PROFESSORS
Maggie Edwy is an economist by profession with thirty years experience working alongside executive teams of several Fortune 500 companies. Maggie calls French her mother tongue having had an entirely French education ending in the Sorbonne, Paris and does English/French/English translations on a part-time basis for several translation companies worldwide. She started working as a French tutor in 2010 and is affiliated with Pearson Company as a French Scorer of standardized tests. She started playing bridge over 40 years ago and after obtaining accreditation from ACBL, became a bridge teacher for all levels in 2008.
Kiki Guerard was born in France, spent her childhood in Occidental Africa, and her adult life in Canada and the United States. She considers herself a citizen of the world, with an understanding and a taste for European, Canadian, and American cultures. She has travelled to, and lived in, many countries for pleasure and work, including Europe, India, Thailand, Tunisia, Morocco, the West Indies, the USA, and Latin America.
This passion for discovery has led Kiki to choose a different professional track: Beauty Editor, Fashion Editor at Anglophone magazines including International Edition. In recent years, she has spent time as an Interior and Decoration Designer. Her true role as she understands it: Channeling and expressing the beauty, originality, and extravagance while putting her whole heart, soul, and sensitivity into art projects that she undertakes.
Karoline Blaude-Anderson, a native speaker from Belgium, received her degree from the University of Brussels.
In 1980, she moved to Silicon Valley in California and completed her Master’s in French Language and Literature with a minor in Art History. She did graduate work and obtained her Secondary Education Credential and her CLAD (Cross-cultural, Language, and Academic Development) Certificate. She went on to teach French in public high schools and junior colleges for 39 years, instructing students of various ages, from youth to adult learners. She taught French for three years at the University of Tucson. She served as the Chair of the Foreign Language Department at her last high school, where she taught for 17 years.
Catherine Laur-White studied Education and Journalism at the University of Wisconsin, then worked as a French high school teacher in Wisconsin. Catherine moved to New York, where she worked in international banking and finally as the creative director of an advertising agency. Catherine moved to Arcadia in 2002, where she has been teaching French to adults.
Fabrice King-Cretot is a native of France and an experienced French tutor with over ten years of teaching experience in the U.S.
He is passionate about helping students build real-world communication skills with confidence, warmth, and cultural awareness.
Now based in Florida, Fabrice is a co-founder of a language and academic center, offering personalized and immersive learning for all levels. He believes that learning a language is not just about grammar and vocabulary; it's about connection, curiosity, and joy.
Tess Cieux is a native Chicagoan with French nationality. She lived and worked in France for 24 years in the fields of teaching, tourism, and the environment. Tess travels to France regularly to visit family and to explore the latest trends in cuisine, design, and fashion. She incorporates these unique insights into her classes.
Leila Zeriouh
Meet Leïla Zériouh
A new chapter at the Alliance Française of Sarasota - Hello everyone,
My name is Leïla Zériouh, and I’m truly delighted to introduce myself to you!
I am currently the Academic Director at the Alliance Française of Montpellier, where I have been teaching French and training teachers for over eight years.
I’ve been living in Montpellier since 2013 — a vibrant, sunny city filled with culture and creativity, which continues to inspire my passion for teaching.
I was born in Montélimar, a lovely town in the southeast of France, where I grew up surrounded by art, philosophy, and curiosity about the world. My academic journey led me first through Arts, Psychology, and Philosophy, before finding its true path in teaching French as a foreign language (FLE).
Before settling in Montpellier, I had the privilege of working with several humanitarian NGOs in Brazil, Spain, and North Africa. My dream — which still drives me today — has always been to give children and young people the chance to learn a second language, opening doors to greater opportunities and understanding of the world.
For me, teaching is more than a profession — it’s a calling. Since childhood, I’ve loved sharing knowledge, helping others grow, and creating spaces where learning is joyful and confidence can flourish.
It is therefore with great honor and enthusiasm that I join the Alliance Française of Sarasota. I look forward to meeting you all, sharing my teaching approach, my experiences, and most importantly, our common love for the French language and culture.
| Émilie Billard-Mirabella is originally from France. Émilie moved to Sarasota with her husband and their two daughters a year ago to begin a new cultural and linguistic adventure. After several years working as a data and marketing project manager, she decided to dedicate herself to education, a field that combines her love for creativity, learning, and human connection. Trained in the Montessori approach and interested in cognitive science and alternative education methods, Émilie focuses on practices that honor each one’s natural rhythm and curiosity. She also offers cursive handwriting workshops, helping children rediscover the joy of writing by hand while developing focus and self-confidence. Known for her empathy, patience and attentive listening, Émilie strives to create a warm and supportive learning environment for the teaching of the French language and culture, serving the Francophone and Francophile community of Sarasota. |
Marie Christine is a dedicated educator and cultural ambassador with an extensive career in teaching French language and culture across diverse institutions. Currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at Eckerd College and formerly at the State College of Florida, Marie Christine, brings a wealth of experience and passion for language instruction to higher education.
As the Director, Owner, and Teacher of Learn French School, she has created a dynamic learning environment that blends linguistic mastery with cultural immersion, offering students of all ages the opportunity to engage deeply with the French language.
Her teaching journey also includes positions at The Out-of-Door Academy in Sarasota, the Alliance Française in the Twin Cities, and the Berlitz Language Center, where they honed their ability to adapt instruction to a wide range of learners and
Throughout her career, Marie Christine has been recognized for her ability to integrate history, literature, and cultural traditions into language education, making French not only accessible but also vibrant and relevant. Her work reflects a lifelong dedication to promoting cross-cultural understanding and empowering students to connect with the richness of the Francophone world.