STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS | Alliance Française de Sarasota

Volunteering with Alliance Française de Sarasota

Volunteering by our members is essential to our community. Member volunteers help keep our library organized and assist with our activities and cultural events. This is Sarasota’s unique opportunity to meet and collaborate with fellow Francophiles. If you're interested, please inquire within!
Additional information
by phone at 941-955-0700
by email alliancefrancaise@verizon.net

MEET OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Deborah Cordier

I had the privilege of spending seven formative years at the International School of Geneva in Switzerland, during which I became bilingual in French and English. After earning my Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1976, I dedicated over 20 years to teaching K-12, culminating in a rewarding role at the United Nations International School in New York City.

In 1997, I completed a French Language Translation certificate at NYU, and in 1996, I earned a CTEFL certificate from the University of Cambridge. In 2002, I made a significant transition to Florida, where I attended the University of South Florida in Tampa and successfully obtained my PhD in Second Language Acquisition and Instructional Technology in 2009.

I am currently delighted to be working at the Alliance in Sarasota, a community I have been a part of for many years. This journey has enriched my life, especially during my time in New York and Providence, Rhode Island, where my daughter and her family reside.

VOLUNTEERS

DENISE CROSLEY

AND

MERRIEM SNYDER

WEB & NEWSLETTER DESIGNER

Suzanne Giddings

As a Graphic and Web Designer, I am a versatile communication coordinator with extensive experience in enhancing member engagement and managing digital media. I have a strong background in photography and multimedia graphics.

My love for European culture began during my first ski trip to Austria and was further deepened by my time at a Swiss boarding school. I studied Literature and Fine Arts at the University of Grenoble. Over several summers, I worked with horses in Ireland, Switzerland and France, while winters were dedicated to skiing and continuing my literature studies.

I spent 25 years in the hospitality industry as a chef and still enjoy gathering with friends to prepare a fine feast. Working alongside several Swiss and French chefs provided me with opportunities to use my French.

Joining the Alliance Française de Sarasota has allowed me to continue my language learning journey.