Manchester Academy of English UK

Céline Cameron - Director
BA, PG Cert. in International Business

Before starting her sales and marketing career in EFL and Higher Education in the UK, Céline held managerial positions with British charities and a Petroleum company in Italy. Céline is originally from Montreal, Canada and in addition to travelling extensively she has lived in Italy and Mexico.

Céline chose to live in Manchester because the north represents 'her ideal picture' of the UK through its architecture and culture in general. She feels at home at the school, having the privilege to be surrounded constantly with foreign students and being able to be part of a city where all the best of Britain is on your doorstep. Now her time is fully dedicated to Manchester Academy and its development.

Karen Page - Operations Manager
PGCE; BA Hons.

Before joining Manchester Academy of English as the Operations Manager, Karen gained relevant experience of working in the industry setting up and running summer courses across the UK for international students. She also worked as the Centre Manager in the UK helping young people gain employment, education and training courses.

Karen has taught in Greece, Qatar, UAE and New Zealand whilst travelling but always returned to her home town of Manchester as she loves the city.

In her spare time, Karen loves meeting up with friends, travelling and watching football

Aldona Norkus - Academic Manager
BA Hons, CELTA (B) DTEFLA

Aldona has taught EFL since 1991. She joined Manchester Academy of English in 2002. Prior to this, Aldona taught in Taiwan, Japan and London. She has extensive teaching experience including general and business English and exam classes such as Cambridge exam preparation courses. She likes the school because of the enthusiastic students and professional teachers.

Megan Menendez - Assistant Director of Studies
BA (Hons), CELTA (B) DELTA

Megan gained 5 years teaching experience in Poland, Hungary and Argentina before joining Manchester Academy of English in 2003. Previously she was the Language Coordinator at the University of Aberystwyth. Megan likes the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of the school and the mix of nationalities. She thinks Manchester is great for its bustling nightlife. In her spare time, Megan enjoys tae bo, swimming, and studying Spanish. She is also a massive fan of rugby and Tom Jones.

Vanna Carter - Director of Teacher Training & CELTA Assessor
Member Institute of Linguists, Dip RSA, Dip Translation & Interpretation

Vanna has taught EFL since 1986 and trained teachers in the UK since 1995. She joined Manchester Academy in 2000. She has extensive experience in the private sector and has worked on a wide variety of courses, including designing English language courses for corporate clients and courses for overseas teachers of English.

Vanna is a member of the Institute of Linguists and also an approved CELTA assessor.

Hina Khan - Finance Manager
BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance

Originally from London and moved to Manchester 2004, Hina is CAT qualified and part qualified ACCA student currently studying for her finals. Hina previously worked as an accounts assistant and enjoy the challenges of the Accounts and Finance role. Hina speaks 3 fluent languages and would like to learn more languages in the near future.

"I aim to travel as much as I can and have experienced different cultures all over the world. Living and working in Manchester has been one of the best decisions I have made."

Agnieszka Pietrzak - Registrar

Agnieszka, from Poland, understands the needs of international students well, as she herself has a background in language learning, having studied in Spain and Germany as well as her native Poland. She is impressed by the friendly atmosphere at Manchester Academy of English and feels really at home working here. Agnieszka likes Manchester because it is lively and there is so much to see and do here that she is never bored. She loves films, music and socialising with friends.

Frances Simpson - Assistant Registrar and Administrator

Frances has recently moved to Manchester from Newcastle where she was working in admin and sales. She had wanted to move to Manchester for a while as she feels it is a much more vibrant city with lots more to offer. She enjoys working at the Manchester Academy of English as it is a chance to meet new people and learn more about different cultures. Frances lives close to the city centre, it has a good social scene, lots of good bars and restaurants. She enjoys going to watch live bands, going to the cinema and is enjoying getting to know Manchester more.

Joelle Kirkham - Accommodation Officer

Whilst studying Tourism Managaement at Salford University, Joelle began working part time at a hotel in Manchester which eventually became a full time position, gaining the title of Reservations Manager.

Now at Manchester Academy of English she wishes to gain new experiences, learn about different cultures and enjoy the fast paced challenge.

Having always lived in Manchester Joelle carries a great passion for the cities nightlife, shops, atmosphere and overall diversity.

Emma Kneale - Marketing Executive

Emma has recently joined the Marketing Department at the Manchester Academy of English. Originally from Lancaster, Emma moved to Manchester to study for her BA (Hons) in French, Spanish and Catalan and has just completed her MA in Translation and Interpreting Studies, both at the University of Manchester.

Emma is currently living in Manchester, although she has lived in France and Spain both studying and teaching English. She is looking forward to working with international students and staff in such a multicultural city as Manchester.

Marc Elles - Social Programme Coordinator/Administration Assistant/IT Support

Marc has lived in Manchester for 7 years, having gained a degree in English and Philosophy in 2006. Living within the city centre, Marc has gained a strong knowledge of Manchester and has a wealth of experience surrounding Manchester’s cultural and social heart, which he utilises to plan a varied, interesting and exciting social programme.

Marc previously worked in nightclub management and the financial services which has brought plenty of variety to his time in Manchester and would not live anywhere else in the world.

Kathy Byrne - Senior Teacher and Teacher Trainer
BA Hons, RSA DELTA

Kathy has taught EFL since 1999, following a varied career in local government. Prior to joining Manchester Academy of English, she worked in Spain teaching general and business English. She has been a member of the Teacher Training Department at the Academy since 2005.

Kathy has recently been accepted as an examiner for the Cambridge FCE writing paper.

Chris Robinson - Senior Teacher and Teacher Trainer
Cert Ed (University of Durham), RSA Diploma

Chris has over 25 years teaching experience both in Germany and in the UK. He has taught English at the Academy for seven years and is also involved in teacher training.

Chris's hobbies include classic motor vehicle repair and riding his Indian Royal Enfield. Chris believes it is the people who make Manchester Academy of English special, as they are always a fun, interesting mix of nationalities. Chris likes the beautiful architecture and the museums of Manchester.

Dolores Long - Teacher and Teacher Trainer
Teaching Cert (University of London), Trinity Cert TESOL, RSA Diploma

Dolores has worked for the British Council teaching English in Egypt and Bangladesh and has also taught in Cambodia and Vietnam. She has worked as a VSO volunteer for 3 years in Tanzania training teachers and has also trained teachers in Nicaragua and Zambia. She joined Manchester Academy in 2002 and currently trains on the CELTA course.

She enjoys reading novels, listening to world music, going to the cinema swimming and playing squash.

Pam Womack - Teacher and Teacher Trainer

LL.B(Hons), Cambridge CTEFLA and DELTA

Pam has taught English since 1995 and has worked in Indonesia, Singapore, Finland and Poland. She worked as an ADOS, DOS and CELTA trainer at International House in Poland and was also a Cambridge Oral Examiner Team Leader for FCE, CAE and CPE.

Pam joined Manchester Academy in 2007 and works as a CELTA trainer and teacher.
Her hobbies include reading, cooking, skiing and hiking.

Tamara Ranatunga - Teacher
BSc Hons (Social Psychology), CELTA (B)

After graduating from Loughborough University in 2001, Tamara left for Japan and taught English there for 3 years. She was very glad to return to Manchester, which she thinks is a vibrant and culturally diverse city. Tamara joined the Academy in July 2005 and thoroughly enjoys working in such a warm and friendly environment. Her hobbies include scuba diving, snow boarding, travelling and yoga.

Gabriela V. Sanderson - Teacher and Teacher Trainer
BA in Spanish, RSA/Cambridge Diploma in TEFL

Gaby has been a teacher for over 15 years. She moved to Manchester in December 2005 and likes the city for its rich history and architecture, its vibrant cultural life and excellent restaurants. Gaby thinks Manchester Academy is a great place to work because of its truly international atmosphere and the dedicated and supportive staff. When not teaching, Gaby enjoys visiting museums and National Trust properties, going for walks in the country and eating out.

Kevin Reid - Teacher
BSC, Trinity Cert. TESOL

After teaching abroad and in Britain for six years, Kevin has moved back to Manchester permanently. He enjoys the music scene here and the Northern way of life (especially the weather).

Kevin enjoys teaching English since it can cover a whole range of subjects and likes to share knowledge with students from around the world. He is interested in camping and hiking as well as literature, science and the history of civilizations.

Leona Free - Teacher
BA (Hons) 3D Design, CELTA (B)

Leona moved to Manchester 15 years ago and loves it. She thinks it's a great city with lots to see and do. After several years working in an office she decided to do a CELTA course and has been teaching part-time at the Academy since.

The rest of the time she does her own design & print work and has been seen working at many Manchester markets.

Isla Crawford - Teacher
BA English, CELTA

Isla has been teaching since 2005 and really like meeting new people and learning about different cultures.

She has taught in France and China and is continuing to learn French.

In her spare time she enjoys going to the cinema to watch foreign films. Isla also likes running and reading novels.

Marie Philips - Teacher
BA English and Film Studies, CELTA

Marie is originally from Liverpool but now lives in Runcorn. She plans to move to Manchester this year to be closer to work.
Marie loves chocolate and can't imagine life without books.

In her free time, she does acting and dance classes.

Jon Naylor - Teacher
Master Mathematics, Cert TESOL.

Jon has recently returned to Manchester after a year teaching English in Italy. He has decided, however, not to live in the city, preferring the tranquillity of the English countryside in Derbyshire's peak district, and has just begun living on a narrow boat on the Peak Forest Canal. He joined Manchester Academy in spring 2008.

Rob Turner - Teacher
Cambridge DELTA

Rob is from Leeds but moved to Manchester via Barcelona due to its music scene and nightlife.

He loves Leeds United, music and bitter. One day he will have a cat called Bergerac. He dislikes Manchester United and reality television.

Chris Tabor - Teacher
BTECH Mech. Engin. TESOL diploma

Chris has been in EFL for 14 years. He first taught English in Greece then travelled to Lisbon, Portugal and ended his travels in Taragana, Spain where he taught for 3 years. Chris ended up in Brighton where he stayed for 8 years and is now back in sunny Manchester.

Chris likes football, reading and trying to play the guitar.

Simon Eastham - Teacher

Simon is from Wigan and went to London when he was 18 to study History. Simon spent 10 years in London before moving to Bahrain in the Arabian Gulf for 5 years where he taught History and English in a big international school. After this he worked in Mexico City for a couple of years before switching to EFL teaching.

Since 2004 Simon has worked in Cambridge, Poland, Spain and Manchester.

Jon Walsh - Teacher

Jon graduated from Warwick University with a degree in Film & Literature.

After working in Japan and Poland as a teacher and journalist, Jon returned to his home town of Manchester in 2008. He enjoys films, books, good conversation and the odd game of tennis.

Helen Ray - Teacher

Helen is from Manchester and has been teaching English for over 13 years both here and abroad.

After completing her CELTA in Manchester, she worked in Spain, Argentina and Chile teaching English to groups in academies, companies, schools and universities.

While in Argentina she did her DELTA and went on to manage schools in Chile as well as being involved in teacher training and examining. She has been working at Manchester Academy since May 2009, when she returned from living abroad.

Consultants

Brian Richbell

HR Consultant

Mary Johnson

Finance Consultant

Gillian Wych

Payroll Consultant

Emma Harrison

Marketing Consultant

	our focus is on your progress
St. Margaret's Chambers, 5 Newton St, Manchester, M1 1HL, UK T: +44 (0)161 237 5619F: +44 (0)161 237 9016 E: info@manacad.co.uk