End-of-Year Celebration Recap

June 18, 2025

        Last Friday, June 13th, 2025, MCAEL hosted its End-of-Year Celebration & Sharing Session, attended by adult English Instructors and program staff representing 24 programs from the MCAEL network.  This End-of-Year Celebration was designed to bring ESOL professionals together to celebrate their dedication and commitment to helping a community of non-native English speakers learn English as a second language, thereby supporting them in their daily lives. Their passion for teaching English as a second language contributed to everyone's eagerness to share the ways their lessons work, teaching methods that engage learners, and identifying the specific instruction skills they'd like to develop. One English instructor mentioned that, towards the end of class, she plays "Hangman" with the learners to help with spelling words; so far, no one has been hanged! 



        All English instructors and program staff share a common goal: to make a difference in their communities and make a direct impact on those around them. During this celebration, they were asked, “what inspired you to work in the ESOL field?" Instructors mentioned that enabling a community to learn English empowers them to grow and better integrate themselves within society. Brenda Voit, an ESOL instructor at the nonprofit Identity, mentioned that she is an English instructor who fulfills community needs and is passionate about the work she does.  Christine Patton; an ESOL teacher at JSSA, spoke about her family’s personal experience emigrating from Germany to the United States and the shared frustrations of not knowing English, as well as navigating that experience in their daily lives. Christine views Montgomery County’s ability to provide free and accessible English classes as a reassuring sign of support. This invaluable resource can make a difference in the lives of many, creating a vibrant, growing coalition of Adult English learners.   


Kairy Castro Barrios 

MCAEL Intern 

By Kairy MCAEL October 1, 2025
Hellen Lainez is the Adult ESOL Coordinator at CASA, where she leads adult English language instructional efforts and conducts community outreach. Her journey with CASA began in high school, when she completed her community service hours with the organization. As an immigrant who arrived in the United States at the age of twelve, Hellen deeply understands the challenges faced by those seeking support at CASA. Motivated by her own experiences and a desire to give back to her community, she returned to CASA to make a meaningful impact. MCAEL: In your opinion, what are some of the biggest barriers immigrants face when it comes to learning English, and how does the “Life Skills ESOL Class” at CASA address those barriers? Education. Education is the biggest barrier faced because back home [their native country], needs are different. Somebody who couldn't attend school, and whose primary language is not Spanish but dialect; specifically, Mum, Quiche, etc. from Latin America, tend to have different needs. The “Life Skills Class” helps people address the requirements of daily life , such as filling out forms, applying for jobs , or even applying for an ID. MCAEL: What kind of feedback do you receive from learners, and how does that feedback influence changes or improvements in the curriculum? Surveys are given at the beginning of class; every learner fills out a form with their “top 3 goals” which is what they hope to achieve by the end. Instructors are then given surveys to ensure the curriculum is aligned with learner goals. There are also student surveys that provide the instructor with feedback on curriculum. MCAEL: What long-term impacts have you seen in learners who complete the “Life Skills ESOL Class” or the “Workforce ESOL program”? Are there any specific areas of their lives that you believe have notably improved because of these classes? Students have been able to get better jobs and have access to more opportunities as a result. One big thing is that learners can participate in community events and specifically are able to learn where they can go for help. MCAEL: What role do you think English language programs play in fostering integration and belonging for immigrants? The "Adult Life Skills" English class is a vital part of fostering integration and a sense of belonging. It equips learners with practical language skills, such as filling out forms, communicating with neighbors, or speaking with a doctor, which are essential for navigating life in the U.S. These skills not only build confidence but also help immigrants develop a sense of belonging. In a challenging political climate, we aim to empower learners to engage fully in their communities. Our English classes are more than language instruction; they are spaces where language becomes a bridge rather than a barrier, connecting learners and making them feel part of a community. MCAEL: What is your most memorable moment/success story from your time working with the “Life Skills ESOL Class” or the “Workforce ESOL program”? We have had students enroll in higher education. We have also had students who end up serving the community, helping others as well because they were once in their shoes. We have had learners who had higher education in their home country but the only thing blocking them was the language -- once they took our classes, they were able to continue where they left off. Someone who never had the opportunity to attend school begins to understand why education is so important. From enrolling in English classes to helping others, we are glad to see a full circle all tying back to CASA. Interview conducted by Kairy Castro Barrios, MCAEL Intern.
By MCAEL September 29, 2025
MCAEL is excited to welcome Benjamin Arnstein to the Board of Directors. Ben brings a diverse background in leadership, entrepreneurship, and operations across technology, logistics, and private equity, with a passion for building organizations that create lasting impact. Currently serving as COO & CFO of Tiny Co. Holdings, Ben helps buy, build, and scale industry-leading SaaS companies, driving growth through operational excellence and strategic investments. He previously served on the executive leadership team at Veho, a last-mile logistics technology company, founded and led the venture-backed restaurant business Kaliflower, and held roles in private equity at Bain Capital and consulting at McKinsey & Company, focusing on strategy, M&A, and performance improvement for global enterprises. Ben holds an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School and a B.A., summa cum laude, from Duke University. He is particularly inspired by MCAEL’s mission because both of his parents were first-generation Americans, and he has seen firsthand how language access can shape opportunities for families. “There are so many people in my life who have faced challenges navigating systems because of language barriers,” Ben shared. “I’m excited to help MCAEL strengthen its impact for families like my parents and others.” Ben lives in Bethesda, MD with his wife, their two-year-old son, and a second child on the way in January. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, traveling, Duke basketball, and spending time with his family and their dog, Phoebe. 
By MCAEL September 29, 2025
MCAEL is delighted to welcome Raul Elias Ayala (known as Elias Dinzey) to the Board of Directors. In addition to his professional work as Founder of Dondin Capital Partners, Elias volunteers weekly as a teacher’s assistant in a MCAEL coalition program in Rockville. Grateful to serve, he supports teachers and learners with a focus on community impact and helping adult English learners build the confidence to thrive at work, at home, and in the community. “I was raised to leave places better than I found them, and that generational mindset is why MCAEL’s mission, vision, and values resonate with me. When we support teachers and surround learners with belonging and high expectations, English becomes a bridge to dignity and economic mobility. I’m grateful to help MCAEL scale what works so every adult in our community has the language, confidence, and connection to thrive.” Through Dondin Capital Partners, Elias works with founders of companies to transition ownership or grow their company while keeping people and community at the center. He also builds AMR US and QSM national building care platforms that keep schools, restaurants, gyms, and offices clean. Earlier, he co-founded and sold Synergy Reach, a digital marketing agency. Outside of work, Elias enjoys traveling to experience new cultures and exploring great dining. He also prioritizes strength training and mentors emerging leaders.