Meet Rivka Yerushalmi and Maimouna Ima - People of MCAEL

June 23, 2022

It’s MCAEL’s 15 year anniversary, and we’re celebrating with a “People of MCAEL '' series featuring first person insights and photos from some of the wonderful people involved in English language learning in Montgomery County, MD. You’ll find stories here and on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  LinkedIn , and  Twitter ; please share and use our hashtag #MCAEL15. We know this coalition thrives because of committed people like you; thank you!

Today we’re introducing our fourth profile: Rivka Yerushalmi and Maimouna Ima !


Rivka : I have a full-time job with NIH; I also volunteer and teach ESL. I met Maimouna teaching ESL through the Literacy Council of Montgomery County. Then the pandemic hit, and in-person classes were canceled. There is a saying “Each one, teach one” by Frank Laubach, a founder of the ESL movement, that is a real guide for me. I offered to get together virtually with my students whenever they wanted to practice. Maimouna was the one who showed up, and we kept meeting online throughout the pandemic.

Maimouna : I felt very happy arriving in Montgomery County in 2020 and getting together with my husband, going to school … I met a wonderful, very nice teacher who is Ms. Rivka. But I was also sad missing my family from my native country, Burkina Faso. Then the pandemic hit. It was difficult for me staying at home all the time. The English classes and practice with Ms. Rivka helped me very much, it was nice to have a routine. I fully understand what she teaches me and the ways she explains the lessons. There are English idioms I found funny like: “Got a heart of gold” and “play it by ear.”

Rivka : The time I will never forget was when Maimouna sent me a message that she couldn’t meet that week—she never missed class. When I asked why, it was such a surprise!

Maimouna : The classes were online and Ms. Rivka did not know that I was pregnant. We stayed together 9 months in my journey of pregnancy. And then I sent her an email to let know that I just had a baby, so she was surprised.

Rivka : She only missed a week or two. That is how dedicated a student Maimouna is. She also got her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and is waiting for the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) exam. The secret to success in ESL is showing up and engaging in class and doing the homework, and Maimouna exemplifies that. This year she also came to the MCAEL Spelling Bee with me.

Maimouna : My son Amine is 19 months old now, he is walking and running around. My husband and I speak sometimes English and sometimes French to Amine. The baby is curious about the computer and my school books… I have to put the books where he cannot reach them. Rivka bought books herself to send me. She also sends me the Easy English news each month. She is a very nice teacher--she’s got a heart of gold.

Learn more about MCAEL and its mission here: https://mcael.org/ #MCAEL15

As told to Kristin O'Keefe

A picture of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's new Executive Director. He wears a navy-blue suit.

A Letter from MCAEL's New Executive Director

By Emma Starr • May 21, 2025
Dear MCAEL Community, It is such an honor to be joining you as MCAEL’s new Executive Director. With my many years of mission-driven work rooted in Montgomery County – and as an English language learner myself – I could not be more thrilled to join this amazing staff and network of programs. I’ve known MCAEL for years through my work in the county, both at Interfaith Works and most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). But after just two weeks on the job at MCAEL, I’ve gained an even deeper understanding of the breadth of work that we do – and the impact that we have on the lives of so many. Not speaking English affects your life in almost every way, from asking for directions or help in a store to securing employment and an education. I speak from experience. I was a young teenager when my family moved to the United States. Not knowing how to speak the language, I had to navigate not only a new country, but eighth grade in an American middle school (arguably challenging even for native speakers). At a time when some of our learners are afraid to come to class, we need to stand tall and continue to do what we have always done – offer pathways to a better quality of life through English learning, and to support our strong network of programs in doing so. I am excited to take on this work and I look forward to meeting all of you through planned visits to programs, as well as at meetings and community events. I welcome your phone calls, emails, and visits! Please reach out at any time – I would love it. Warmly, Gerard

MCAEL’s First-Ever Learner Celebration

By Emma Starr • May 14, 2025
One hundred and sixty-five people came out for food, performances, resources, and inspiring stories at MCAEL’s first-ever Celebration of English Learners last month. Attendees may have hailed from across the globe, but they shared common experiences as immigrants and English language learners. At the event, they had access to organizations offering services ranging from healthcare to legal advice – and all enjoyed an abundance of international food, and a lively program featuring the personal stories of learners and dance performances by Grupo Folklorico Internacional and CCACC Evergreen Martial Arts Health Dance Class. Representatives from the offices of Councilmembers Jawando and Mink presented a special citation, signed by the Council Education Committee, to Sonia Peñate, long-time volunteer (and former learner) from the Seneca Creek Community Church ESOL program. Kanidiengue Kone, who moved to the US from the Ivory Coast three years ago and currently serves as a member of MCAEL’s Learner Leadership Group, had these words for the crowd: “Today, I want to encourage you: keep going with your classes, even when it feels hard. Growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zone.”
Image of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's New Executive Director.

MCAEL Welcomes Gerard J. P. Etienne as New Executive Director

By MCAEL • April 16, 2025
MCAEL is delighted to announce the appointment of Gerard J. P. Etienne as its new Executive Director. Gerard brings a depth of experience overseeing and growing large programs, most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). He will assume his new position at MCAEL on May 5, 2025. Gerard began his career as a mechanical engineer and then a management consultant for both small and large companies, focusing on intrapreneurship and innovation. He discovered his passion for mission-driven work through years of volunteering – leading him to a position as Director of the Vocational Services Program (VSP) at Interfaith Works, where he worked directly with immigrant job seekers, including non-English speakers, to help them overcome cultural and employment barriers. “Gerard brings a deep personal connection to MCAEL’s mission and a strong commitment to serving vulnerable and marginalized communities in Montgomery County,” said Sean Klein, MCAEL Board Chair. “His record of equity-centered leadership, along with his experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex programs, make him the ideal choice to lead MCAEL into its next chapter.”  "I am thrilled and honored to serve as MCAEL'S next Executive Director,” Gerard stated. “As a long-time Montgomery County resident and someone with lived experience as an English learner, MCAEL'S mission is deeply personal to me. It's a privilege to give back to my community and to help expand opportunities for adult learners across our county." Gerard’s family moved to the United States when he was a teenager, and he entered the American school system speaking no English. A Montgomery County resident for almost 40 years, Gerard and his wife raised two sons here. He and his wife are both avid fans of Arsenal Football Club (they never miss a game). They live in Silver Spring with their dog, Doug.