About Team FLC

Our teachers come from a variety of intercultural backgrounds and experiences to enrich your language learning experience. Our secret sauce? In each language we choose the optimal mix of native speakers and non-native speakers with higher degrees in foreign language instruction who are true pros in teaching it!

Additionally, in order to stay on the very edge of 21st century language learning, we insist on the highest standards. We are continually updating our skills through the top language specialists in the country, such as the UT Texas Language Center and Coerll.

Our team at our fabulous facility, the progressive college prep: Headwaters School, formerly known as The Khabele School.

Freestyle Manifesto

Created by Team FLC
•••
People are made to communicate and connect. Freestyle’s mission is to connect people though language and to build a language-learning community where everyone is welcome. Freestyle is a community of inclusion and diversity. Within our walls or at events, we provide a ‘safe zone’ where you can connect and enjoy the learning process. We strive to create a vibrant community through face-to-face interaction where we share perspectives and inspire one another.
We embrace a team approach. From our home-grown, team-made innovative curriculum and through our supportive methodology, our team is here to encourage you on the road to proficiency and to celebrate your success!
Language learning requires courage, dedication and an open mind. We believe in the power of learning from others. We love kudos, high-fives and a fun, dynamic atmosphere. Join us in our purpose-driven mission!
Through our passion for language and culture, we hope to enhance your experience with the world around you. We have the potential to unite way beyond the ATX community: let’s connect and use language as a means to broaden our reach and our cross-cultural understanding.

Meet Our Team

  • Michelle Dubois

    Spanish Instructor

    Growing up in a multi-lingual household with Portuguese, Japanese, and English as first languages, Michelle is a natural-born polyglot...

  • Oscar Barrera Flores

    Spanish Instructor

    Oscar was born in Cuernavaca, Mexico into a family of teachers. From an early age, he loved traveling and meeting people from all over...

  • Sarah Bernet Russell

    French Instructor

    Sarah has lived in 11 countries and is from a family who speaks French, Portuguese, English and German on a daily basis. Living abroad for...

  • Patrick Lawrence

    Spanish Instructor

    Patrick, another multi-lingual language-lover joins our Team! After completing an MA in Spanish Linguistics, Patrick is now a doctoral...

  • Kaitlin Burns

    Spanish Instructor

    Kaitlin is happy to be joining Freestyle’s roster of fellow polyglots for the Fall 2018 Session! She brings her own love of learning foreign...

  • Patrizia Gislon

    Italian Instructor

    Patrizia was born and raised in Pordenone, a charming town 50 minutes north of Venice, Italy. Patrizia moved to Austin in 1991...

  • Matteo Rabatin

    Italian Instructor / Curriculum Consultant

    Matteo Rabatin attended the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a dual BA in French and Italian, followed by a MA in Italian...

  • Kristine Bryan

    French Instructor

    Kristine earned an MA in French Literature from Boston University and was well on her way to a PhD when she realized she was more...

  • Julio Verdi

    Spanish Instructor

    Hailing from Mexico City, Julio is currently finishing his MA in Spanish at Texas State University. He holds a bachelors degree...

  • Elizabeth Mack

    Founder / French Instructor

    An incurable Francophile, Elizabeth is uncommonly passionate about language learning – especially the ability of languages...

  • Sharnicia Dotson

    Director of Online Learning

    Sharnicia joined Team FLC while getting her Marketing degree from St. Edward’s University. As a part of the community, she has worn...

  • Lena Arnett

    Asst. Director of Marketing and Operations

    Lena is from Hermosa Beach, California and moved to Austin in 2012 to attend The University of Texas. She is passionate about language...