Faculty Valérie Legenti Petite Section / Preschool Teacher Valérie LEGENTIL was born in Brittany, France. After her Baccalaureat, she studied at the University in Rennes to become a Physical Education Teacher. Valérie graduated in 1997 and immediately started an IUFM (Institut Universitaire de Formation des Maîtres) internship to further develop her teaching skills. Upon completion of her teacher training, she was assigned to a middle/high school in Manche, France for 7 years. In 2004, she was assigned to a school in Brittany for 3 years where Valérie was always very proactive in organizing extra curriculum activities for the students (ski trips, outdoor activities...). Valérie was nominated head teacher at the school in Manche, where she managed everyday issues and helped children find their individual paths to success. In 2008, Valérie completed additional university classes to learn how to teach French to non-native speakers, (FLE: French as a Foreign Language). She planned to move to America with her family to teach in a French school in the US. Valérie had previously vacationed in Maine, to visit her twin sister and American brother-in–law, a member of the US Navy, who was stationed in Brunswick. She was thrilled to learn of L’Ecole Française du Maine and to ultimately return to the area she had visited and appreciated so much. Valérie also hoped to take her career in a new direction, to work with children in Maternelle. She has found her niche at L’Ecole Française du Maine, where all of her projects have come together. Valérie is very active. As a teenager, she was selected twice to play for the French Volley Ball School Team (UGSEL). For 15 years, she played volleyball at the French National Level. She also enjoys swimming and outdoor activities. In 1998, she married Sebastien. In 2001, they welcomed their son, Romain, and in 2003, their daughter, Marine. Valérie loves spending time with her family. They are all thrilled to embark on this new life in Maine together. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Laura Marin Petite Section / Pre-School Assistant Laura was born in Aubagne, in the south of France. She grew up in Castellet, a small village in the Var County. After earning her Baccalauréat Degree (French High School Equivalent), she went on to complete an Associate’s Degree in business. Her studies in business gave her a better understanding of various cultural and social environments. Her cultural awareness and understanding were further reinforced by her travels around the world, to the US, Canada, Australia, New Caledonia and France. Laura got her first taste of teaching when she tutored middle school students in their homes and realized right away this was to be her vocation. She particularly enjoyed working with students who had special learning needs. She enrolled in a teacher preparatory program and concentrated her studies on speech therapy where she worked individually with several children of various ages. Laura finished her Bachelor’s of Science degree in education at L'Université d'Aix en Provence. Here, she discovered diverse educational methods and was able to observe children of all ages and stages of learning. She continued on for one year to the IUFM (teacher training school) in Avignon. Anxious to put her newly acquired skills to work in the classroom immediately, she began working as a long-term replacement teacher for private schools in the area. She taught many grade levels in several schools throughout the Bouches du Rhône area through this position. She was assigned full responsibility of a class almost immediately. Laura worked diligently to follow closely the French national curriculum and respect each child’s learning needs. Finding her pleasure in teaching, Laura decided to bring together her two favorite things, teaching and cultural exchange, which ultimately brought Laura to the teaching team at L’Ecole Française du Maine. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Clarisse Bizot Clarisse Bizot was born in Orleans, in the Center of France. After her science Baccalauréat she studied sports at the University of Dijon, then joined the Institut Universitaire de Formation des Maîtres (teacher’s school) to teach younger children, and she became a certified teacher. She happily taught all levels, and to share her love of the job, she decided to specialize in training new teachers. She taught a lot in preschool during the last 6 years and passed another exam, in sports this time, to train teachers already in position. Clarisse is very adaptable and loves all the subjects taught in school. She was a member of many associations regarding: -Sports: horse riding, dance, rollerblading, swimming, and mostly gymnastics at a high level and she obtained two State Certifications in this discipline, which allow her to train young people to compete, as well as others to keep in shape. -Music: She learned piano, saxophone, and she is currently learning guitar, she was part of a chorus and a Batucada (Brazilian percussions); -Visual arts: she has creative past-times and took classes at the Beaux-Arts school of Digne les Bains. Since the birth of her son Louison in 2006, she reduced the amount of activities outside school to focus on the education of her child, but she remains very dynamic. During her studies, Clarisse took part in a big project on the 21th century teacher. For that purpose, she traveled to Germany, Poland, Great Britain and Russia in order to study their educational systems. She is thrilled to bring her competence to L’Ecole Française du Maine and to participate in and initiate exciting projects. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Stéphanie Looten-Caceres Grande Section - CP / Kindergarten-1st Grade Assistant Teacher Stéphanie was born and raised in Savoie – in the French Alps. Growing up in a multi-cultural family gave her an interest, awareness and understanding of other cultures but also the love of languages and differences. Through her extensive travels, she learned English and Spanish, and speaks both daily. Stephanie got her first taste of education when teaching ballet to children while she was a dancer. Stephanie also studied music, lyrical singing and business. She returned to education by tutoring in French and English for children and adults. She got even more involved in education when she became a mother. Over the years, all these experiences made her realize she was meant to be working with people of other cultures. Her love of children, her knowledge of languages and her interest in other cultures brought her to L’Ecole Française du Maine. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Elodie LeNezet-Soule CM1-CM2-6ème / 4th- 5th- 6th Grade Teacher Elodie was born in Normandy, France. Growing up, she traveled extensively around the world, to places such as New Caledonia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. From this travel came her love for languages and cultural differences. Elodie studied English literature and civilization at the University of Angers, France, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in English and French as a Foreign Language. Elodie also attended the University College of Dublin, Ireland. Elodie began her teaching career in New Orleans at the International School of Louisiana as an assistant in a kindergarten classroom. She chose to stay a second year, during which she was the music and dance teacher’s assistant. While working, Elodie wrote a research paper on the American filmmaker David Lynch, which earned her a distinction. After New Orleans, she returned to University of Angers, France to earn a Master’s degree in English and one in Teaching French as a Foreign Language. There, she taught French phonetics and conversation classes to foreign students enrolled at the CIDEF (Centre International d’Etudes Françaises), which teaches French language and culture to hundreds of foreign students every year. Her interests include food and cooking, reading, raveling, watching films, and discovering the beautiful landscapes of Maine. Elodie began working at l’Ecole Francaise du Maine in September 2005. She also teaches French Adult Education at l'Ecole Française du Maine and organizes the ciné-club. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Friederike Munz Support Teacher in Grades 2-6 Friederike was born in Freiburg, Germany, bordering the Alsace region. Growing up, she traveled extensively to France and was a student of a French High School. She completed a Masters Degree in Bilingual Teaching at the University of Education in Freiburg and studied French and Mathematics at the University of Perpignan, France. She is a certified middle school teacher with a specialty in bilingual teaching: She taught at a French immersion school in Canada and was highly involved in the formation of a bilingual curriculum at her recent school in Breisach, Germany. There, she was a German, French and Mathematic teacher and taught Math in French. Friederike is especially interested in multiculturalism, evolutionary linguistics and intercultural communication. She was a volunteer organizer of German-French summer camps and Youth Meetings. Her personal interests are: Music (Piano and Trombone), reading, traveling and outdoors (Hiking, Mountain Biking, swimming and snowshoeing). Friederike began working at EFDM in January 2008. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Didier Carribou 2nd and 3rd Grade Teacher Didier was born in Digne, a lovely little town in the South-West of France in a region where nature is preserved, and located between the Southern Alps and Jean Giono’s Provence. At an early age, he was passionate about sports and nature (competition downhill skiing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing but also volleyball at a regional level). In 1988, he obtained a science Baccalaureat, then studied sports at the University of Montpellier. His versatility in sports and his science background were very useful at the time. In 1992 he prepared his masters in ‘sports and management’ and finished his State Certification as a ski teacher. He moved back to the mountain and taught ski for several winters in various ski resorts of the Southern Alps. He particularly enjoyed teaching young children and decided to get his teaching certification. He joined the I.U.F.M. (teaching school) in 1995 and became a certified teacher in the High Alps region. He combined his work in class with his participation in associations through the sports federations of public primary schools (U.S.E.P.), sharing his experience as a ski teacher. In 2000 Didier was recruited by the USEP of Haute-Provence Alps to become regional representative. His job proved very interesting and demanding and included: staff management, budget management, sports meets organization (all sports) for school students of the department, organizing and teaching during adult and teacher trainings. He then met Clarisse, and in 2004, decided to go back to elementary school teaching. Since then, he shares his time between his passions: his family, teaching, sports (ski, hiking mountain biking, badminton), reading, music & shows, and cooking. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Elodie Chancelier Français Langue Etrangère / French Teacher Elodie earned her Bachelor’s and Maîtrise degrees in Applied Languages from the University of Tours, France.  Elodie speaks German and English and has had several experiences abroad, having been an exchange student in Germany, Canada and Scotland. Elodie teaches FLE (French as a Foreign Language, equivalent to ESL) at L’Ecole Française du Maine. With specific training in this area geared towards working with children learning a foreign language, Elodie brings the ideal qualities and training to this position. For the past three years at L’Ecole Française du Maine, Elodie has worked closely with small groups of children and individual students to increase their French skills and enhance their experience at the school. Elodie has worked extensively with young children in a variety of settings, having participated in workshops and having completed an internship in classrooms at a primary school in Bourré, France. Her personal interests are: music, cinema, storytelling, traveling, and reading. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Bonnie Hannigan English Language Arts Teacher Bonnie grew up in Maine and attended the University of New Hampshire, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a dual major in Philosophy and Education. While there, she traveled around the world with Semester at Sea, visiting many different countries. She moved to Boston and worked for a non-profit drug and violence prevention program, teaching all grade levels at many inner city schools. She worked with a Harvard professor to develop a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the program, which led to its National Validation. She returned to UNH to earn a Maters Degree in Education, and over the years, has taught as a classroom teacher in grades K, 2, 4, and 5 in Maine and New Hampshire. She also became a teacher/coordinator of the Gifted and Talented program in grades K-3 in Bangor, Maine. Over the past few years she moved to Kittery, took time off from teaching to volunteer in her own children’s classrooms and build/sell rustic furniture. She became a part-time librarian at a public library, working with adult circulation. Now, she is enthusiastically returning to the classroom to teach English and civics at L'Ecole Francaise du Maine. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Nathan Kolosko Classical Guitar Critically acclaimed classical guitarist Nathan Kolosko has performed throughout the US, Europe and Asia. Nathan’s debut recording Sonatas & Sonatinas has received praise from many critics. “A high-octane agenda from a guitarist with the skill, imagination, and confidence to bring it alive."- Classical Guitar, London. Nathan studied with Joanne Castellani of the Castellani-Andriaccio Duo and the legendary Cuban guitarist/composer Ricardo Iznaola. He has participated in master classes with players such as Oscar Ghiglia, Sharon Isbin, and Christopher Parkening. As a musician, Nathan is compelled to expand the voice of the guitar. He is currently collaborating with visual artist Ling-Wen Tsai on several inter-disciplinary projects and with flutist Carl Dimow to form the kolosko•dimow duo Nathan has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards, including grants from the Allied Arts Foundation and D’Addario Strings. In 2001 he was a prizewinner in the MTNA national guitar competition. Nathan has also been granted the position of teaching assistant at the Bowdoin International Music Festival in Brunswick Maine. As a composer, Nathan has made contributions to the repertoire for solo guitar, guitar ensemble and guitar with other instruments. His works are currently published by Doberman-Yppan and Productions D’oz. Nathan is also dedicated to furthering the pedagogue of the guitar, and has a very active schedule as a private instruction and clinician. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Leah Neuchiller Piano Teacher Leah Neuchiller is a classically-trained pianist who maintains a private piano studio in Portland. While a music major at Brandeis University, she studied piano performance with the French pianist Evelyn Crochet. More recently she has studied with Chiharu Naruse, and with Laura Kargul, head of the piano performance program at USM, Gorham. Leah has been active playing and performing chamber music, as well as the solo classical piano repertoire. As a skilled accompanist, she has accompanied solo performers and church choirs. Leah brings enthusiasm for teaching piano to young beginners, and is currently studying piano pedagogy at USM. With a background in her other career as a clinical social worker, she brings warmth and compassion to her piano teaching. Leah uses an eclectic approach in teaching. At L'Ecole Française, she utilizes a blend of Suzuki and the Faber method of piano instruction. Leah is a member of the Music Teacher's National Association and the Maine Music Teachers Association. Besides her love of music and the piano, another passion for Leah is spending time with her two young grandchildren who live nearby in Portland. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Deirdre C. Oehrtmann Violin Teacher Deirdre C. Oehrtmann will be starting her thirty-eighth season as a violinist with the Portland Symphony Orchestra. A Maine native, “Dee Dee” was born in Presque Isle, started her musical journeys in the string program of the South Portland schools. Mrs. Oehrtmann graduated magna cum laude in seven semesters from the University of Southern Maine with a BS degree in Music Education and where she was named to the “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges”. Her private teachers have included Stephen Kecskemethy of the Portland String Quartet, Eric Rosenblith of New England Conservatory, and Arturo Delmoni of NYC. Besides her duties in the PSO, Deirdre is the principal second violinist of the Maine Music Society and performs with orchestras of PORT Opera, the Maine State Ballet, and the Oratorio Chorale. Mrs. Oehrtmann was founder and for ten years conductor of the Portland Young Peoples String Consort, the string training orchestra for the Portland Youth Symphony as well as the cofounder of the Portland Wind Ensemble. She served for twenty seven years on the staff of the Maine ASTA (American String Teachers Association) Summer Conference in many capacities – as chamber music coach, sectional leader, conductor of the Junior and Intermediate Orchestras as well as its director for her last six years on staff. Mrs. Oehrtmann is past president of the Maine Unit of ASTA and has also served as vice-president of Orchestra for the Maine Music Educators Association. She has extensive training in the Suzuki method and has units registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas covering books 1 through 6. Her Suzuki trainers have included John Kendall (USA), Ronda Cole (USA), Judith Bossuat (France/USA), Helen Brunner (England), Linda Case (USA), and Edward Kreitman (USA). [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Linda Vaillancourt Music Theory Teacher Linda received her BM in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine. She then went on to teach several years in the public schools, teaching all grade levels from K-12. She completed her MM in Viola Performance at the University of Maine, and continues to teach in several school systems. She directs the middle school band and the string ensemble at North Yarmouth Academy, and also teaches at Lewiston High School and Trinity Catholic School, where she started the instrumental music program. She performs regularly in many area ensembles, including the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and the Maine Chamber Ensemble. She currently lives in Lewiston with her husband, Scott, and two children. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Scott Vaillancourt Chorale Teacher and Accompaniment Originally from the town of Van Buren in the French-speaking St. John Valley of Maine, Scott Vaillancourt received his BA from Bowdoin College and his MM in Tuba Performance and MM in Music Composition from the University of Michigan. He has held organist positions in several churches throughout Maine, and is currently music director at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston. He is an active teacher, serving on the adjunct faculties of Bowdoin College, the University of Maine, and the University of Southern Maine. He lives in Lewiston with his wife and two daughters. [ Back to Top ] . . . . . . Valy Steverlynck Art Teacher Valy Steverlynck holds a B.A. in Visual Art from Brown University and a M.A. in Fine Art from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her work has been shown in galleries and museums in the US and abroad including the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, the Fuller Museum of Art, the Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art at Harvard University, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Galeria Sara Uriburu in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the June Fitzpatrick Gallery in Portland, Maine. Her teaching experience includes art instruction at the University of Wisconsin, the Boston Center for Adult Education and the Centro Artistico y Cultural Recoleta, Buenos Aires. She has also taught grades 1-4 at the Boston Montessori School and after-school art at the Cambridge, MA elementary schools. Valy grew up in the Argentine Pampas and, with her husband Eric, raises their children in a bilingual home in South Freeport. 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