I am 60 years old and a former Director for the British Council in Recife, Brazil. Before working for the British Council, I was Director of a private English Course in Recife, called Britanic. I am retired, but I continue to teach private lessons and work as a translator from Portuguese to English and vice-versa. I am a grandmother, and spend most of my free time with my grandson, Gabriel, who will be 2 years old in March 2017.

I lived 10 years in the US, from when I was 6 to 16, and have also lived in Oxford, England. I am on Facebook, where I have over 500 friends, half of them from the US, the UK and from many other countries around the world.

Although retired, I am keen to continue working and interacting with people, being useful for as long as I can.

I am a trained teacher and teacher trainer, having acquired my qualifications through the International House, London, UK and the British Council. I have the International House teacher training Diploma and the Cambridge CELTA. I've also been an examiner for IELTS (International English Language Test for study, migration or work).

I have taught all levels, from beginners to advanced, and my students have come from a very diverse background and age-group.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations from the Estácio de Sá University in Recife, Pernambuco.

My most recent experience with teaching has been online, as part of an exchange program I managed for SESI (Social Service in Industry), Pernambuco Chapter, called 'US-Brazil Conexão Mundo', until February 2016.

I've been teaching English since I was 18 years old, and it is still something that gives me great pleasure. I look forward to working with students here on Verbalplanet!

My approach to teaching has been mostly through conversation. I adapt my lessons to suit students. I am a fan of the Paulo Freire method, which is primarily based on teaching according to student's practical needs through their daily lives. I use reading and other materials which are of relevance to each student and I complement this with grammar as needed/desired.

I give instant feedback as well as a periodic, more analytical feedback, with the objective of enabling students to understand their particular challenges and how best to overcome these.

I am an experienced teacher and adapt easily to each student's preferred/more effective learning style.