Meet the Teachers & Staff

Hi. My name is Luis. Also known as Mr. Alvarez! I have earned my Associates Degree in teaching and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education through Dallas College. I have also earned a Masters Degree in Education, Education Technology and Instructional Design through Western Governors University. As a first-generation college graduate, I know the importance of an education and strive to help my students achieve their academic goals.

Something I value is being able to listen to my students as I know that by listening to them, I can be the best teacher that I can be.

When I’m not a teacher at Excel, I am either spending time with family & friends, dancing, playing video games, learning how to cook a new recipe, or listening to Taylor Swift.

My name is Gray Barber, and I have been an instructor at Excel since February of 2025. Before this, I was a Teacher’s Assistant at the University of South Carolina for 2 years. As part of this job, I regularly taught “Communicating Moral Issues” — a philosophy course dedicated to discussing ethics with others in a civil way, especially those we disagree with.

I am a PhD student in philosophy at the University of Dallas, with a focus on Scholastic (read: Medieval) Metaphysics. It’s my goal ultimately to be a professor, to continue my study, and to share my joy of studying Metaphysics with others. As Aristotle says, “All men by nature desire to know.

I have taught English as a foreign language for over ten years. I started my career as a member of the United States Peace Corps, where I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to teach at a language school in Shumen, Bulgaria. I enjoy the social aspect of teaching, as well as the opportunity to constantly be introduced to non-American perspectives.

My advice to any language learner is to take it one step at a time. “Rome was not built in a day,” as the saying goes. Another important aspect of learning a language is to remember to have fun.

I have not worked at Excel English Institute for very long, but the staff and co-workers have been generous and welcoming. And of course, the school would be nothing without its fantastic students.

My name is Guillermo A. Colderon. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, raised in Miami and New York, and lived for nearly 30 years in Turin, Italy.

I’ve been teaching English for over 30 years, i.e. General English and Business English mostly for top managers of the most important Italian companies: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, IVECO, Lavazza, Leonardo, Martini Rossi, ENI, Telecom Italia, Diageo Italia, etc.

I have also tutored HB4545 ELAR and ESL high school schools at Dallas ISD. My teaching philosophy is not only limited to teaching grammatical rules, but understanding American culture in its entirety.

I have been teaching English for over 15 years. I majored in French and Art at Austin College where I spent my junior year abroad studying in France and living with a host family. That is where I got my true taste for travel and love for learning about new cultures. Upon graduating, I spent time traveling the US and abroad before deciding to get my Certification to Teach English as a Second Language. I taught ESL for 6 years in various places throughout Mexico such as Campeche, Guadalajara and San Luis Potosi. In 2009, I returned to the US and taught for 3 years at Northwest Vista College in San Antonio. Finally, I came back to Dallas to be closer to friends and family, and start my own family. I have been teaching at Excel English Institute since the Fall of 2015.

As an experienced ESL instructor, my teaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel confident taking risks and growing as language learners.

I have taught English in Peru, Colombia, and Honduras, and these cross-cultural experiences have shaped my belief in language as a powerful bridge between people. My passion for Spanish began during a study abroad semester in Costa Rica and led me to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Spanish. My experience as a university career coach and mentor has strengthened my dedication to student development, language education, and intercultural understanding.

Hello, my name is Nina Garofalo. I began my career in education in 2016 as an ESL Instructor at Los Angeles Community Colleges, where I had the privilege of supporting English Language Learners. From the outset, I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to serving immigrants and visitors to the United States. I have a passion for learning about diverse cultures and traditions, and I enjoy traveling to broaden my understanding of the world. So far, I have visited Mexico, Guatemala, Australia, and South Korea.

While I continue to love teaching English, my current role as a Student Advisor at Excel allows me to connect with students in a new way. Helping to ensure students’ smooth transition into our school and supporting them in achieving their long-term goals is incredibly fulfilling. I look forward to meeting you and learning more about your story!

My name is Donald Gleason, but the students call me Mr. Don. I have been a teacher since 1974. When I was in college, one of my professors told me that you did not have to be a famous rock singer, politician or movie star to make a difference in the world; you could do it by being a teacher. That’s what I have been trying to do for more than 30 years. My grandparents were immigrants, and I work with immigrants. Believing that I am helping them to have better lives makes it all worthwhile.

I have taught in a number of schools, but Excel English Institute is the best by far. The facility is beautiful, modern and functional. My colleagues are top-notch, and the students are wonderful. Just wonderful. I am very fortunate to be here.

Mrs. Carla Lupo Goldenberg is a Dallas-based English as a Second Language Teacher and a Translator for the Portuguese-English language pair. Carla has taught English and Portuguese to both adults and children in Brazil, her native country, and in the United States over the last 10 years. She enjoys watching her students make progress as they gain more confidence in English and Portuguese.

Carla also has a certification degree in Translation and has been working as a subtitler translator for a multimedia company since 2014. Carla holds a Bachelor Degree in Letters from Mackenzie University in Brazil and a Degree in Translation from the same University. She is currently attending a TESOL course administered by the Arizona State University to be concluded in 2024.

Carla has been working as a substitute teacher for the Frisco ISD since 2022 teaching elementary and middle schoolers, and as a private tutor for adults pursuing ESL or Portuguese language courses.

Howdy, I’m Remy Gordon! I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and I’ve always had a passion for helping people succeed. Before beginning my journey at Excel, I spent most of the last decade working in sales and marketing. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life, and I love finding ways to support them in reaching their goals.

At Excel English Institute, I’m the Designated School Official (DSO) and Office Manager at our Arlington location, and I also help out at our Richardson location from time to time. Every day, I get to meet amazing students from around the world and be part of their journey as they learn and grow.

One of my biggest passions is traveling—I’ve been to over 20 countries and love experiencing new cultures, languages, and traditions. I believe that learning about different perspectives makes life more exciting and meaningful.

I can’t wait to meet you and be part of your journey at Excel!

From September 1991 to July 1993, William was an English language instructor at Sendai English School in the Miyagi prefecture of Japan and Koriyama English School in the Fukushima prefecture of Japan. He taught TOEIC and TOEFL preparation courses in both corporate classrooms and in private lessons. William was also a visiting instructor at Koriyama Technical College in Japan.

He has a Master’s Degree in International Political Economics from the University of North Texas, and has had global operating responsibility in countries around the world in various business roles over the years.

His new passion is helping students from around the world reach their English goals as they pave their way for educational and occupational success.

I specialize in teaching beginning levels due to my desire to help the students build confidence in themselves while providing them with the basic building blocks of language skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

I grew up in Los Angeles, which is a cosmopolitan city. While living there, I constantly found myself helping people from other countries. That is how I discovered my knack for languages.

In my opinion, the most difficult part about learning a language is “losing your fear to speak [which] is hard for many introverted students.” However, I always advise any new students interested in coming to Excel to learn English to come aboard and do your best. “You can do it!”

My name is Marjan Heidari. I am doing my PhD in English literature. Both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees are in English literature. I got my TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Trinity College London. I have taught general and academic English as well as IELTS at different language schools and colleges for more than 20 years. Teaching as an IELTS instructor and working as an academic coordinator at one of the leading language centers in Malaysia with its multicultural atmosphere gave me valuable experience.

I am passionate about teaching and my ambition is to help my students with English language skills mostly speaking and writing. I always welcome my students’ mistakes which open more opportunities for them to learn. I started teaching at Excel in June 2022. I am happy to be working at this institute because of my amazing colleagues, amazing managers and lovely students.

“Inspire Boldly to Aspire Boldly”
First and foremost, my passion to teach English surges from the depths of care for students yearning for a better chance in life. I find myself training students to have unswerving confidence that can be the sail which will take them far and beyond in their English language learning. I make streams of encouragement and exhortation for a positive mindset; a mind and heart that can focus clear goals and organize accordingly with reminding tips on good study habits to aspire a desired target outcome; exerting daily praise and attentive motivational feedback are the sparks that keep students pedaling on the track of success. I predominantly have been a foundational link in the chain of success for students in the lower levels, thus I feel it truly has been my calling to be an instructor who “inspires” to face the new untrodden road ahead with confidence, stamina and patience.

It’s awesomely fulfilling for me to see measurable improvement in speaking that comes alive from the rock bottom. It’s my heartfelt aim to wait for the revealing moment when students witness themselves declaring, “I can be more than a conqueror!”

My name is William Joyner, and I have been teaching English as a Second Language for over 20 years. I have a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics and a Master’s Degree in English and Creative Writing.

While studying at British Study Centres, I earned a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) in Oxford, England. I have spent many years teaching English in Saudi Arabia and experienced Arabic and other diverse cultures there. I taught college students in various English Preparatory Programs in Saudi Arabia. I was an IELTS examiner for Speaking and Writing and a TOEFL teacher preparing students for study in English-speaking countries.

I moved back to Dallas, Texas, in 2022 and was ready for a new chapter in my life. That chapter began with Excel English Institute. Since returning, I have been teaching Advanced English with Excel and thoroughly enjoy the experience. I believe in the communicative approach to teaching, so students must use each other and all resources around them to improve their English language skills. I like to get students talking and have them figure things out while I act as a guide and resource for them along their English learning path. We have lots of fun in my classes, and everyone gets a chance to express themselves.

What are you waiting for? Come on and join in on the fun! Sign up with Excel English Institute today!

For more than 20 years, I have had the pleasure of teaching ESL students, from all parts of the world, both in the United States and abroad.  I am strong believer in maintaining a constructive, active learning environment, where students are encouraged to take an active role in their own learning and empowered by creating a meaningful approach to their advancement.

My name is Korina Luna. I was born and raised in Mexico. I love art and helping people, and I consider myself a dedicated and passionate person. I have a BA degree in Business Administration and a strong background in customer service. As a bilingual student services coordinator, my goal is to ensure that every student feels valued, supported and empowered to achieve their academic and personal goals.

I enjoy meeting new people and getting to know their cultures. I’m excited to contribute to a welcoming and inclusive student community.

Joseph has studied French for almost 10 years, Attic Greek while earning his MA from St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD, and Latin at the University of Dallas, where he is currently pursuing his PhD in Literature at the Institute of Philosophic Studies. He is devoted to the renewal of classical pedagogy and aspires to channel his love of & wonder at the written and spoken word to all those he is privileged to instruct.

He is a Virginia Beach, Virginia native; an avid reader; and, if he weren’t working with the written word, he would be pursuing a career in his other passion: horticulture!

Hello, my name is Bravo. I have over 25 years of experience teaching English as a second language. I’ve worked as a Director, Head Teacher, and Academic and Curriculum Program Coordinator. I hold a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from West Texas A&M University, focusing on Education, Counseling, and English.

I believe students learn best when exposed to both formal and informal English through practical, real-world applications. My goal is to improve their comprehension, expression, and communication skills so they can confidently use standard English in everyday situations.

I focus on each student’s unique needs and help them progress in a way that works best for them. I joined Excel English Institute to share my experience teaching students from diverse backgrounds and to create engaging, accessible lessons. I look forward to helping students succeed in learning English.

As one of the Directors at Excel English Institute Arlington, I am excited to work with students to assist them in any way I can to achieve their goals. As a former F-1 student myself, I understand what it takes to master the English language and complete my education with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

I have been in academia for over 30 years and currently am a professor at University of North Texas. With my work in teaching a diverse student population, I am dedicated to ensuring that Excel students receive the best service and guidance on their path to higher education or to achieving their occupational success.

Teaching is not only my profession but my passion! I love teaching, and especially inspiring, guiding, and patiently supporting my students to learn how to learn since my most important tool and goal is to help them to become successful independent learners!

My diverse and extensive experience has helped me to learn how to help my students gain the patience, self-motivation, and perseverance needed to become successful learners. My students’ success energizes and motivates me to continue to strive to pave the way for them to learn how to learn and become independent learners so they can continue to grow as successful people and professionals.

We are both ESL certified veteran teachers with more than 35 years combined of experience teaching, writing curricula and working with students in college and independent schools in Dallas and abroad. As co-workers, we always thought we could provide a better education than what we were offering at our previous places of employment. We decided to embark on a journey in 2014 to open our own school, which would be a place to learn, make new friends and have an unforgettable experience.

After Excel earned its full accreditation in 2017, the school that started with only 8 students, has since grown to serve several hundreds in its short life. The thing that makes Excel different from any other school we have worked at is that we are teachers who wrote and taught the curricula. We know what works and what doesn’t, and we work closely with our teachers to provide them with the resources and training to make our vision of a top-notch English school become a reality.