Jane Thiefels
ESOL Instructor, Volunteer

Andy Vargas, a MA State House representative recommended me to Keith when the program was starting up. I want my students to communicate with confidence, so I first work to build community in the classroom. That way students can know each other and learn as a group and not focus solely on me as the teacher. I want the students to have excellent pronunciation and simple but accurate grammar. I reinforce this by constant repetition, dictations, oral reading, and homework."

Mark Palermo
English Language
Instructor, Volunteer

"I was born in Lowell and grew up in a three-decker in Lawrence. I was a college instructor at NECC for 36 years, after which I volunteered to teach English at MakeIT Haverhill. I have also worked as a court translator, professional musician, journalist, textbook editor, meter reader, carpenter, factory worker, dishwasher, boiler fireman, taxi driver, and day laborer. My wife and I ran the Lawrence Film Festival for several years. I have a Master’s from UMass Salem. I studied art in Spain, lived in Mexico, and speak fluent Spanish. I have written over 200 articles on a wide range of subjects. My book, Oneness- Pathway to the Stars, will be published in the Spring of 2023."

Erik Spillman
Jack of All, Volunteer 

"I joined MakeIT Haverhill because I wanted to apply my Spanish language skills and desire to help others in order to make a small difference in the lives of the people we work with. Volunteering at MakeIT Haverhill improves my confidence and gives me the opportunity to build on my skills, which in turn makes me more effective as a volunteer."

Mike McDougal
Digital Literacy &
Equity Assistant, Volunteer

In the IT world, engineers without a traditional education are usually described as 'self-taught'; in reality, there's no such thing. I've benefited from family, mentors, co-workers, friends, and random folks online giving generously of their time throughout my years in the industry. MakeIT Haverhill gives me the opportunity to pay it forward and make an impact in my local community!

Allan Hislop
English Language
Instructor

"I am a retired Professor from Northern Essex Community College where I coordinated the English as a Second Language Services for 20 years, and then the Foreign Language area for 16 years. I designed services and taught all levels and kinds of ESL, Spanish for foreigners, and Spanish Translation. I have lived all around the world. I enjoy translating and have translated one book from Spanish and one book from French! I work with advanced learners. In my class,  to improve the student’s ability to communicate in English and to inform them about our culture and the local area."

Thomas Mela
English Language
Instructor,Volunteer

"I live in Newbury with my wife, our two adult children, and five grandchildren who live in Natick and Burlington, MA. During my 50 years as a public interest lawyer and teacher, I volunteered to teach English to adults whose first language was Spanish or another language. When I retired, I learned about MakeIT Haverhill from Community Action, Inc., and I decided to volunteer. I hope to continue providing legal information about the rights of parents and students in public schools and expose my English class to as many as my personal schedule permits."

Frank Vasquez
Small Business
Instructor, Volunteer

Frank is one of our Small Business Computer Course Instructors! He's an IT Director and still manages to find the time to give back to the community, which is no easy task. Frank has a knack for learning; he is always picking up a new skill or hobby. MakeIT Haverhill is lucky to have found such a wonderful and multi-talented volunteer!

Nick Pulliam
Workforce Development,
Volunteer

I joined MakeIT in Haverhill because I wanted to use some of my free time to help my neighbors in Haverhill and to meet some new, like-motivated/minded people. At first, I thought I could help with teaching English as a second language, but I was happy to help wherever I was needed. I really enjoy all the folks on the team and helping them in my own small way. The mission of MakeIT Haverhill is about as uplifting as any I have come across. I am a graduate of a vocational high school, a college graduate, a father, a law school graduate, and a member of the Mass State Bar. I am also a Veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve and served a year in Iraq. I’m a dad of two, and share my home with my wife, Maria, and SEVEN extended family– all from Nicaragua, my wife’s home country.

Jodi Templer
English Language
Instructor

"I am a retired ESOL teacher with over 40 years of experience teaching English to students of all ages, backgrounds, and levels! I speak French and Spanish, having lived and taught in France and having traveled to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Mexico. I have taught beginner, high beginner, and intermediate classes at MakeIT Haverhill. I was happy to learn about MakeIT Haverhill from a friend and ESOL colleague. I hope my classes help students become more proficient and confident in English. I would like my students to strengthen their skills for work and to communicate with their children’s school."

Nancy K.
English Language
Instructor, Volunteer

"I am a retired former educator and devote time to organizations that provide free assistance of various types to those in need. At MakeIT Haverhill, I help folks who cannot attend in-person English classes due to family obligations or other restrictions. I was drawn to teaching ESOL because English is not my first language and I vividly recall the difficulty in learning it and hope in some small way to improve the lives of others."

Sean Heusser
Small Business
Instructor, Volunteer

“I have been in the IT field for 25 years in various roles related to IT Operations. I am currently the Director of Information Systems for a worldwide maritime shipping company. I found MakeIT Haverhill from an article in a local newspaper featuring MakeIT Haverhill. My goal with MakeIT Haverhill is to help enable and empower fellow community members by sharing my knowledge and experience.”