Meet Our ESL Instructors
Our professional development courses are led by a team of experienced ESL instructors who bring deep knowledge of language acquisition, cultural awareness, and real-world classroom strategies. Each instructor is committed to supporting fellow educators with practical tools, current research, and approaches that meet the diverse needs of English learners. Get to know the instructors behind our courses and the expertise they bring to every learning experience.
Dr. Michelle Lee Amodei has been in education for more than 30 years and currently serves as a professor of education at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, where she teaches a variety of courses and chairs the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Educational Leadership. She is certified in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education. Michelle holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, an M.S. in Elementary Education, an M.Ed. in Special Education, and a D.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. In 2024, she was promoted to full professor, a milestone that recognized years of dedication to teaching and scholarship.
Michelle brings deep expertise in language development, having worked with multilingual learners as a classroom teacher and later preparing pre-service teachers to understand how language development for MLL students is both similar to and different from their peers. She loves connecting with educators in her courses and learning from their experiences through discussions, writings, and conversations. Her advice to fellow educators is to prioritize wellness, slow down, and find joy in students each day. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys walking outdoors as a way to recharge.
Dr. Gina DeMarco-Wall has been an educator for 25 years and holds a Master’s degree in ESL and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She brings a unique background in cultural competency training from her work as an entrepreneur, where she partnered with international businesses and collaborated with the Italian government and industries. These experiences deepened her understanding of cultural diversity and continue to inform her work with English learners and their teachers. She is also proud of her involvement with the All for All organization in Pittsburgh, where she contributed to efforts that made the city a more welcoming place for immigrants.
Gina is passionate about sharing her knowledge with new ESL teachers and inspiring them to approach the classroom with excitement and confidence. She encourages educators not to be discouraged when lessons don’t go as planned, but instead to reflect, adjust, and try again until routines take shape. Her philosophy emphasizes persistence, flexibility, and creativity in supporting English learners. Outside of her professional life, Gina enjoys taking exercise classes at her local YMCA and expressing her creativity through watercolor painting.
Margo Elliot has dedicated 27 years to education and holds certifications in K–6 Elementary Education, PreK–12 Reading Specialist, PreK–12 ESL Program Specialist, and PreK–12 Principal. She currently serves as an ELD Instructional Specialist for Pittsburgh Public Schools, where she coaches teachers and provides professional development in English Language Development instructional best practices. She earned her B.A. in Education from Westminster College, an M.Ed. in Reading Education from the University of Pittsburgh, the ESL Program Specialist certificate from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, and a Principal certificate from Point Park University.
Margo’s passion for ESL education began in her dual-language household and was inspired by her mother, a longtime ESL teacher. Over the years, she has worked as both an ESL and elementary teacher, a coach, and a professional development leader, and she finds her greatest achievements in the relationships she builds and the “lightbulb moments” she shares with educators. Her advice to colleagues is to never stop learning, lean on one another for strategies, and remember that even the most challenging teaching moments bring the most growth. Outside of work, she treasures time with her husband, three children, and two dogs, and enjoys yoga, connecting with friends, and the occasional cozy afternoon on the couch.
Mandy Mosko has been in education for about 15 years, beginning as a paraprofessional, then working as a classroom teacher, and for the past decade serving as an ESL teacher with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU). She is certified in Elementary Education (K–6), Communications (7–12), and holds a Program Specialist certification in ESL. Mandy currently teaches ESL for the AIU and has been placed in the Mt. Lebanon School District for the past seven years. She also teaches adult learners in the ESL certification course. In addition to her classroom work, Mandy is pursuing her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, which has deepened her expertise in evidence-based instructional practices and online course design.
Mandy completed the AIU ESL Program Specialist program herself, which allows her to bring first-hand experience to the educators she now supports. Her favorite part of teaching in the CPE ESL Certification program is collaborating with passionate educators who are eager to grow in their practice and better support English learners. She encourages new teachers to build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and to remember that asking for help is part of the teaching journey. Outside of work, Mandy enjoys spending time with friends and family, going for walks and hikes, working out, reading, and taking time to recharge.
Jill Santa has been an educator for 18 years and holds four certifications: Elementary (K–6), Reading Specialist (K–12), Principal (K–12), and ESL (K–12). She currently serves as a Title III Coordinator supporting 60 school districts with ELD compliance and connecting them with community resources to best serve English learners and their families. Jill also teaches ESL Course 6: English Language Learners, Families, Community, and Professionalism. A recent participant in the Aspiring Leader program (2023–24), she continues to grow her leadership practice. She has also attended professional learning opportunities such as the Refugee Summit, where she engaged with the Education Law Center’s session on laws protecting English learners and their families.
Jill values the opportunity to hear about the diverse experiences of educators and is passionate about building connections that strengthen support systems for both teachers and students. She believes that relationships are at the core of education, not only with students and families, but also with colleagues, administrators, custodians, and community partners, as everyone plays a vital role in a child’s success. Outside of her professional role, Jill enjoys spending time with her son, Jack, who brings constant sunshine and smiles into her life.
