Our Team
Vicky Iozzia – Program Manager
I am happy to be volunteering for the English Language Learning Program. I have been working with students in conversational English and teaching the citizenship class for two years. I worked with Cynthia, who lives in Mexico, in conversational English. We have become the best of friends and talk on Google Meet every week. I will be going to Guadalajara to meet her and her family (I think of them as “my Mexican family”) in December. I am a retired teacher. I ended up contacting Florence Phillips, a family friend whom I have admired since I was a little child (I call her Aunt Florence). You name it, she has done it: Peace Corps, Americorps, Vista. To reconnect with her after all of these years is a special gift to me. She asked me if I wanted to volunteer, and I said yes. I enjoy teaching. I enjoy teaching adults.
The students in this program are so committed, so enthusiastic, and so grateful, that teaching them is fun. In teaching the citizenship class, we work on civics questions, reading, writing, and the information on the N-400 form that students use to apply to take the test. It is not enough for the students to memorize the civics answers; they must understand the context. This is why I use videos to explain some of the concepts. The students are required to participate in the classes as I check for understanding. My grandparents came to this country in the early 1900s. Teaching the citizenship class and learning about immigrants to this country has made me feel close to them. I am proud to be a part of helping people become American citizens. Two of my students, Arelis Pena and Rebeca Morales, recently passed their interview and have become American citizens. I couldn’t be happier for and prouder of them.
Ana Torres – Administrative Assistant
Ana began as an ELL student, and as her language proficiency grew, Ana became an assistant to the founder of our program. Since 2014, Ana has grown into an Administrative Assistant position, and is the backbone of the ELL program. Ana ensures students and tutors are onboarded and connected, measures proficiency and quality control, and tracks and analyzes internal data. Ana holds degrees in Computer Science and Business Administration. Ana loves music, dancing, and working out, especially Zumba! Ana is a good cook and baker. She likes her job and enjoys helping students to achieve their goals.
Paige Ernst – Tutor & Community Outreach
Paige Ernst is a retired teacher and a native of Reno, Nevada. She has been with the program since 2018, filling the roles of events coordinator for Washoe County and tutor for English and the Citizenship exam. Paige promotes the mission of English Language Learners In-Home Program by supporting tutors and students in Washoe County, recruiting students and volunteers through the business sector, and attending community events to share ELL’s mission. She feels honored and grateful to be a part of a program that supports English language learners in our community and around the world. In her spare time, Paige enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, crafting and meeting new people.
Debbie Korb – Tutor & Community Outreach
Debbie Korb is a retired public school teacher of English, ESL, History, French, and Government. She now serves as an ELL tutor and recruiter for our program. She currently has 15 students who she teaches online, in person in-home, as well as in a school classroom setting. She also assists Paige and Ana at community recruiting events.
Will Korb – Graphic Design & Web Development
Will Korb is a graduate of Western Governors University with a degree in Software Development. He has over 10 years experience in creating websites and print materials, as well as technical writing and editing. Will helped redesign the ELL website and continues to assist with ELL’s website and other technical needs.
