Meet Your Tutors

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 tutors, including many more who are not shown here.

Sara, one of RedwoodESL's tutors, smiling at the camera while holding a guitar

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.

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.

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.

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.

Olga, one of RedwoodESL's tutors, smiling at the camera

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.

Aika T.

My name is Aika, and I am originally from Tokyo, Japan.

Having gone through the journey of being an ESL student myself, I deeply understand the challenges of mastering a new language while simultaneously adapting to a new culture. 

MIreille K.

I’m an enthusiastic and dedicated English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor, passionate about helping students achieve fluency and confidence in English.

Although I’m new to formal tutoring, I’ve had plenty of experience communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and I’m eager to support language learners on their journey.

SOumaya E.

I am Soumaya, I am a volunteer English tutor from Morocco as well as an undergraduate student in English Linguistics, Literary, and Cultural Studies.

I am deeply interested in language, education, and the role learning plays in creating opportunities and connections across cultures.

George c.

Hello! My name is Geo (George/Jorge) Cataño. Born in Chicago to Colombian parents, I moved to Medellin with my mother when I was 6 months old. As such, when I returned to the US as a 7 year old, I didn’t know any English. It was terrifying to learn English in a school system (Chicago) that didn’t have ESL (this was in the 70s). Yet, because I was 7 years old I was speaking fluent English within 6 months (ahh, to have the super brain of a kid again!).

Pete H, one of RedwoodESL's tutors, smiling at the camera

Pete H.

I am descended from immigrants who, for the most part, came to the United States at the dawn of the last century. I’m grateful for the hard work they put into building their lives so that future generations in our family could have an easier path.

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.