Our Mission

Amy American, living in NYC. A graduate of Cornell, Amy is a practicing psychologist. She has worked with individuals of all ages and has done conflict resolution. In addition to being a Conversation Partner, Amy is providing individual therapy over the phone for a Hila student.  

Andrea    American-French, University degree in International Relations; Launched a company in communications, marketing & event organization. More recently, Business Administrator for the American Church in Paris. Involved with Missions & Outreach at the American Cathedral promoting refugee causes. Interests include reading, music & travel. 

Ann    American, Careers in both the pharmaceutical industry and Local Government Finance. Enjoys cooking, gardening, reading and all genres of music. 

Barbara    American and French, Career in Marketing and Sales in the US. Career as a teacher, trainer and corporate coach in France. Likes walking, travelling, volunteering, outreach activities and reading. 

Carol    British and French, doctorate in History from the University of Oxford, career in international banking, currently Treasurer of the Paris affiliate of the Arts Society, involved in voluntary work. 

Diane    American & French, professor emerita at both Rowan University (USA) and The American University of Paris, taught accounting and information systems, currently teaches database software for a grande école in Paris, volunteer teacher of English. 

Elin   Swedish, Human Resources professional and Executive coach. Worked globally in the private sector as well as NGOs such as Norwegian Refugee Council and International Justice Mission. Currently leading a Coaching Pilot program for Hila Initiative. 

Emer    English, studied law and became a diplomat, worked in Pakistan and is interested in the region, currently teaches English in Paris.

Emma     English, has lived in Italy, currently teaching English at two universities in Paris, an engineering school and a business school. 

Jill    American, living in Florida, BA in History and Education and a Masters in English. Recently retired, she enjoys spending more time with her family, tutoring high school students, and reading.

Koël    Indian, an accomplished actress and writer, grew up in India, studied Politics, Philosophy & Economics at an English university, then acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, has acted in Bollywood movies and TV shows for over 20 years, recently published her first novel, "Clearly Invisible in Paris".

Kiana   Iranian, currently attending university in Istanbul where she is studying Business logistics management. Fluent in Persian, Turkish and English. 

Leslie   American living in France, worked in finance for several perfume companies in France and Business Manager of Redbook Magazine before leaving NY, has been on the boards of non-profit associations and has done extensive volunteer work.  

Linette   Scandinavian-American, Lived in Latin America until adult; Masters in Sociology of Conflict in French and Masters of Int’l Relations, Civil Society Dev in English; founded NGO ArtsEqualsLife for self-growth and entrepreneurship of P’uhrépecha women in Mexico; worked as federal diplomatic liaison and as Executive Director of Marketing; currently a Cultural Business Consultant 

Liz   American living in France. Attended university at Smith and the U of Michigan, then got her law degree from U of Toledo. Worked as an attorney in medical malpractice, and defended hospitals in several birth trauma cases. She is now retired, but it thinking she did so too soon!  

Maddie    American, university degree in Culture & Communication, worked for an international nonprofit association of professional astronomers, handling communication and organizing symposia around the world, experience teaching English. 

Mandana    Iranian, moved to France recently with her young family. She has a PhD in Health Psychology, was a practicing psychotherapist in Tehran, therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, Reality Therapy, Act and Schema Therapy. 

Mary V    Indian, University degree in Chemical Engineering, Master's degree in Business Analysis and Consulting. Has 8 years of work experience in diverse fields including experience working in an English teaching centre in Paris. 

Meredith   American, a well-known photographer: meredithmullins.artspan.com, background in television, film, and communications; Has travelled the world for many years. Afghanistan is her favourite country because of its physical beauty and incredibly generous people. 

Mehru    Singaporean, living in France for 25 years. She works in IT sector managing projects. Her husband is French and she has 2 children in their early 20s. Mehru has been looking for a way to give back and found us!

Michelle   Irish, 44, living in Dublin. Studied French and Sociology, then Business at university. Currently manages the training activity for a PR and Communications company in Dublin. 

Meryam   American, worked and volunteered for the Peace Corps for 10 years, travelled to Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Iran and India; feels a deep connection to Afghanistan where one of her closest friends worked for 5 years, addicted to volunteer work. 

Niambh   Irish living in Dublin. University degrees in English and Theology and a Masters in Film Studies. Volunteered at the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre for 3 years, participated in outreach programs in schools leading discussions about consent.  Currently learning Arabic.

Niki   Iranian, University degree in Philosophy. Currently attending the Sorbonne. Mentoring and assisting with Hila student applications. 

Róisín Irish, 38 living in Dublin. Background in Strategic Communications, Press and Marketing. Big interest in the arts. 

Ruth   British-French. Held various posts in the music world in London, then joined British Airways as a flight attendant. In 1977, moved to Paris, worked in fashion and publishing. Recently, worked as a volunteer with the Parisien homeless.

Susan   Grew up in Kenya. Studied in England at London University and Michigan. Worked as a lawyer in Nairobi, New York Hong Kong and Japan. 3 children, 7 grandchildren. In Paris since 2004 with her husband who is an international lawyer. Studying to qualify as a TEFL teacher.

 Susan Gb American, living in New York City. Undergraduate degree in English Literature from U of Michigan and law degree from Brooklyn Law School. Had her own law practice for 30 years. Worked with the English Speaking Union in NYC, an association that helps immigrant improve their English 

Zahra   Iranian, moved to France recently with her family. She has a PhD in Science and Media Communications and is now a journalist writing for the Persian online magazine "Salamat News" (Health News)