutist Carl Dimow to form the kolosko•dimow duo Nathan has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards, including grants from the Allied Arts Foundation and D’Addario Strings. In 2001 he was a prizewinner in the MTNA national guitar competition. Nathan has also been granted the position of teaching assistant at the Bowdoin International Music Festival in Brunswick Maine. As a composer, Nathan has made contributions to the repertoire for solo guitar, guitar ensemble and guitar with other instruments. His works are currently published by Doberman-Yppan and Productions D’oz. Nathan is also dedicated to furthering the pedagogue of the guitar, and has a very active schedule as a private instruction and clinician. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Leah Neuchiller Piano Teacher Leah Neuchiller is a classically-trained pianist who maintains a private piano studio in Portland. While a music major at Brandeis University, she studied piano performance with the French pianist Evelyn Crochet. More recently she has studied with Chiharu Naruse, and with Laura Kargul, head of the piano performance program at USM, Gorham. Leah has been active playing and performing chamber music, as well as the solo classical piano repertoire. As a skilled accompanist, she has accompanied solo performers and church choirs. Leah brings enthusiasm for teaching piano to young beginners, and is currently studying piano pedagogy at USM. With a background in her other career as a clinical social worker, she brings warmth and compassion to her piano teaching. Leah uses an eclectic approach in teaching. At L'Ecole Française, she utilizes a blend of Suzuki and the Faber method of piano instruction. Leah is a member of the Music Teacher's National Association and the Maine Music Teachers Association. Besides her love of music and the piano, another passion for Leah is spending time with her two young grandchildren who live nearby in Portland. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Deirdre C. Oehrtmann Violin Teacher Deirdre C. Oehrtmann will be starting her thirty-eighth season as a violinist with the Portland Symphony Orchestra. A Maine native, “Dee Dee” was born in Presque Isle, started her musical journeys in the string program of the South Portland schools. Mrs. Oehrtmann graduated magna cum laude in seven semesters from the University of Southern Maine with a BS degree in Music Education and where she was named to the “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges”. Her private teachers have included Stephen Kecskemethy of the Portland String Quartet, Eric Rosenblith of New England Conservatory, and Arturo Delmoni of NYC. Besides her duties in the PSO, Deirdre is the principal second violinist of the Maine Music Society and performs with orchestras of PORT Opera, the Maine State Ballet, and the Oratorio Chorale. Mrs. Oehrtmann was founder and for ten years conductor of the Portland Young Peoples String Consort, the string training orchestra for the Portland Youth Symphony as well as the cofounder of the Portland Wind Ensemble. She served for twenty seven years on the staff of the Maine ASTA (American String Teachers Association) Summer Conference in many capacities – as chamber music coach, sectional leader, conductor of the Junior and Intermediate Orchestras as well as its director for her last six years on staff. Mrs. Oehrtmann is past president of the Maine Unit of ASTA and has also served as vice-president of Orchestra for the Maine Music Educators Association. She has extensive training in the Suzuki method and has units registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas covering books 1 through 6. Her Suzuki trainers have included John Kendall (USA), Ronda Cole (USA), Judith Bossuat (France/USA), Helen Brunner (England), Linda Case (USA), and Edward Kreitman (USA). [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Benjamin Noyes Cello Teacher Benjamin Noyes grew up in Portland, ME, inheriting a rich musical/pedagogical heritage from his parents. He found local acclaim immediately and while attending Bowdoin Summer Music Festival, Irene Sharp invited him to study in San Francisco where he attended the School of the Arts and San Francisco Conservatory’s preparatory division. He won numerous awards, including top prizes in NFAA’s ARTS Recognition Competition, National Federation of Music Clubs Competition, the National ASTA competition, as well as being selected by Yo-Yo Ma to participate as soloist and recitalist throughout China to perform with the Beijing, Chengdu, Shenzen and Shanghai Symphony Orchestras. As a fellowship recipient he attended the Tanglewood Institute, the New York String Orchestra Seminar, Yale summer festival at Norfolk, Sarasota Chamber Music Festival, the Aspen Festival, and the Meadowmount program. He attended Eastman School of Music, received his BM from Rice University and his Masters degree from Northwestern University. A multi-faceted individual, Benjamin Noyes has as many talents as interests. His career currently finds him collaborating and participating in performances around the country as well as teaching, coaching, and motivating individuals of all ages and professions. He has performed as soloist and chamber musician throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Always aware of his classical roots, he has further ventured into composition, recording and producing. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Linda Vaillancourt Music Theory Teacher Linda received her BM in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine. She then went on to teach several years in the public schools, teaching all grade levels from K-12. She completed her MM in Viola Performance at the University of Maine, and continues to teach in several school systems. She directs the middle school band and the string ensemble at North Yarmouth Academy, and also teaches at Lewiston High School and Trinity Catholic School, where she started the instrumental music program. She performs regularly in many area ensembles, including the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and the Maine Chamber Ensemble. She currently lives in Lewiston with her husband, Scott, and two children. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Scott Vaillancourt Chorale Teacher and Accompaniment Originally from the town of Van Buren in the French-speaking St. John Valley of Maine, Scott Vaillancourt received his BA from Bowdoin College and his MM in Tuba Performance and MM in Music Composition from the University of Michigan. He has held organist positions in several churches throughout Maine, and is currently music director at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston. He is an active teacher, serving on the adjunct faculties of Bowdoin College, the University of Maine, and the University of Southern Maine. He lives in Lewiston with his wife and two daughters. 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