Adriana Rodriguez-Almada

ESL Program Manager
Phone: (210) 486-4426
Email: achavez180@alamo.edu 

Hello!  My name is Adriana Rodriguez-Almada. I was born and raised in Juarez, Mexico. After studying English in Mexico at the Elementary and middle school levels, I completed high school in Texas. My first year of high school was a "cultural shock," so I know how difficult it can be to integrate into a different country. I would like to help students feel at ease and confident as they learn English to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Josie Gonzales

CE Program Coordinator
Phone: (210) 486-4404
Email: jgonzales564@alamo.edu 

Greetings. My name is Josie Gonzales, and I have been working in NVC’s Community and Continuing Education offices for over six years. It has been such a rewarding journey for me, dedicating my professional career to being focused on students’ needs. One of our highest values at NVC is to bring an opportunity to every member of our community to go to school.

Susan Whittlesey

Adjunct Instructor and Curriculum Writer 

This is a great opportunity to welcome you to my classes at Northwest Vista! If you’d like to consider learning more English or just polishing up what you already know, please come on over. Certainly, you’ll fit into one of my classes; they cover Levels 1-6. I have been teaching ESL for longer than you have been alive, most probably! And I revel in meeting you, learning about all your beautiful qualities, and teaching you English so you can thrive in your chosen field, whether that includes getting or improving your jobs, helping your children with their homework, or functioning with more confidence in your day-to-day lives.

I have a Master's Degree from Stanford University in California. In fact, I came here from Northern California not too long ago. I’m pleased to be here now and look forward to meeting you!

Barbara Lee

Adjunct Instructor
Email: blee10@alamo.edu 

Hello, my name is Barbara Lee, and I just might be your ESL instructor for the next flex term!  I taught ESL in public school for fifteen years and decided I enjoyed it so much, I wanted to teach adult ESL.  My bachelor degree from UTSA is in English and Spanish and my master degree is in ESL and curriculum and instruction from Our Lady of the Lake University.  Teaching is a wonderful career, and learning is even more so, a wonderful way of life.  I always make sure I learn something about the people and countries of the students I teach.  There is so much to teach, yet so much more to learn from each and every one of you.

Xochitl Boutte

Adjunct Instructor 

Welcome, my name is Xochitl Boutte, students call me Ms. B. I am a former ESL student. I was born in Nicaragua raised in Louisiana but call Atlanta, Georgia my home. I recently moved to San Antonio. My husband retired from the US Military after serving over 20 years we decided to call Texas our new home. I have been in the Education arena for over 15 years, as an Interpreter, Coordinator, Teacher, and Professional Development Instructor for Teachers and School Administrators. I have two children they are both fluent in two languages. I have two Master’s Degree one in Legal Studies and the second in Curriculum and Instructions from the State University of New York at Potsdam. My TESOL Certification is from Kennesaw State University. I look forward to having you in my class to coach and assist you in your new journey.

Laura Cardona

Adjunct Instructor 

Hi!  I'm Laura Cardona.  My journey in teaching ESL began in Cochabamba, Bolivia in 2004.  I have since been privileged to teach ESL and EL Civics in a variety of settings including community colleges, public schools and library literacy programs.  I graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and a Master's degree from Trinity International University.  I hold a TESOL Certificate from the School of International Training.

My husband and I moved our family from Chicago, IL to San Antonio in 2009.  We enjoy being transplanted Texans and hope that through the ESL program at NVC you can integrate successfully and begin to feel a sense of pride being a transplanted Texan as well.  I look forward to meeting you and being a part of your success as you strive to meet your English language goals.

Hilda Castro

Adjunct Instructor
Email: hcastro18@alamo.edu  

Hi, I'm Hilda Castro, I 'm a teacher, young at heart with a rich amount of experience.  I was born and reared in Texas and have deep roots and ties to this great Lone Star State.  I graduated from the University of Incarnate Word with a BA in Speech and English and began my teaching career at a small, parochial school in Floresville. I've worked in both private and public schools throughout San Antonio.   In 1999, I had the wonderful opportunity with 9 other teachers to help in the founding of China Incarnate Word and I believe this experience gave me a very sensitive and appreciative perspective for teaching ESL.  Since my return to the US, I have been working on special projects and teaching ESL for the Alamo Colleges.
    
I consider myself very fortunate to be working with excellent instructors and supportive staff and I welcome all students to my
ESL classes here at Northwest Vista College.

Zully Carofilis

Adjunct Instructor 

Hello, I’m Zully Carofilis. My first instructional experience began seventeen years ago teaching Spanish in various schools in San Antonio as well as other states. After teaching every age level in public schools, I have been teaching ESL at the Alamo Colleges for the past 7 years. I have enjoyed the great opportunity to teach students from all over the world. They have taught me a great deal about their customs and cultures at the same time they’ve learned about our American culture. This is why I love teaching ESL. My classes are interactive and fun. You will feel welcomed, relaxed and at home in my classroom as you are learning English. Come and join us at Northwest Vista College. See you soon!

My education and experience include a Master of Arts in Spanish from UTSA, seven years of experience teaching ESL and translating.