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
Learn more about Rachèle
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
Learn more about Jastin
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
Learn more about Fanny
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
Learn more about Valentine
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
Learn more about Nathalie
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 Annabelle
French Instructor
Learn more about Annabelle
Originally from the province of Quebec, Annabelle began her career specializing in teaching students with learning and behavioral challenges. Driven by a passion for languages, travel, and discovery, she pursued graduate studies at Université Laval in teaching French as a second language, combining her love for her native tongue with a commitment to helping others learn.
Close to a decade ago, Annabelle was an intern under director Rachèle DeMeo, at MiraCosta College, an experience that helped shape her professional approach and dedication to education. Since 2020, she has been teaching students of all ages and levels, sharing her expertise and enthusiasm for French language and Francophone culture. Her professional journey has taken her across diverse regions, from the Northwest Territories to Mexico, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to cultural exchange.
A dedicated educator and lifelong learner, Annabelle strives to make a meaningful difference in her students’ lives, inspiring them to explore the world and embrace new experiences. Beyond the classroom, she is an avid traveler and adventurer, drawn to the beauty of different cultures, languages, cuisines, nature, and above all, human connections.
Professeur Marie
French Instructor & Educational Support
Learn more about Marie
Marie is a dedicated and experienced educator with a strong background in special education and multilingual instruction. Fluent in both French (her native language) and Spanish, she has spent over a decade working with children and adolescents facing diverse challenges, gaining a deep understanding of their individual needs and learning styles. Her career has taken her across the globe, with teaching experience in France, Mali, Turkey, Spain, and Canada, providing her with a rich perspective on cultural and educational diversity.
In recent years, Marie has specialized in teaching French as a Foreign Language (FLE) to expatriate adults, while continuing to support children and adolescents in their academic journeys. Her approach combines expertise, empathy, and personalized guidance, helping learners of all ages achieve their linguistic and educational goals.
Marie is driven by the belief that every child is a treasure trove of unique talents. She takes pride in helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and approach the world as an exciting space to explore. For her, education goes far beyond the classroom—it is a mission to empower and inspire learners to reach their full potential.
Outside of teaching, Marie is a passionate traveler and culture enthusiast. She embraces adventure in all its forms, from skydiving to learning salsa, bringing the same curiosity and enthusiasm to life as she does to her teaching.
Professeur Marie-Christine
French Instructor
Learn more about Marie-Christine
Marie-Christine was born in the small French-speaking town of Arthabaska in central Quebec. Drawn to the energy and multicultural atmosphere of big cities, she moved to Toronto to pursue her university studies, and later to Montreal to reconnect with French language, culture, and heritage. She holds 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.
In 2018, Marie-Christine moved to Mexico City, where she interned at the Quebec General Delegation and taught French and English to companies with international partners and clients. Her passion for French language and culture also led her to teach at the Lycée Franco-Mexicain, where she received extensive practical and theoretical training and earned a Certificate of Aptitude for Teaching French Abroad (CAPEFE).
Marie-Christine is a devoted mother of two children, whom she is raising in a multilingual and multicultural environment, embodying the values of language learning and cross-cultural understanding she brings to her teaching. Passionate, determined, and dedicated, she inspires students to explore the richness of Francophone culture. Her connection to FLAM San Diego runs in the family: her twin sister served as the organization’s treasurer for its first four years.
Professeur Anita
French Instructor
Learn more about Anita
Originally from Belgium, Anita is fluent in French, English, and Persian. She graduated from high school at the remarkable age of 14 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from the University of Mons. Alongside her scientific training, she has cultivated extensive teaching experience, sharing her passion for the French language and Francophone culture with learners of all ages.
Anita’s professional background spans both educational and medical settings. She has worked in dental clinics, contributed to research teams in Brussels, and mentored aspiring young authors in Belgium as they developed and published their literary projects.
Known for combining academic rigor with creativity, Anita inspires her students to not only master the French language but also engage deeply with its literature and cultural richness. Outside of teaching, she enjoys practicing Muay Thai, reading, exploring cinema, and hiking, bringing the same curiosity and discipline to her personal pursuits as she does to her classroom.
Professeur Jessica
French Instructor
Learn more about Jessica
Born and raised in California, Jessica discovered her passion for the French language at the age of 14, a passion that guided her academic and professional journey. She earned her undergraduate degree in French and Global Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, including a transformative year in Toulouse that deepened both her linguistic skills and cultural understanding.
Jessica went on to earn a Master’s degree in French at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where she also taught French 101, sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with new learners.
Her professional experience spans multiple industries, including fashion, food and beverage, and aviation safety, complemented by volunteer work with various organizations.
A proud francophile, Jessica is thrilled to be a part of the FLAM San Diego team, where she brings her passion for French language and culture to students of all ages. Outside of work, she enjoys live music, attending baseball games (Go Padres!), traveling with her sisters, and exploring new cultural experiences.
Professeur Laura
French Instructor
Learn more about Laura
Born in Paris, Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Foreign Languages. Early in her career, she spent a year in London as an au pair, where sharing French language and culture sparked her passion for teaching and inspired a lifelong desire to explore the world through education.
Laura went on to pursue a Master’s degree in French as a Foreign Language in Berlin, Germany, further solidifying her expertise in language instruction. Since earning her degree, she has taught children aged 3 to 12 at the French Institute and at the Domino School, working with both beginners and bilingual students following the French National Education curriculum.
In 2018, Laura expanded her teaching practice to online instruction, including roles with FLAM schools in the United States. Through this experience, she developed specialized skills in delivering engaging, effective virtual classes that meet the high standards of FLAM curricula.
Laura is committed to creating a positive, creative, and motivating learning environment, helping students build confidence, develop their language skills, and embrace their potential as future global citizens.
Professeur Marie-Pierre
French Instructor
Learn more about Marie-Pierre
Marie-Pierre Ruggiero has been living in San Diego since 1992, where she resides with her two children, Étienne (18) and Gabrielle (23). She holds a Master’s degree in Education and has been a certified teacher with the French National Education system since 1995. Over the years, she has built a strong career in the field of education. She has primarily taught high school students, while also gaining significant experience in preschool and with other age groups.
Passionate about the arts—particularly painting and theater—she naturally places creativity at the heart of her teaching practice. She also values well-being and regularly plays tennis.
Marie-Pierre is delighted to be part of the FLAM San Diego team. Deeply committed to the transmission of the French language, she offers full immersion, 100% in French, in a playful and caring environment. Her teaching approach draws on theatrical techniques such as body expression, role-playing, and improvisation to build self-confidence and encourage a natural acquisition of the language. Her goal is to make each session a joyful and creative experience, allowing children to communicate with confidence and without fear of making mistakes.
Professeur Jaimie
French Instructor
Learn more about Jaimie
Jaimie is a passionate and dedicated educator, thrilled to be a part of the FLAM San Diego team, where she brings her deep love for French language and culture to inspire the next generation of learners.
A proud California native, Jaimie grew up in a vibrant multicultural household with a Palestinian father and American mother, which sparked her lifelong curiosity about languages and cultures—especially France and the French language. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, she took the bold step of moving to Paris, where she immersed herself in the language, worked as an au pair, and deepened her connection to Francophone life over two transformative years.
She then returned to California to pursue advanced studies, completing a Master’s Degree in French and Francophone Studies at California State University, Long Beach. For the past decade, Jaimie has excelled as a French professor at the university level, while also providing personalized instruction to learners of all ages—from elementary school children to adults.
Complementing her expertise in French, she earned her TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate in 2013 and spent six months teaching English at a private language school in Guadalajara, Mexico—further enriching her cross-cultural teaching perspective.
Jaimie’s student-centered approach is warm, supportive, and highly communicative. She prioritizes authentic, real-world language use, cultural immersion, and building lasting confidence in her students. In private sessions, she customizes every lesson to align with each individual’s unique learning style, goals, and interests, creating engaging and effective experiences.
Outside the classroom, Jaimie enjoys beach walks with her dog Couscous, expanding her language skills by studying Spanish and Arabic, and expressing herself through piano playing.
She is genuinely excited to contribute her energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to FLAM San Diego’s dynamic community of French learners!
Professeur Elita
French Instructor
Learn more about Elita
Originally from Lebanon, Elita discovered a passion for teaching French at an early age, which she cultivated while studying Science at the American University of Beirut and tutoring students in French.
She spent over 30 years in the UAE as an expatriate, teaching French and Arabic to bilingual children and working as a substitute teacher in an IB school (K–12). She later earned a PGCE and joined the American School of Dubai, where she taught French full-time from 2005 to 2023. As World Language Department Chair, Elita collaborated with colleagues to develop a proficiency-based curriculum and continuously pursued professional development to refine her teaching practice.
Elita is dedicated to creating authentic, multicultural learning experiences and fostering students’ growth as open-minded global citizens. Now based in San Diego to be closer to her children, she is proud of being a part of the FLAM San Diego team, where she continues to share her love for the French language and Francophone culture.
Other Staff Members
Professeur Marie
School Psychologist, Language Therapist, Educational Support & Evaluator
Learn more about Marie
Originally from Arles, in Provence, Marie is a highly experienced school psychologist, language therapist, and educator. She holds a DESS in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s degree in Child Psychology, and her professional background spans work with children, adolescents, and adults, including experience in the prison system supporting the reintegration of young offenders.
Marie has more than 45 years of experience in education, having served as an assistant professor at UCSD, taught in nursing schools in France, and worked in various language schools. She has been teaching French since 2004, bringing a dynamic, interactive, and engaging approach that incorporates storytelling, anecdotes, and practical examples to make language learning both effective and enjoyable.
Notably, Marie worked at the same school as Rachèle in 2009, serving as the school psychologist while Rachèle taught 6th graders, highlighting her deep understanding of student development, learning needs, and effective educational practices.
Beyond her professional work, Marie enjoys hiking, dancing, reading, and crafts, activities she has also shared with students at UCSD’s Recreation Center and International Center, demonstrating her dedication to holistic education and enrichment.
Professeur Benjamin
French Instructor & Exam Preparation Specialist
Learn more about Benjamin
Benjamin was born in Paris and brings a passion for education, sports, and cultural exchange to his teaching. He worked for 10 years as an elementary school teacher in the Paris region, and also gained experience as a sports coach at a football club and as an animator at one of Europe’s largest vacation centers.
In addition to his teaching and coaching experience, Benjamin serves as an Ambassador for the Olympic and Paralympic Week with the Organizing Committee for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a role he approaches with full dedication in his hometown.
Specializing in exam preparation, Benjamin has been teaching French as a Foreign Language and FLAM classes for many years and is enthusiastic about sharing his expertise and supporting students in achieving their academic goals.
Professeur Tristan
Science and Maths Instructor
Learn more about Tristan
Tristan was born in Toulon, in the Var region of France, and spent six years living in New Caledonia. He began his studies in preparatory classes for prestigious French universities, focusing on mathematics and physics in Toulouse, before joining ENAC (National School of Civil Aviation), where he specialized in cybersecurity. Tristan later worked with Air France to protect their computer centers and, in 2023, joined Airbus as a cybersecurity engineer managing computer incidents.
Since 2020, Tristan has been an independent math tutor, providing both online and in-person support to middle and high school students. He attributes his success to the guidance he received during his own education and is dedicated to passing on the same values, tools, and methods to his students. Tristan tailors his instruction to individual needs, emphasizing personalized guidance and effective study strategies that support long-term academic growth, with a particular focus on making mathematics engaging and accessible.
Outside the classroom, Tristan enjoys traveling, reading, writing, dancing (Rock), and windsurfing, bringing the same curiosity and energy to his personal pursuits as he does to teaching.
Michèle
Event Coordinator
Learn more about Michèle
Event Coordinator and Board Member Michele brings a uniquely rich combination of expertise in event coordination, international business, association leadership, and cross-cultural engagement—making her an invaluable asset to our organization.
A lifelong francophile, Michele began her academic journey with a B.A. in French and Secondary Education, laying the groundwork for her deep connection to the French language and culture. She has even strengthened her linguistic and cultural fluency by participating in FLAM’s adult French classes, further reflecting her commitment to francophone learning and community.
Michele launched her career with IBM, where she distinguished herself during a pioneering 16-year tenure in both technical and leadership roles. Her path included positions such as typewriter repair technician, Systems Engineer Manager, and personal computer technical trainer. She was notably the second woman at IBM to teach PC repair—an accomplishment that positioned her among the trailblazers of the early personal computing era, contributing to the widespread adoption of desktop computers across the world.
Her career evolved into high-tech marketing, including an international assignment in Toulouse, France, with a software startup—an experience that blended her passion for French culture with global business acumen. After returning to Northern California, Michele transitioned her organizational and interpersonal strengths into event planning, serving as a wedding coordinator for Wente Vineyards and later founding her own company as a wedding officiant.
For the past 21 years, Michele has excelled in association management, overseeing San Francisco–based professional associations for in-house lawyers and complex business litigators. Her leadership, operational insight, and strategic planning skills have earned her a reputation for excellence in member engagement, event programming, and organizational governance.
Now residing in North San Diego County with her husband, Michele continues to apply her expertise in a meaningful way, working with a destination services provider to support corporate transferees in successfully relocating to the San Diego region.
Sarah
Classroom Assistant
Learn more about Sarah
Sarah is a classroom assistant at FLAM San Diego and a sophomore at the University of San Diego, where she is majoring in French Studies. Of Mexican-American heritage, she grew up in a bilingual household, developing a love for languages from an early age.
Sarah first discovered her passion for French in middle school, which has continued to grow through her college studies. She currently teaches private French lessons and has gained valuable experience in immersive learning, including a summer program in Paris that deepened her understanding of French language and culture.
On campus, Sarah serves as Director of International Ambassadors, participates actively in Catholic ministry, and is a member of a sorority, experiences that have strengthened her leadership and intercultural communication skills. She is proud to be a part of the FLAM San Diego team and is dedicated to supporting young learners in their French language journey.
Main activity manager and leaders
Ariane
Activity manager
Learn more about Ariane
Ariane, originally from the Paris area in France, has been living in San Diego County since 2004, following her studies at San Diego State University. She is trilingual in French, English, and Spanish, and, together with her American husband, is raising three children—identical twin girls and a little boy—in a bilingual and bicultural environment. She is passionate about passing on her language skills and cultural heritage, and FLAM San Diego has been an important part of supporting her children’s French proficiency.
Ariane brings 15 years of global purchasing and team management experience as a general merchandise manager for an international retailer, combining organizational expertise with creativity and leadership. She loves designing engaging, hands-on activities and crafts, and is thrilled to bring that creativity to her role as Activity Manager, ensuring that in-person gatherings at FLAM San Diego are fun, interactive, and inspiring for all students.
Outside of work, Ariane enjoys traveling, camping, spending time with friends, and exploring creative projects with her family.
Lyna
Activity leader & French tutor
Learn more about Lyna
Lyna is a Franco-American educator, fully bilingual in English and French since early childhood. She spent her early years in the United States with French-speaking parents and later lived in France until the age of 22, developing equal fluency and cultural familiarity in both languages.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Sorbonne and is currently pursuing a Master’s in International Relations at the University of California, San Diego. Lyna has been tutoring students since her time at an international high school and has continued to support learners throughout her higher education.
As an activity leader and French tutor at FLAM San Diego, Lyna brings energy, enthusiasm, and a deep passion for sharing the richness of the French language and culture with students of all ages.
Cédric
Activity leader
Learn more about Cédric
Cédric is of Haitian origin and was born in French Guiana, a small French territory in South America, where he spent the first 14 years of his life. A lifelong soccer enthusiast, he is excited to share his passion for the sport with students, combining athletic engagement with language learning.
After living briefly in Philadelphia, Cédric relocated to California to pursue a career as an engineer. He believes that soccer teaches valuable life skills—teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—and looks forward to helping students develop both a love for the game and their French language abilities.
Cédric and his wife, Gloria, are raising two children, fostering a bilingual and multicultural household. Outside of teaching, he enjoys playing music, tackling home improvement projects, building new connections, and cherishing time 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.