President
David Merkley, BS
David’s journey into language education is marked by a deep-rooted passion cultivated from an early age. Following high school, he ventured to Brazil for a transformative two-year missionary experience, immersing himself in the culture and occasionally teaching English. Returning to the United States, David pursued higher education in Colorado, earning a bachelor’s degree in business. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for a successful career spanning two decades in corporate management and entrepreneurship. Driven by a desire to empower others and fueled by his love for languages, David eventually transitioned into English language education. This career shift allowed him to merge his professional expertise with his commitment to linguistic empowerment. Today, David’s journey stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and versatility, inspiring others in the realm of language education.
General Manager
Nora
Nora is a Brazilian educator who has been passionate about the English language since childhood. Her interest began when a family friend showed her videos of Times Square in New York, and she quickly realized that speaking English would open doors to exploring the world. During college, Nora had the opportunity to teach English as a second language and, after graduating, chose to continue teaching rather than pursue a career in her original field of study. By 2021, after six years of experience — including the challenge of teaching kindergarten classes online — she decided to take part in an exchange program in the United States. She landed in Colorado and immediately fell in love with the mountains and the local culture, feeling she had found a second home away from Brazil. Nora is passionate about helping others build a positive and confident relationship with the English language. She is currently learning Spanish and Italian to continue expanding her cultural horizons and exploring the world.
Teacher
Brian
Brian graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and furthered his studies in Spanish and anthropology at the University of Veracruz in Xalapa, Mexico. His teaching journey began in Kansas City, Missouri, where he worked with refugees through nonprofit agencies and volunteered in a children’s reading program at the local library—experiences that deepened his commitment to education and community service. After moving to Austin, Texas, in 2004, Brian began teaching academic ESL at accredited schools and has since worked with students from over 100 countries. Throughout his career, he has developed workplace English programs, English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses, bilingual classes, and community-based English initiatives. He has also served as a Designated School Official (DSO) and as a program director of an English school. He is passionate about empowering students through language, creating inclusive learning environments where students feel comfortable expressing themselves freely, and helping learners build the skills and confidence they need to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Teacher
Cole
Cole developed a fascination with languages while studying in community college, where he began to learn Japanese. Growing up in Central Texas, he was exposed to Spanish and German from a young age. Having taken German classes in high school, he built on this foundation while completing his bachelor’s degree. He majored in English and German and studied abroad for a month in Munich. After moving to Colorado, he completed his Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics TEFL/TESL while simultaneously teaching English for two years. He enjoys helping students to learn and communicate in English and has a passion for teaching writing. In addition to German, Japanese, and Spanish, he is also learning Czech for his travels to Central Europe.
