Meet Our Team
Board of Directors
Alain – President
A mechanical engineer by trade, Alain Durand worked successively in the construction, automotive, aerospace and now marine industries. He is currently the CFO of Saltchuck Marine, based in Seattle. Alain moved to the Seattle area in 2014 with his family.
His wife Roshini volunteered at EFGS for several years.
He has been on EFGS’ board of directors since 2015, as the treasurer for 3 years, and as its President since January 2019.
Camille – Vice President
Camille was born in France. She started her career in finance in London and Hong Kong and first came to the US in 2014 to get her MBA. After graduating, she joined a tech company working on digital content acquisition and distribution. Camille moved back to the US and to Seattle in 2020 with her husband Frederic and their two sons, Theodore and Benjamin. The family speaks French at home and are very glad to have the EFGS support their efforts to have bilingual kids. They love to spend time in the French Landes every summer and enjoy skiing and sailing in the PNW the rest of the year.
OPEN Position – Communication Chair
Joumana – Community Chair
Marie-Jo – Education Chair
Raised in French Guiana (Guyane Française), after completing high school, Marie moved to Europe, studying in both France and Portugal. She earned a five-year degree in Foreign Languages and Civilization from the University of Bordeaux, followed by a specialization in European Politics and Economy at the University of France-Comté in Besançon (France).
Her early career saw her working at the Department of European Affairs for the local Council of French Guiana (Conseil Régional de Guyane), where she contributed to local development projects.
In 2012, Marie relocated to the United States with her family, transitioning her career towards education. Her commitment to education led her to pursue further studies, culminating in a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Education from North Seattle College.
Outside of her professional life, Marie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family—hiking, canoeing, and exploring nature with her husband and two children.
Almira – Treasurer
Natasha – Secretary & Community/Fundraising
Natasha first joined EFGS as an assistant teacher and as a dedicated parent of three students enrolled in our program. Her deep commitment to our mission and her strong sense of community soon led her to join the Board. Natasha brings valuable experience in organization and fundraising, along with a genuine passion for supporting our students and families.
Xiaohan – Board Involvement Chair
Xiaohan grew up in Nanjing and Shanghai, China, before moving to Paris at 20 to study at Sciences Po. After over 12 years in Paris, she relocated to Seattle in 2019 with her son, who now attends EFGS. Xiaohan previously worked as a corporate sales manager at a French bank and transitioned to a tech company in payments after moving to the U.S. Recently, she returned to banking in Fintech, combining her expertise from both fields. Passionate about French culture and language learning, Xiaohan is eager to strengthen the connection between EFGS and parents through workshops.
Board of Directors
Alain – President
A mechanical engineer by trade, Alain Durand worked successively in the construction, automotive, aerospace and now marine industries. He is currently the CFO of Saltchuck Marine, based in Seattle. Alain moved to the Seattle area in 2014 with his family.
His wife Roshini volunteered at EFGS for several years.
He has been on EFGS’ board of directors since 2015, as the treasurer for 3 years, and as its President since January 2019.
Camille – Vice President
Camille was born in France. She started her career in finance in London and Hong Kong and first came to the US in 2014 to get her MBA. After graduating, she joined a tech company working on digital content acquisition and distribution. Camille moved back to the US and to Seattle in 2020 with her husband Frederic and their two sons, Theodore and Benjamin. The family speaks French at home and are very glad to have the EFGS support their efforts to have bilingual kids. They love to spend time in the French Landes every summer and enjoy skiing and sailing in the PNW the rest of the year.
Natasha – Secretary and Community/Fund Raising
Natasha first joined EFGS as an assistant teacher and as a dedicated parent of three students enrolled in our program. Her deep commitment to our mission and her strong sense of community soon led her to join the Board. Natasha brings valuable experience in organization and fundraising, along with a genuine passion for supporting our students and families.
OPEN – Communication Chair
Please contact us if you are interested!
Joumana – Community Chair
Almira – Treasurer
Marie-Jo – Education Chair
Raised in French Guiana (Guyane Française), after completing high school, Marie moved to Europe, studying in both France and Portugal. She earned a five-year degree in Foreign Languages and Civilization from the University of Bordeaux, followed by a specialization in European Politics and Economy at the University of France-Comté in Besançon (France).
Her early career saw her working at the Department of European Affairs for the local Council of French Guiana (Conseil Régional de Guyane), where she contributed to local development projects.
In 2012, Marie relocated to the United States with her family, transitioning her career towards education. Her commitment to education led her to pursue further studies, culminating in a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Education from North Seattle College.
Outside of her professional life, Marie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family—hiking, canoeing, and exploring nature with her husband and two children.
Xiaohan – Board Involvement Chair
Xiaohan grew up in Nanjing and Shanghai, China, before moving to Paris at 20 to study at Sciences Po. After over 12 years in Paris, she relocated to Seattle in 2019 with her son, who now attends EFGS. Xiaohan previously worked as a corporate sales manager at a French bank and transitioned to a tech company in payments after moving to the U.S. Recently, she returned to banking in Fintech, combining her expertise from both fields. Passionate about French culture and language learning, Xiaohan is eager to strengthen the connection between EFGS and parents through workshops.
Directors
Laurence
I am Laurence and serve as the Executive Director for EFGS.
I joined the EFGS team in September 2023. Originally from Nancy, France, I studied Foreign Languages at the University of Metz, Marketing at the University of Montpellier, and earned a Master in International Management at ICN School in Nancy and La Salle University in Mexico. My passion for Latin America led me to live in Mexico for 19 years, working in Marketing and Customer Experience for international companies. In 2019, I moved to Seattle, where I met my Mexican husband, and we welcomed our daughter in 2022. In parallel, I am a Yoga trainer (RYT-500) and Low Pressure Fitness Coach. I enjoy traveling, food, hiking, and learning. After teaching Les Petits Apprentis and pursued FLAM teacher certification last year, I have the honor to manage this amazing team and school.
Claire
My name is Claire. I am the Admin/Logistics and Program Manager. I was born and raised in Dijon, in the beautiful Burgundy region of France. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Literary Translation and a Master’s degree in Professional Writing and Publishing. After spending 15 years in Paris working as a communications professional and project manager in the digital world, my family and I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2019. I have two children, aged 9 and 11. Last year, I worked at another French school in the area. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking with family and friends, practicing yoga, and planning new adventures to explore the stunning landscapes of the region.
Laurence
I am Laurence, the Executive Director of EFGS,
I joined the EFGS team in September 2023. Originally from Nancy, France, I studied Foreign Languages at the University of Metz, Marketing at the University of Montpellier, and earned a Master in International Management at ICN School in Nancy and La Salle University in Mexico. My passion for Latin America led me to live in Mexico for 19 years, working in Marketing and Customer Experience for international companies. In 2019, I moved to Seattle for work, I met my Mexican husband, and we we welcomed our daughter in 2022. In parallel, I am a Yoga trainer (RYT-500) and Low Pressure Fitness Coach. I enjoy traveling, food, hiking, and learning. After teaching Les Petits Apprentis and pursued FLAM teacher certification last year, I have the honor to lead this amazing team and school.
Claire
My name is Claire. I am the Operation Manager. I was born and raised in Dijon, in the beautiful Burgundy region of France. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Literary Translation and a Master’s degree in Professional Writing and Publishing. After spending 15 years in Paris working as a communications professional and project manager in the digital world, my family and I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2019. I have two children, aged 9 and 11. Last year, I worked at another French school in the area. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking with family and friends, practicing yoga, and planning new adventures to explore the stunning landscapes of the region.
Marie
My name is Marie Gstach. I am originally from Strasbourg, where I studied French Literature and earned my degree as a primary school teacher. I began my career teaching in elementary schools before moving to the Paris region, where I started my family. I have two children, now 17 and 15.
In 2015, we relocated to Singapore, where we spent nine wonderful years and traveled extensively across Southeast Asia. It was there that I felt the desire to change paths and became a graphotherapist, specializing in handwriting re-education. I practiced this profession with great passion until 2024, when our family moved to Seattle.
There, I first taught in a French school, where I also completed a diploma specializing in Montessori education. I am now delighted to be part of the EFGS team as the online French teacher for middle school students, and I also have the pleasure of serving as the Pedagogical Coordinator within the association.
Level Coordinators/Teachers
Hélène
My name is Hélène. I was born and raised in Montréal, Canada. I completed my Bachelor degree in Special Education with a specialty in Learning difficulties, and taught 18 years in First Grade. I have been living in this magnificent PNW region since 2004. I enjoy spending my free time with my husband, and my two grown up boys. I have been with E.F.G.S. since January 2011. This school year, I will be teaching Les Grands Écoliers 2 online and Les Grands-Écoliers 1 in person. I am as well the Program Coordinator for the Elementary Level. I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies, reading, camping, hicking, gardening, and exploring Washington and all it has to offer. Before concluding, I would like to share this beautiful quote from Maria Montessori “The joy of learning is as essential to intelligence as breathing to the runner”.
Cyrille
Bonjour ! Originally from the Paris area, I came to Seattle after I received my Master’s degree in English and US Social Studies. I first taught French at Highline College and then transitioned to teaching English to our population of immigrants and refugees in the Greater Seattle. I later received a post-Master’s degree from Seattle U in Education and Language Teaching. Throughout my career as an educator, I’ve developed a deep passion for cultures, languages, literacy, diversity, and inclusion. My daughter has been a student at EFGS for 10 years now. As a parent, I’ve volunteered in my child’s classrooms and also coordinated our very own library system for a few years. This school year, I will support Collégiens and Lyceens teachers. I am looking forward to helping our children develop their love and mastery of our French language, and explore the many francophone cultures! When my time is not spent teaching, I love to be with friends and family, hiking, camping, reading, travelling, and always learning.
Hélène
My name is Hélène. I was born and raised in Montréal, Canada. I completed my Bachelor degree in Special Education with a specialty in Learning difficulties, and taught 18 years in First Grade. I have been living in this magnificent PNW region since 2004. I enjoy spending my free time with my husband, and my two grown up boys. I have been with EFGS since January 2011. This school year, I will be teaching Les Grands Écoliers 2 in person and online. I am as well the Program Coordinator for the Elementary Level. I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies, reading, camping, hicking, gardening, and exploring Washington and all it has to offer. Before concluding, I would like to share this beautiful quote from Maria Montessori “The joy of learning is as essential to intelligence as breathing to the runner”.
Cyrille
Bonjour ! Originally from the Paris area, I came to Seattle after I received my Master’s degree in English and US Social Studies. I first taught French at Highline College and then transitioned to teaching English to our population of immigrants and refugees in the Greater Seattle. I later received a post-Master’s degree from Seattle U in Education and Language Teaching. Throughout my career as an educator, I’ve developed a deep passion for cultures, languages, literacy, diversity, and inclusion. My daughter has been a student at EFGS for 10 years now. As a parent, I’ve volunteered in my child’s classrooms and also coordinated our very own library system for a few years. This school year, I will provide support to our Collégiens and Lycéens teacher. I am looking forward to helping our children develop their love and mastery of our French language, and explore the many francophone cultures! When my time is not spent teaching, I love to be with friends and family, hiking, camping, reading, travelling, and always learning.
Teachers
Zoe – Petits Bouts
Bonjour! My name is Zoe. I was born in Ireland from French parents and moved to Redmond when I was just one years old. Since then, I’ve been part of this wonderful EFGS community as a student and assistant. Now, I’m excited to return as a teacher while continuing my studies in Elementary Education.
In my free time, I like to paint, dance, and I enjoy spending time with my cat, Winter.
I recently had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at the Paris Olympics, which was an unforgettable experience, allowing me to keep my ability to speak French fluently. I’m looking forward to bringing my love of learning, creativity, and the French language to the classroom.
Sonia – Petits Apprentis
Bonjour! I am Sonia and I am very excited to join the team EFGS as the new teacher for the class Petits Apprentis. My background is an International Business Master in Paris, where I come from. I had the opportunity to leave and work abroad (Chile and Spain). And my path led me to Seattle in 2008, with my Spanish husband. After working in aeronautical industry during 3 years in Seattle, the family started to grow. I dedicated the last ten years to our family, partially homeschooling and creating an outdoor school. Our two sons have been enrolled in EFGS for four years and they love it! It is really nice to have this French community and to spend time with other Francophone families. Last year I have been doing many substitution at EFGS, mostly in the Maternelle classes. In parallel, I was getting my FLAM Certificate, which reinforces my desire to teach to young kids. As a family, we enjoy all the outdoor activities that PNW can offer (hiking, camping, skiing, biking).
Lauriane – Petits Ecoliers
Hello, I am Lauriane.
Sylvie – Ecoliers 1
Hello, I am Sylvie!
Nadège – Ecoliers 2
I am Nadège Margaria is from Nice France. Right after finishing my “Maitrise d’Histoire de l’Art”, at Aix-Marseilles University in Aix-en-Provence in May 2003, I moved to the States in San Diego CA. Being completely immersed in the American culture, I quickly became bilingual. San Diego is where I started my Yoga journey, I then became an instructor, and started teaching dance classes during that time as well. My passion for teaching is obvious. In 2005, I returned to Nice for 3 years where I taught dance and yoga all over the French Riviera. In 2008 I returned to the States, this time moving to Leavenworth, WA. I then kept teaching dance, yoga and fitness, and was the French tutor for 2 school girls for 4 years. I got my Fitness and Health Coach certification through NASM in 2020. Last Spring I got a full time job at the French Immersion School of WA and moved with my teenager to Issaquah, which we love!
Virginie – Grands Ecoliers 2
I was born and raised in France, in a small village near Dijon, Burgundy. After high school, I left France to go to England to learn English. This is where I discovered a passion for travel which led me to work in the travel and airline industry for more than 7 years. I moved a lot and lived in different countries the past 24 years including 2 years in England, 2 years in Canada, 10 years in Ireland and now 11 years here in the U.S.A. I have two daughters and together with my husband we enjoy the numerous outdoor activities the region has to offer from mountain biking, hiking to snowboarding.
I’m happy to be back and teach the same class for a third year.
Sophie – Experts
Hi, I am Sophie. I am French, from Val d’Oise, in France, and I moved to the United States with my family 10 years ago. I lived in Brooklyn for 3 years; then, we settled in the Seattle area 7 years ago. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Aspen University. I worked as a Registered Nurse in France for 10 years and contnue to work in a medical center. I joined the EFGS team from 2018 to 2022, teaching French to Ecoliers 2, and I returned to work with the EFGS in 2024 to contnue teaching French to the Experts level. As a mother, I believe that learning one’s own mother tongue is essental for my kids; therefore, my daughter attends the EFGS. In my free time, I enjoy listening to a wide range of music, and I take piano lessons. I also love baking pastries, breads, and “Viennoiseries” for my family.
Viola – Collegiens 1
Sarah – Collegiens 2-3
Maxime – Lyceens 1
Marie – Collegiens 1-2-3 Online
Zoe – Petits Bouts
Bonjour! My name is Zoe. I was born in Ireland from French parents and moved to Redmond when I was just one years old. Since then, I’ve been part of this wonderful EFGS community as a student and assistant. Now, I’m excited to return as a teacher while continuing my studies in Elementary Education.
In my free time, I like to paint, dance, and I enjoy spending time with my cat, Winter.
I recently had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at the Paris Olympics, which was an unforgettable experience, allowing me to keep my ability to speak French fluently. I’m looking forward to bringing my love of learning, creativity, and the French language to the classroom.
Sonia – Petits Apprentis
Bonjour! I am Sonia and I am very excited to join the team EFGS as the new teacher for the class Petits Apprentis. My background is an International Business Master in Paris, where I come from. I had the opportunity to leave and work abroad (Chile and Spain). And my path led me to Seattle in 2008, with my Spanish husband. After working in aeronautical industry during 3 years in Seattle, the family started to grow. I dedicated the last ten years to our family, partially homeschooling and creating an outdoor school. Our two sons have been enrolled in EFGS for four years and they love it! It is really nice to have this French community and to spend time with other Francophone families. Last year I have been doing many substitution at EFGS, mostly in the Maternelle classes. In parallel, I was getting my FLAM Certificate, which reinforces my desire to teach to young kids. As a family, we enjoy all the outdoor activities that PNW can offer (hiking, camping, skiing, biking).
Lauriane – Petits Ecoliers
Sylvie – Ecoliers 1
Nadège – Ecoliers 2
I am Nadège Margaria is from Nice France. Right after finishing my “Maitrise d’Histoire de l’Art”, at Aix-Marseilles University in Aix-en-Provence in May 2003, I moved to the States in San Diego CA. Being completely immersed in the American culture, I quickly became bilingual. San Diego is where I started my Yoga journey, I then became an instructor, and started teaching dance classes during that time as well. My passion for teaching is obvious. In 2005, I returned to Nice for 3 years where I taught dance and yoga all over the French Riviera. In 2008 I returned to the States, this time moving to Leavenworth, WA. I then kept teaching dance, yoga and fitness, and was the French tutor for 2 school girls for 4 years. I got my Fitness and Health Coach certification through NASM in 2020. Last Spring I got a full time job at the French Immersion School of WA and moved with my teenager to Issaquah, which we love!
Virginie – Grands Ecoliers 2
I was born and raised in France, in a small village near Dijon, Burgundy. After high school, I left France to go to England to learn English. This is where I discovered a passion for travel which led me to work in the travel and airline industry for more than 7 years. I moved a lot and lived in different countries the past 24 years including 2 years in England, 2 years in Canada, 10 years in Ireland and now 11 years here in the U.S.A. I have two daughters and together with my husband we enjoy the numerous outdoor activities the region has to offer from mountain biking, hiking to snowboarding.
I’m happy to be back and teach the same class for a third year.
Sophie – Experts
Hi, I am Sophie. I am French, from Val d’Oise, in France, and I moved to the United States with my family 10 years ago. I lived in Brooklyn for 3 years; then, we settled in the Seattle area 7 years ago. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Aspen University. I worked as a Registered Nurse in France for 10 years and contnue to work in a medical center. I joined the EFGS team from 2018 to 2022, teaching French to Ecoliers 2, and I returned to work with the EFGS in 2024 to contnue teaching French to the Experts level. As a mother, I believe that learning one’s own mother tongue is essental for my kids; therefore, my daughter attends the EFGS. In my free time, I enjoy listening to a wide range of music, and I take piano lessons. I also love baking pastries, breads, and “Viennoiseries” for my family.
Viola – Collegiens 1
Sarah – Collegiens 2/3
My name is Sarah. I’m originally from Nantes, France, and moved to Seattle last summer. We’ve lived in the U.S. since 2009 and are now “empty nesters” with two bilingual children. I truly believe growing up in a bilingual environment brings great benefits. I’m a certified Physics and Chemistry teacher with a master’s in Signal Processing. I’ve taught students from middle school to university level and have worked in various industries as a developer. Currently, I teach technology at FASPS and am excited to join the EFGS community. I look forward to engaging your children in French-language discussions. Outside of work, I enjoy knitting and spending time with my two little cats, Mimi and Loulou!
Maxime – Lyceens 1
Hello! I’m a current engineering student and longtime video game enjoyer turned teacher! Through high school and well into university, I’ve always helped those around me learn just about any subject, and now I’m adding French to that list. I’m certainly much younger than some of the other teachers here, but I’m just as knowledgeable (and perhaps more approachable?) as anyone else about French! I love aviation and cars – just about anything mechanical, really – and am currently working on a small coding project with pixel art UI. If you’d like to talk about it or any of my interests, I’d be glad to share my knowledge! I hope to build some last bonds with students and parents alike in this EFGS community!”
Assistants
Anabelle
Rohan
Maya
Emma
Lakshmi
Diana
Fred
Alex
Chiara
Tais
Anabelle
Rohan
Maya
Emma
Lakshmi
Diana
Fred
Alex
Chiara
Tais