Alicia has been in love (!!) with EFA since she became an ESOL facilitator in 2003. After a short absence to swim in the world of Bilingual Education in NYC, she's back at EFA to continue being part of the superb work EFA does in Providence! EFA has changed her life radically, and she is extremely thrilled to be working so closely with learners, facilitators, staff, families, and community organizations to continue empowering our Olneyville. She encourages everyone visiting this website to become involved, no matter how far or close you are to our office and our neighborhood, and to smile at people when walking down the street.

Bianca Dominique Bonilla is a recent graduate from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a bachelor's degree in sociology. She is the Development Coordinator through VISTA AmeriCorps. Bianca was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically Oakland. She loves the Bay with all her heart but needed a change of scenery, so she moved across the country to Providence, RI. She is thoroughly enjoying learning the culture, people and life of Providence. Some of her interests, outside of working towards positive social change, include listening to music, dancing, singing, reading, and watching movies.

After studying one semester at EFA, Juan Carlos started to teach computer classes in Spanish at the Olneyville Community School, as well as to coordinate a recycling program for Olneyville residents through EFA. He joined the staff in the summer of 2004 as an administrative assistant and then moved on to the role of ESOL Program Assistant which he now holds.

Marlon Cifuentes, from Guatemala, is EFA’s Action Committee Coordinator. He became involved as an EFA Learner and was soon invited to participate in other EFA activities. Marlon enjoys helping the community, learning and sharing his knowledge with others. Marlon realizes that EFA is a great loving family and wants to continue offering his support to promote the growth of the organization. He appreciates the fact that EFA is composed of Latinos and non-Latinos who are intelligent, passionate and energetic. !Romper barreras y no limitarse!

Native Language Literacy Coordinator
Rosario Pilar del Pren Maldonado

Rosario del Pilar Pren Maldonado was born in Marida Yucatan, Mexico in 1954. She migrated to the U.S. in May 19, 1995. That same year, she learned about English for Action by taking part in a program called Voz Mujer, which changed her life drastically. It was during her participation in which she discovered the importance of teaching language literacy. In 2006, EFA’s Native Literacy Language program was created and Rosario played, and continues to play, a huge role as the lead coordinator. During her spare time, Rosario likes to play softball, dance regional Mexican music (She teaches folklore dance), watch ballet, opera, theatre, ice skate, listen to classical music or just watch a good old baseball game. One of Rosario’s goals is to start a children’s theatre someday.

Youth and Family Coordinator
Carla Doughty

A Providence native, Carla graduated from Simmons College where she focused on English Literature and Social Justice. She has worked with youth for over ten years and has worked with youth in Olneyville since 2001. She is proud to be a part of the EFA community and eager to work with mentors and youth alike in the arts-based OurSchool program!

Shirley was born in Santa Cruz, Bolivia and lived in the country until 2004. She holds an Accounting Degree from the Universidad Autonoma Gabriel Rene Moreno and is currently taking English Classes at EFA. Shirley is a proud Latina who is dedicated to social justice and equal rights for everyone. Shirley is a former Voz Mujer participant and later became the co-coordinator in Voz Mujer Leadership. She is now helping with ESL classes and English for Action as the ESOL program assistant. Most importantly she feels fortunate to have found a loyal and loving family at EFA.

English For Action stood out when Ben was researching non-for profit organizations and service opportunities in Rhode Island. From his first day he knew he made the right choice, finding a long term passion. Ben finds working directly with people through education paramount. He seeks to have a direct impact in the community and forge personal relationships. Ben realizes the greatest social change in this country has come from grass roots movements and community organization. Sustained and effective community development requires everyone to lend a hand. English For Action supports and utilizes both of these tools. Ben is involved in order to contribute effectively to the betterment of the community and society. Ben enjoys rock climbing, working at the local rock gym, skiing, sailing, surfing, beaches, the woods, the mountains, traveling, driving, making friends, and most of all eating?and loves EFA!

Fall 2007
Intern ESOL facilitators:
Sade Bonilla, Brown '08
Gordon Fitch, Brown '06
Edgar Woznica, Brown
Cindy Wise, Brown '07
Jennifer Quiroa, Brown '08
Annette Shreibati, Brown '08

"Facilitating Change" ESOL facilitators
Jose Luis Cruz,Former EFA learner
Kike Mendez, Former EFA Learner
Luis Mendez, Former EFA Learner

Intern Assistant ESOL facilitators:
Luz Adorno, Brown '08
Kate Ganim, Brown '08

ESOL substitutes
Ah-Young Song, Brown '08
Jane Wang, Brown '07

Summer 2007
Intern ESOL facilitators:
Sade Bonilla, Brown '08
Camilo Gaston-Greenberg
Edgar Woznica, Brown '08
Jane Wang, Brown, '06
Jennifer Quiroa, Brown '08

ESOL Curriculum Resources Intern
Ah-Young Song, Brown '08

ESOL Volunteer Tutors
Betsy Montes, URI '08
Sindy Quiroa, Classical Highschool

Fall 2003
EFA Facilitators:
Justin Fried,Brown University '02
Louella Hill, Brown University
Alicia Pantoja, Brown University
Juan Munoz, Brown University
Adriana Young, Brown University '01
Julia McDowell,Brown University
Monica Vicente, RIC
Erick Garcia, Brown University '01
Kate Moulding, Brown University
Migeulina Betty, Bolivia
Ben Torpey, Brown University
Alexa Rosenberg, Brown University