Meet some of our amazing volunteer ESL tutors!
They are kind, patient, and highly skilled, and they love helping students learn and grow. The profiles below show a small selection of our team.
When you apply for a free tutor, you will be matched with one of our wonderful teachers, including many more who are not shown here.
Sara W.
The English language has always been a passion for me. From the time I was a little girl, I devoured books about everything. And still do!
Several years ago, I tutored ESL students but had to give it up due to lack of time. I recently retired from my accounting career and was looking for a way to give back to the community. Redwood ESL offered me the opportunity to do this.
With the excellent resources they provide, I was able to return to tutoring and I am enjoying it immensely. It is so rewarding to help others succeed in their goals.
Sara W.
While I use many resources, I prefer to carefully create my lesson to fit each student’s individual needs. I am enjoying meeting and learning with my students. I have always been fascinated with different cultures, traditions, and cuisines. Class time spent with my students is very educational and enlightening!
I live in rural Northwest Wisconsin, but thanks to online video calls I feel I’m right there in the room with my students. I share my home with several cats, who sometimes try to help with lessons. Beside tutoring ESL, I like gardening, kayaking, bird watching, and many other activities. I work with several different community service groups as well, doing bookkeeping and mentoring young people.
I’m excited to share my native language with newcomers to our country. Every skill you gain is an accomplishment for me as well!
Tom E.
I am a school principal and a volunteer English teacher. I like teaching in an informal and relaxed way, where people feel comfortable.
I believe it is normal and good to make mistakes when learning English because that is how we learn.
My goal is to help people feel more confident speaking and listening in everyday conversations. I enjoy listening to people’s stories and learning from each other.
Outside of work, I am a husband and a father, and I enjoy music and playing the piano. I am happy to learn and practice English together.
Tom E.
I am a school principal in Canada and a volunteer English teacher. I have been a teacher and school leader for about 30 years, and I work in a public school. I enjoy teaching in an informal and casual way, where people feel comfortable, respected, and safe to try new things. I believe everyone can learn, and that people learn best when they can go at their own pace. Making mistakes is a normal and important part of learning a new language.
I volunteer with Redwood ESL because I believe in their work and their values. Redwood ESL supports learners in a patient and compassionate way. That is very important to me. I enjoy helping new people practice common, everyday English for real-life situations, such as casual conversations, work, and daily activities. I also enjoy listening to people’s stories and learning from different cultures and experiences.
Outside of work, I am a husband and a father. I enjoy playing the piano, cycling, and spending time learning about arts and culture. In the future, when I retire, I hope to travel and learn more about the world and the people in it. I am happy to practice English together and support our learners in a positive and welcoming way.
Jenna O.
My name is Jenna and I’m from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
I’m a student and have many hobbies and passions; I love books, languages, nature… My goal in life is to make a positive impact and give everlasting good to society.
Jennifer H.
I’m an ESL tutor who is passionate about supporting immigrants as they build confidence in their English skills and establish their lives in the United States.
I enjoy creating a comfortable, encouraging space for learners to grow at their own pace.
Jennifer H.
I am excited to join Redwood ESL and support learners as they strengthen their English skills and confidence!
I have always had deep compassion for immigrants who are building new lives in the United States, and I feel honored to play any part in helping people feel welcome, supported, and at home here.
I am a U.S. citizen born in the United States, and it has always been important to me to use my opportunities to help others who are working hard to establish theirs.
My interest in ESL began during an internship working with refugee resettlement, where I gained early experience assisting newcomers with their English needs. Over the years, I’ve also had several coworkers ask me for help improving their English, and I discovered how much I truly enjoy teaching, encouraging, and watching learners grow.
I currently work full time while taking college classes part time, studying Health Information Management. I live in the beautiful San Luis Valley in Colorado with my husband of 20 years, where we are preparing to build our off-grid home.
I’m continually inspired by the resilience, dedication, and cultural richness that immigrants bring to our communities, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support students as they continue building their futures here.
Jonathan B.
Jonathan B brings a deep love of language, culture, and human connection to his work as an ESL tutor. With a professional background rooted in connecting with a wide range of audiences and clients, Jonathan approaches tutoring as a collaborative and engaging exchange, rather than a one-size-fits-all lesson. He values clarity, curiosity, and adaptability, tailoring each session to the learner’s goals and comfort level.
Jonathan’s passion for the language arts and lifelong commitment to learning inform his teaching style, helping students build confidence while deepening their understanding of language as a bridge between cultures.
Jonathan b.
Jonathan is an ESL tutor who believes that language learning is, at its core, about connection—between people, cultures, and ideas.
His tutoring style is shaped by decades of professional experience centered on clear communication, active listening, and adapting to the needs of each client and audience. Jonathan strives to work collaboratively with each student, customizing each session to support their individual goals, whether that means building conversational confidence, expanding vocabulary, or deepening cultural understanding.
Jonathan holds a degree in accounting from Saint John’s University in New York and spent many years in public accounting before transitioning into a career as an executive search professional. A passionate supporter of the arts, Jonathan believes that creative expression brings people together across backgrounds. This belief underpins his approach to tutoring, where language becomes a joyful and meaningful shared experience.
Outside of tutoring, these days Jonathan is a docent at the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Marin Civic Center in San Rafael, CA, where he leads tours that blend history, architecture, and storytelling. He is also a member of the Marin County Civic Center Conservancy, which advises the Board of Supervisors on preservation and maintenance projects at the Center.
Olga P.
I was born and raised in Guatemala City, where I developed a confident and hard-working spirit. My academic background is in business, with professional experience in legal affairs, human resources, and advising entrepreneurs and small businesses. While in Guatemala, I volunteered with individuals who had business ideas and needed guidance to launch and formalize their business projects.
OLGA P.
I was born and raised in Guatemala City, where I developed a confident and hard-working spirit. My academic background is in business, with professional experience in legal affairs, human resources, and advising entrepreneurs and small businesses. While in Guatemala, I volunteered with individuals who had business ideas and needed guidance to launch and formalize their business projects.
After moving to the United States, I completed the ESL Program at Cañada College, which helped me strengthen my English skills and gain confidence as an immigrant learner. Living in California has been a wonderful experience. I enjoy learning about American culture and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. As an immigrant, I value living among different cultures and appreciate sharing experiences, traditions, and food. In my free time, especially during the summer, I enjoy biking with my husband on coastal trails, discovering great local coffee, and building new friendships.
Today, I co-own a Wiyoly Printing Shop in San Carlos, CA. Wiyoly brings graphic design, branding, and printing services for businesses in the Bay Area. As an ESL Redwood tutor, I am passionate about supporting immigrants, sharing my personal and professional journey, and encouraging students as they improve their English skills and work toward their goals.
GET STARTED
You can improve your English, and we're here to help.
Click the button to apply and get started on your learning journey. A member of the Redwood team will invite you to an online meeting. As a reminder, this service is free to you.