Meet Our Passionate Team
Administration Team
Behind every successful educational institution is a skilled and passionate administrative team. Ours ensures everything runs smoothly, allowing our French teachers to focus on what they do best: teaching.
Dr. Rachèle DeMeo
Founder | President | Executive Director
Rachèle DeMeo, PhD, is a distinguished educator, author, and thought leader in language learning and multicultural education, with over 20 years of professional experience. Born in Nîmes, France, and raised in a bilingual, multicultural household with an American-Italian father and an English mother, she developed an early passion for languages and cross-cultural communication, a passion that has guided her entire career.
She holds two Master’s degrees, including one in Teaching and Learning, and earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. Rachèle pairs this rigorous academic foundation with extensive hands-on experience as a former secondary school teacher, renowned university lecturer, and trainer, establishing herself as a recognized leader in both classroom instruction and professional development. She has collaborated with schools, universities, and entire school districts, training teachers and professionals in effective language instruction and leadership strategies.
In 2020, she founded FLAM San Diego, where she serves as Director, guiding the organization with vision, expertise, and a strong commitment to bilingual and multicultural education.
She is married, raising two bilingual and multicultural teenagers, and is a proud pet lover. She is deeply committed to advocating for children and animals in need. As a Christian, she is guided by her faith in all that she does.
A prolific author with six published books and an active YouTube presence, Rachèle combines scholarship, practical expertise, and a deep passion for teaching to inspire educators, students, and families worldwide.
Jastin DeMeo
Accountant | Human Resources
Jastin is a key leader at FLAM San Diego, serving as Accountant and HR Director, where he provides strategic financial management, operational expertise, and leadership support to the organization.
Born in the United States with roots in Normandy, France, Jastin has cultivated a lifelong passion for the French language and culture. Together with his wife, he is raising bilingual, multicultural children, embodying the values of cross-cultural education and global awareness that FLAM San Diego promotes.
A Marine Corps veteran, Jastin brings a diverse and accomplished professional background spanning finance, management, and leadership across multiple industries. He has overseen operations and financial strategy in sectors such as solar energy and real estate, honing his skills in problem-solving, financial planning, and team management.
Jastin’s dedication to education, combined with his passion for French language and culture, drives his commitment to FLAM San Diego. His unique blend of military discipline, financial expertise, and cultural engagement makes him a dynamic and invaluable member of the team.
Fanny Jolly
Communication & Marketing Manager | Administrative Assistant
Fanny Jolly, a French native, has been living in the United States since 2016 and brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her role at FLAM San Diego. A trained Medical-Psychological Assistant, Fanny combines her background in communication and administration with a genuine enthusiasm for connecting with people and communities.
As Communication and Marketing Manager, she oversees FLAM San Diego’s emails, newsletter (La Gazette), and manages the organization’s social media presence, ensuring clear, engaging, and consistent communication with families, educators, and supporters.
Fanny is a mother of three daughters and enjoys traveling and hiking with her family, blending her love for adventure with her commitment to promoting bilingual and multicultural education.
Valentine Songeur
Treasurer
Valentine brings a diverse international background and extensive financial expertise to FLAM San Diego as Treasurer. Born and raised in France and now residing in Oceanside, CA, she seamlessly blends her French heritage with strong local San Diego connections.
Her professional journey spans careers in clinical research in Paris and massage therapy in North County San Diego, before discovering her passion for finance as a bookkeeper and Enrolled Agent at a tax and accounting firm in Carlsbad, where she supported local businesses. She further strengthened her expertise through specialized education in Financial Management for Nonprofits from UCSD Extended Studies, and currently serves as a Grants Accountant for Father Joe’s Villages, equipping her with the skills to manage FLAM San Diego’s financial operations with precision and insight.
Valentine’s journey reflects both adaptability and a deep commitment to community service. Having met her American husband Michael during her travels in Thailand, she understands and values the cross-cultural exchange that FLAM promotes. She brings this perspective, along with her financial acumen, to support FLAM San Diego’s mission of immersing children in the French language and Francophone cultures.
Our French Teachers
At the heart of FLAM San Diego are our dedicated French teachers who bring not only their expertise but also an unyielding enthusiasm and love for the French language. Every one of our native instructors undergoes continuous pedagogical training. They are all certified and shine in their talent and creativity, delivering both quality and enjoyable lessons. It’s no wonder our students adore them!
Professeur Nathalie
French Instructor
Nathalie was born and raised in Paris, where she earned her Master’s degree in Applied Foreign Languages at Paris X-Nanterre University, followed by a DEA in Intercultural Communication.
With over 25 years of expatriate experience accompanying her husband, Nathalie began her career as Head of the Licensing Department at Microsoft in Dublin, Ireland, before transitioning to teaching. She has worked as a tutor for children in Miami, Washington D.C., and Paris, and her time in the Middle East allowed her to establish the Extra-Curricular Activities Committee at the French School in Muscat, Oman, while teaching French at both an Omani university and an international school. Her teaching journey continued in Winnipeg, Canada, where she tutored Education students at the university level, and in Milwaukee, USA, where she taught French at the high school level. She now resides in San Diego.
A devoted mother of two grown children, Nathalie has raised them in a fully bilingual, multicultural environment. Her daughter holds a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from Paris, and her son is studying Information Systems at SDSU. French has always been the primary language at home, fostering a rich cultural and linguistic foundation.
Outside of teaching, Nathalie enjoys long walks on the beach, tennis, immersing herself in nature, and traveling. She is thrilled to be a part of the FLAM San Diego team!
Professeur Marie
French Instructor & Educational Support
My name is Marie, and I am French. I speak French and Spanish fluently. With a background in special education, I spent the first decade of my career working with children and adolescents facing challenges. I primarily worked in France, but also in Mali, Turkey, Spain, and Canada. These diverse experiences have given me a profound understanding of the needs of young people and the diversity of their experiences.
For some time now, I have been teaching French (FLE) to expatriate adults in French-speaking countries, and I continue to support children and adolescents in their educational journey. It’s a rewarding experience that allows me to put my passion for education into practice and help learners of all ages achieve their linguistic and academic goals.
What truly motivates me is the belief that every child is a treasure trove of unique talents. I enjoy helping them shine, believe in themselves, and view the world as an adventure to seize with both hands. Education, for me, is much more than classrooms; it’s a mission to unleash everyone’s potential.
I am a travel enthusiast and love exploring new cultures. Beyond that, I thrive on adventures. From skydiving to learning salsa, I am always up for new experiences.
Anita
French Instructor
Originally from Belgium, I am fluent in French, English, and Persian. I earned my high school diploma at the age of 14, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from the University of Mons. Alongside my scientific training, I hold extensive teaching experience, sharing my love of the French language and culture with learners of all ages.
My professional background spans both educational and medical environments, including work in dental clinics, participation in research teams in Brussels, and mentorship of aspiring young authors in Belgium as they developed and published their literary projects.
I am passionate about combining academic rigor with creativity, inspiring students to not only master the French language but also to connect deeply with its literature and cultural richness. Outside of teaching, I enjoy practicing Muay Thai, reading, exploring cinema, and hiking.
Professeur Jessica
French Instructor
Born and raised in California, Jessica began her journey with the French language at 14, sparking a passion that led her to pursue it academically.
At the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), she majored in French and Global Studies, which included a transformative year in Toulouse, where she deepened her linguistic skills and cultural understanding.
Continuing her studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, she earned a Master’s in French and taught French 101.
Her professional journey spans diverse industries, including fashion, food and beverage, and aviation safety. She has also volunteered at various organizations.
In her spare time, she enjoys live music, plays baseball games (Go Padres!), and travels with her sisters. She is proud to join the FLAM team!
Professeur Marie-Christine
French Instructor
I am Marie-Christine, born in a small French-speaking town in central Quebec, Arthabaska. Always drawn to the energy and multicultural atmosphere of big cities, I moved to Toronto to pursue my university studies. Missing the French language, culture, and heritage, I relocated to the wonderful city of Montreal. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the Université de Montréal and a Graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Communications Management from McGill University.
With many projects in mind, I moved to Mexico City in 2018, where I had the opportunity to intern at the Quebec General Delegation and teach French and English to companies with international partners and clients.
My strong interest in the French language and culture led me to teach at the Lycée Franco-Mexicain, where I received excellent ongoing training to refine my teaching skills, both practically and theoretically. I also obtained a Certificate of Aptitude for Teaching French Abroad (CAPEFE).
Passionate, determined, and a dreamer, I am always ready to take on new challenges!
Professeur Laura
French Instructor
Born in Paris, Laura obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Foreign Languages before moving to London for a year as an au pair. During this year, transmitting French culture and language has been an incredible experience. It was at this moment that the desire to explore the world and discover other cultures by sharing the Francophone culture was revealed.
Laura therefore then lived in Berlin, Germany, where she began a Master’s degree in French as a Foreign Language.
After obtaining her diploma, in 2018, Laura taught children aged 3 to 12 at the French Institute and at the Domino School with French-speaking children who could not attend bilingual schools.
Thus, Laura taught French to children beginning the French language but also to bilingual children following the National Education program.
Shortly after and with the pandemic, Laura continued her face-to-face online classes, notably joining two FLAM schools located in the United States. She, therefore, familiarized herself with the expectations of FLAM schools and their curricula by developing skills specific to online courses.
Its goal is to offer students a chance to learn French in a positive, creative, and fun atmosphere while being online.
Giving them the necessary motivation and confidence is essential to enable them to be the citizens of the world of tomorrow!
Professeur Rouba
French Instructor
My name is Rouba Smith, and I am delighted to introduce myself.
I have been working in education for over 18 years, with experience as both a teacher and an instructional leader in traditional classrooms as well as virtual settings. I have had the privilege of working with students of all ages and levels, always striving to create a positive, supportive, and motivating learning environment.
Having grown up in Montréal, Canada, I was immersed in a rich bilingual and multicultural community that shaped my love for languages and teaching. Passionate about languages and cultures, I enjoy bringing literature, music, the arts, and creative projects into my lessons to make learning engaging and meaningful.
As a multilingual educator (French, Arabic, Spanish, and American Sign Language), I value diversity and cultural openness, and I believe that learning a language is also about discovering the world and building confidence.
I look forward to sharing my passion for the French language with my students and helping them grow in both their skills and their curiosity.
Elita
French Instructor
Originally from Lebanon, I discovered a passion for French early on, which I nurtured while studying Science at the American University of Beirut and tutoring students in French.
I spent over 30 years in the UAE as an expatriate, where I taught French and Arabic to bilingual children and worked as a substitute teacher in an IB school (K–12). I later earned a PGCE and joined the American School of Dubai, teaching French full-time from 2005 to 2023.
As World Language Department Chair, I collaborated with colleagues to develop a proficiency-based curriculum and regularly pursued professional training. I’m passionate about creating authentic, multicultural learning experiences and encouraging students to become open-minded global citizens.
Now based in San Diego to be closer to my children, I’m excited to join the FLAM team and continue sharing my love for the French language.
Other Staff Members
Professeur Marie
School Psychologist, Language Therapist, Educational Support & Evaluator
Originally from Arles, in Provence, Marie is a psychologist and teacher.
Holder of a DESS in Clinical Psychology and a Master in Child Psychology, she has worked in France with children, adolescents, and adults, as well as in the prison environment for the reintegration of young offenders.
Marie has more than 45 years of professional experience in teaching: first as an assistant professor at UCSD (The University of California San Diego), then in nursing school in France, and finally in various language schools, where she has been teaching French since 2004.
She enjoys teaching in a dynamic, interactive, and fun way, using storytelling and anecdotes to explain linguistic concepts and share her enthusiasm with her students.
Her hobbies include hiking, dancing, reading, and all kinds of crafts, a passion she was lucky enough to be able to teach at the Recreation Center and at the International Center at UCSD.
Professeur Benjamin
French Instructor & Exam Preparation Specialist
My name is Benjamin, I’m 32 years old, and I was born in Paris.
I am passionate about sports, traveling, and discovering new things.
I worked as an elementary school teacher in the Parisian region for 10 years, and I also worked as a sports coach in a football club and as an animator at the largest vacation center in Europe.
I am also an Ambassador for the Olympic and Paralympic Week with the Organizing Committee for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and I am fully committed to this role as it will take place in my hometown.
Lastly, I have been a French as a Foreign Language (FLAM) teacher for some time now, and I am very happy to be a part of this network!
Professeur Tristan
Science and Maths Instructor
Tristan was born in Toulon, in the Var region, and lived in New Caledonia for 6 years. He began his studies in preparatory classes for prestigious French universities (Mathematics and Physics classes) in Toulouse and then joined ENAC (National School of Civil Aviation) where he specialized in cybersecurity. He later joined Air France to work on protecting their computer centers before joining Airbus in 2023 as a cybersecurity engineer focusing on managing computer incidents.
Since 2020, Tristan has been working as an independent math tutor, providing both online and in-person support to middle and high school students. He attributes his success to the support and guidance he received during his education, which he aims to pass on to his students by instilling in them the right values and tools for improvement and progress, particularly through his passionate teaching of mathematics.
He tailors his teaching to the individual needs of his students and provides personalized guidance to optimize their learning. His courses emphasize the application of effective study methods that benefit students throughout their academic journey.
Outside of mathematics, Tristan enjoys traveling (especially to San Diego!), reading, writing, dancing (Rock), and windsurfing
Sarah
Classroom Assistant
Hello! My name is Sarah Grunkemeyer, and I’m a sophomore at the University of San Diego, where I’m majoring in French Studies.
Of Mexican-American heritage, I grew up in a bilingual household, which gave me a love for languages from an early age.
I first became interested in French in middle school, and that passion has only grown stronger in college. Today, I teach private French lessons, and teaching has become a true area of interest for me. This past summer, I had the opportunity to study in Paris — an immersive experience that deepened my understanding of French culture.
On campus, I serve as Director of International Ambassadors, am active in Catholic ministry, and am a member of a sorority. These roles have allowed me to strengthen my leadership and intercultural communication skills.
I’m very excited to join FLAM San Diego and to help promote the French language among young learners!
Main activity manager and leaders
Ariane (activity manager)
Lyna (activity leader & French tutor)
Cédric (activity leader)
Ariane is originally from around Paris, France but has been living in San Diego county since 2004, ever since she attended San Diego State University. Go aztecs!
Her husband is American and she has identical twin girls and a little boy. Ariane is trilingual in French, English and Spanish and is very invested in passing this gift to her children. FLAM has been the perfect tool to perfect her children’s French level.
Ariane has 15 years of global purchasing and team management experience as a full time general merchandise manager for an international retailer. When not working, the family enjoys spending time with friends, travelling, camping and being creative with crafts!
It will be Ariane’s pleasure to provide fun crafts and activities during our in person get together.
My name is Lyna and I am Franco-American, fully bilingual in English and French since early childhood.
Growing up in the United States (with French-speaking parents) until the age of 12, and then living in France until I was 22, has allowed me to develop an equal command of both languages.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree from the Sorbonne and am currently pursuing a Master’s in International Relations at the University of California, San Diego.
My experience as a tutor began at my international high school and has continued throughout my higher education.
I look forward to sharing with you the richness and energy of the French language!
Cédric is of Haitian origin but was born in French Guiana, a small French territory located in South America, where he spent 14 years of his life. As a soccer enthusiast, he is thrilled to share one of his favorite hobbies with others, something he has cherished since childhood.
After his upbringing in Guyana, he briefly lived in Philadelphia before relocating to California to embark on his career as an engineer.
He strongly believes that valuable lessons can be gleaned from playing soccer, and he is eager to witness future leaders develop a passion for the sport while honing their French skills.
Beyond soccer, he enjoys playing music, engaging in home improvement projects, forging new connections, and cherishing moments with his family.
Specialized activity leaders
Other specialized instructors offer a variety of extracurricular activities in French throughout the year, tailored to all ages and interests.
Board Members & Advisors:
A huge thank you to our Board Members and Advisors for their dedication, support, and commitment to helping FLAM San Diego grow and thrive!
We’re proud to introduce you to the dedicated individuals who make FLAM San Diego the premier destination for French education. Our team comprises seasoned administrators, talented French teachers, visionary board members, and dynamic interns and volunteers.
Teachers change the world. Thanks to our incredible teachers.
Assistant
FLAM San Diego is currently hiring an Administrative/Administrative Assistant based on the following criteria:
We are looking for: an organized, dynamic and punctual person in his work, who knows how to work in a team and follow instructions.
Knowledge of: Google Workspace, Zoom, Canva, MailChimp.
Teachers
FLAM San Diego is currently recruiting French teachers and replacements according to the following criteria:
Expert French teachers (meticulous in their work, especially grammar, spelling, etc.)
Teachers whose native language is French (speaking it without an accent) or their language
Experience and passion in teaching French language and culture, especially to children
Diploma in education, in French or equivalent
The remuneration is generous and commensurate with experience and diplomas.
Animators
FLAM San Diego is looking for animators in all types of subjects (arts, dance, cooking, and sports (soccer, surfing, etc.) as part of our after-school activities.
Babysitters
If you want to be part of our network of San Diego area community babysitters, complete the form below with your availability, preferences, and rates. We will share your details with interested parents.
Internships and Volunteering
Are you passionate about French culture and education? If you’d like to undertake an internship with us or assist us as a volunteer, please complete the form or contact the director, Rachèle DeMeo.