Our Team

At Language Matters we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of tailored training programmes and language services across all sectors, both in Europe and further afield.

We all have a passion for languages and we genuinely understand the demands and pleasures of learning a new language and of translating from one language to another.

We love working with our clients to help them overcome their communication challenges.   Our mission is to provide outstanding training and language services at realistic prices, to deliver excellence with integrity.


Debbie Sasson
Founder

Having worked for the brand leader of the self-study language market, Debbie set up Language Matters in 1993 because she believed that trainer support, adapted to the needs and learning style of each individual, is essential for successful language learning.  Her aim was to provide a highly personal service tailored to individual company and client requirements.

It wasn’t long before our clients started approaching us to support them with their other language needs and we extended our range of services to include translation and interpreting and cross-cultural training, applying the same principle of delivering outstanding quality with exceptional customer service.

Debbie holds a joint Honours degree in French and German from the University of Bath, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Post-Compulsory Education, a Post-Graduate Diploma in commercial French and German and she is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists.

She is passionate about languages and about the personal and professional benefits that speaking another language and understanding the culture can bring.

Ziona Arcari
Business Development

Ziona has a degree in International Marketing with majors in German and Marketing and she has lived and worked in Germany. The majority of her career has been in European marketing. She has also worked as a German language trainer, so knows first-hand what the clients require.

Sally Reynolds
Manager, Italy

Sally has a degree in French and Italian from the University of Bath and is qualified to teach English as a Foreign Language. She has spent 25 years actively using her languages working across Europe and has lived and worked in Italy since 2003. She has extensive experience as a cultural awareness consultant. Our Italian venture is relatively new and we can think of nobody better to run it for us.

Abi
Administrator

Abi is also a linguist, who speaks French and Spanish. She has travelled extensively and undertaken several intensive Spanish language courses in Spain, so has direct experience of what clients are looking for within a language training programme.

“I have known the team at Language Matters for over 25 years. The founder, Debbie Sasson, helped me climb what seemed like a mountain when I was asked to gain a command of German for European strategy meetings. Debbie somehow converted me into a passable German speaker in just a few short months … her engaging, motivational and softly demanding approach pulled me through.   Since then Language Matters has become one of the most reputable and versatile providers of language training in Europe.”
Martin McCourt
Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, Former CEO, Dyson Global

Our Trainers

Your trainer is your key to successful learning

All our trainers are fully qualified and experienced in teaching languages to adults. Most are native-speakers; the few who are not are qualified to degree or post-graduate level and have experience of living and/or working in the target country. But above all, our trainers are carefully selected for their personal qualities – their ability to engage and inspire our clients with confidence in their learning, their empathy and their desire to provide enjoyable, tailored, effective and flexible training.

We go to great lengths to match the most appropriate trainer, translator or cultural consultant to each individual assignment.

We are proud of our trainers and translators and realise that the high volume of repeat business is due to the quality and commitment of our team.

Meet some of our language specialists

Sabine

Sabine has been delivering French and Spanish language training continuously to Language Matters’ clients within the Thames Valley for over 20 years. She has an MA in Spanish Language, Literature and Civilisation from the Université Michel de Montaigne, Bordeaux III and a teaching qualification in Adult and Further Education. She has also taught in Adult Education and for the Ministry of Defence. A tremendously popular trainer with a great personality, Sabine always goes the extra mile to deliver outstanding courses.

“Sabine is an absolutely exceptional teacher in an international corporate environment. My customers have provided excellent feedback and I would have not been equipped to deliver this level of support without the insight into France and French customs and etiquette which Sabine has given me.”
Renato Iarossi
Customer Success Specialist, Avid Technology
Isabelle

Originally from Aix-en-Provence, with a Spanish mother and French father, Isabelle is a talented linguist (English, French, Spanish).  She has a degree in English and a qualification in Teaching French as a Foreign Language from the Université de Lettres d’Aix en Provence. She has over 20 years’ experience of providing general and business language training to companies from all sectors and has also provided training for the Alliance Française and the Institut Français. Isabelle is a popular trainer with excellent interpersonal skills and a bubbly personality. She receives consistently excellent feedback from her clients.

“Isabelle is the best teacher I have ever had. She is skilled at explaining complicated French grammar and she can always give explanations when equivalent expressions in English are not available. She is a lovely person and it is a pleasure to have her as my tutor.”
Hans Rechert
Applications Engineer, Zodiac Aerospace
Simona

Simona is a professional trilingual language trainer, translator and interpreter with a good knowledge of seven languages. She is an Italian who has lived in Italy, Spain, France and Canada. Simona holds a degree in Languages for Professional Purposes from the University of Turin and is qualified to postgraduate level in conference interpreting. Currently based in Paris, Simona is sensitive to cultural differences and has excellent interpersonal skills, switching effortlessly between English, Spanish, Italian and French.

“I just wanted to say how much I really enjoyed my Italian language course. It has been one of the highlights of the lockdown. Simona was an excellent teacher. As someone who lacks confidence in speaking foreign languages, she put us at ease, was patient and we also had fun learning.”
Diane Treacher
Risk Management, Bayer
Aurélie

Aurélie is an energetic and popular French trainer based in London. Aurélie’s qualifications include a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), a degree in Modern Foreign Languages from the University of Edinburgh, and a BA Honours degree in English and American Language, Literature and Civilisation. She has over 10 years’ experience as a tutor of general and business French, both on a 1-2-1 and small group basis. Aurélie is also a French Specialist for Early Years and Primary levels (with a commendation of “Outstanding French Provision” from Ofsted).  She is experienced at preparing students for the DELF/DALF, A Level, GCSE, and ISEB Common Entrance examinations.

“I wanted to say just how amazing a tutor Aurélie is. She was very knowledgeable and had a great teaching style and was super fun to work with – all these combined made the learning experience a very enjoyable and beneficial one. I really feel like I have learned a lot. And it was very easy to engage and interact with her and she really appreciated my learning style.”
Peter G
Thales
Marie

A qualified translator, interpreter and language trainer, Marie is a French native speaker, who also has fluency in Spanish and English. She has a BA in Spanish from the Université de Poitiers and holds the Diploma in Translation from the Chartered Institute of Linguists, as well as the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (Law). She is a popular French language trainer who is skilled at delivering courses both face-to-face and remotely. She has taught in companies and within Adult Education and also delivered intensive courses for the Ministry of Defence.

“Marie is an excellent, friendly, relaxed trainer. She has a great ability to engage and to determine very quickly the level at which the conversation and exercises should be set. Consequently I have been able to respond and participate in conversations with confidence and have genuinely enjoyed our sessions together. I look forward to the sessions to come.”
Blair King
Programme Manager, EMEA, Avid Technology Europe
Amanda

Amanda is an online language teaching specialist with a BA (Hons) in Spanish Studies, a BA (Hons) in English Studies, and a number of teaching qualifications, including a Master’s in Teaching Spanish Language and Culture.  Amanda delivers highly tailored sessions to our clients in the UK and France and we consistently receive stunning feedback on the effectiveness of her courses.  Amanda also designs and delivers courses for UK universities and has received several nominations for Tutor of the Year (2016 & 2017) and Innovative Tutor of the Year (2015). Amanda has been a contributor to the development of language teaching resources for The National Centre for Excellence for Language Pedagogy (NCELP).

“I am very happy with the way it went.  I enjoyed the system, the material that Amanda shared with me after the course.  I did not know lessons online could be done in such a professional and useful way. Thanks, too, for the course outline.  It’s perfect and helps me a lot to see the next steps in a glance, so all is good.”
Fouzia
Marketing & Communications Manager, Paris
Elisabet

Elisabet came to London soon after completing her degree in Spanish Philology and MA in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language at the University of Granada.  She teaches Spanish at a university in Cambridge, privately to students of all ages and at all levels and to our London-based clients.  Elisabet is passionate about ensuring that her clients have a good learning experience and about building their confidence to start speaking the language within the first week.

“Elisabet is a very nice and professional teacher. Spanish lessons with her are fluent and very interesting. Her teaching methods are modern and effective. I would highly recommend her.”
Enrica Napoletano
Medical Malpractice Claims Adjuster, Newline Group
Rob

A professional language trainer and translator, Rob has a degree in Applied Linguistics in English, Russian and German from the Institute for Foreign Language Professions (Sprachen- und Dolmetscherinstitut) in Munich.  He also has the Diploma in Translation from the Chartered Institute of Linguists and a graduate teaching qualification. Rob has many years’ experience of in-company language training, has worked as a Russian language trainer and interpreter for the German Army and acted as Lead Tutor for Language Matters on an intensive German Language and Cultural Awareness Course for the Ministry of Defence. He is a team player and an enthusiastic and results-oriented trainer with excellent interpersonal skills and a dynamic teaching style.

“Robert's enthusiastic and motivating approach has really helped build my confidence. He is always well-prepared for the sessions and his careful planning ensures that we cover all areas – speaking, listening, writing and reading in German. He also has the ability to spot weaknesses and produce exercises to address those weaknesses. The tutoring sessions are very enjoyable and a highlight of my week.”
Lisa le Vesconte
Elite Service Manager, Global Services, Poly
Andrea

An experienced and popular trainer, Andrea works on site with our clients in Berkshire and with other European clients by video conference. She has a degree in Teaching, Business and Economics and an MBA from the University of Cologne and has also qualified from the University of Saarbrücken in Interpreting and Translation (Business French/Spanish → German). Andrea has authored textbooks and workbooks on Economics and Business. Currently, she devotes her time to teaching German in companies and at the University of Oxford. A keen golfer, Andrea has also been known to play a round or two with our clients.

“I had a great session with Andrea, everything was clear and interesting. She sent me PowerPoint Presentation after the session with everything that we had done.  I think it’s a very convenient and useful way to study a language.”
Liliya Dilmukhametova
Administrative Assistant, Poly Russia
Nicole

Nicole provides German language and cultural awareness training to our clients at their office in Essex and by video-conference to our clients in other European countries. Nicole has an MA in Applied Linguistics from the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Műnster and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in German and French. Previously, she spent six years as a lecturer in German at Liverpool John Moores University. Nicole is highly efficient and this is reflected in the way she works with our clients – she gets results fast.

“Nicole provides bespoke lessons which are clearly targetted to my interests, abilities and needs.”
Senior Manager
Ford Motor Company
Renata

Based in Warsaw, Renata is an interpreter and exceptional trainer of Polish and German as a foreign language, who delivers courses for the university and to corporate clients and expats.   Renata has a Master’s in Teaching German and she has participated in the creation of an e-learning platform for language learning.

Renata delivers both Polish and German language training to our Warsaw-based clients.

“I’m very impressed with Renata, she planned the session with extreme care, she was conscious of the time, she split her attention equally amongst us and made us all talk, paraphrased what we said and sent us a lot of materials for self-learning”.
Lajos Kocsis
Team Leader, Poly Warsaw
Gerty

Gerty grew up on the Dutch/German border and has lived and worked in Amsterdam, Tilburg and Düsseldorf. Gerty’s extensive career experience in sales, retail management and finance in Germany and the Netherlands has given her a deep insight into the culture and business practices in both countries.

Gerty has been providing both general and business Dutch language training at all levels from beginner to advanced since 2011. She also works as a cross-cultural consultant for Germany and The Netherlands and brings her vast knowledge of business culture to the language sessions.

“I was frustrated when I could get the gist of meetings with agencies and colleagues in The Netherlands but not reply in Dutch.  Gerty is brilliant and she has really helped me with my speaking skills and I can now contribute in Dutch rather than resort to English.   Gerty adapts the lessons to what I need for my role and we work on press releases and other marketing material for the Dutch market together.  Gerty is a great coach and has made a real difference to the work I do with The Netherlands.”
Tanja
Marketing and Communications Manager, Düsseldorf
Carolyn

Carolyn is an expert trainer in English language and communication skills for business, as well as a professional coach, with 30 years’ UK and overseas experience behind her.

Carolyn has a BA Honours degree in Italian and Art History from University College London and the RSA Certificate to Teach English as a Foreign Language to Adults.  She has completed Oxford Professional Consulting’s Intercultural Communication Skills course for Professionals.  She spent 15 years overseas teaching business English to corporate and government clients and for the British Council. Since qualifying in management coaching, Carolyn began to integrate coaching into her teaching, with very exciting results! It had a major impact, giving the learner many additional benefits.  She uses it mainly to accelerate and embed learning, develop confidence and mindset, maintain commitment and develop communication and intercultural skills.

“It was good. VERY GOOD.  It was more than just an English lesson: Carolyn is like a coach, a very active listener, fast and precise identifying the gaps and proposing actions and recommendations.

She very quickly identified communication improvement areas and I LOVED the straightforward and constructive feedback. I started the session sceptic, and I left wanting more.”
Jose Arlandis
Plant Manager, Sanofi
Francis

An American currently based in Düsseldorf, Francis has six years’ experience teaching general and business English (for legal, negotiation, marketing, real estate, and other applications) and communication skills, both within companies and at the Business Institute of Cologne in Germany. Francis is highly qualified with a BA Honours in Business Administration, an MBA from Strayer University, a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification from the Management & Strategy Institute, a Civil Litigation Certificate, a Paralegal Diploma and a Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the International TEFL Academy, Chicago.

“Learning with Francis was a wonderful experience. He took the time to identify my challenges in English and effectively formulate a plan that really helped improve my language skills. I would highly recommend him to anybody who needs to take their English skills to the next level.”
Sarah Noordhoek
Team Assistant, Finance & Technical, SEGRO Germany
Charlotte

Charlotte is one of our Paris-based language trainers. She has triple nationality (British, Canadian and French) and is trilingual in English (as a native speaker), French and Italian. Charlotte has the Certificate for English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) and also teaches at La Sorbonne in Paris. With boundless energy, Charlotte has previously worked as a sports instructor and she is a certified professional coach. Charlotte uses empathy and good humour to good effect in achieving excellent outcomes for her students.

“I have improved in my speaking ability. I need to speak to my Anglophone colleagues when they come to the office. Now thanks to their power of imagination and my new improved English skills, I can hold conversations with them.”
Philippe
Accountant, Paris
Una

A dynamic and results-oriented trainer of English as a Foreign Language, Una holds the Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the University of London and Paris as well as the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector. She has also been an examiner for the Cambridge Exams and the Cambridge BULATS (Business Language Testing Service). Una has many years’ experience of teaching at all levels in Turkey, France and Portugal, as well as in the UK. A warm-hearted person, Una always goes the extra mile to exceed her clients’ expectations.

“I enjoyed learning English with Una. She is an excellent trainer and a warm and caring person, her general cultural knowledge is awesome. She always tries to make classes relevant, using a variety of materials and discussion topics to keep you interested. I have appreciated the focus on my specific needs rather than a general 'one size fits all' approach. Una really helped me to improve my knowledge of the language. I feel much more comfortable knowing the words, etiquette and some idioms of native English speakers.”
Derege Zenbe
Systems Specialist IT, Pinewood Studios, Avid Technology
Robin

Robin is an experienced trainer of English as a Foreign Language and English Communication Skills. She majored in drama and media at university and is qualified to teach English as a Foreign Language. Robin delivers 1-2-1 training and group communication skills workshops to both foreign and native speakers of English. Training is tailored to individual clients’ needs, but common areas for development include public speaking, structuring and delivering presentations, pronunciation and enunciation, as well as non-verbal communication skills. Robin is experienced in preparing candidates for the Cambridge English exams and IELTS. She has delivered English courses to Language Matters’ clients including Nestlé, Photobox, Moonpig, Hasbro, Diageo and Motorola for many years and her clients are always delighted with her courses.

“Robin is an excellent trainer.  She was always very well prepared coming to the sessions and was great at understanding what my pronunciations issues were and adapting her lessons. She is a lovely person to work with, it was an absolute pleasure to have her as my tutor”.
Regional Marketing Manager
US toy, board game and entertainment company
Hussain

Originally from Iraq, Hussain is a professional linguist who holds the Institute of Linguists Diploma in Public Service Interpreting. Hussain has over twenty years’ experience of translating, interpreting and teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language to the Ministry of Defence, the Met Police and a number of UK-based companies. He is passionate about sharing this colourful language and its culture with his clients, who consistently provide us with outstanding feedback on his courses.

“The training I had with Hussain was absolutely brilliant and I do recommend Hussain to anyone who wants to get up to speed in Arabic.  Hussain is not just kind but his approach helps us to focus and learn quickly.  A big thank you to you and Hussain.”
Ibrahim Mokadem
Inside Sales Account Manager, MEA & Turkey, Poly
Tomoko

With a BA in British and American Studies, an MA in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language, Tomoko is an experienced trainer of Japanese language and culture.  She’s also authored an online Japanese text book and online games for learning Japanese.

Tomoko’s work for us involves preparing our clients and their families for relocation to Japan.   Her sessions on language and culture are usually delivered face-to-face but on more than one occasion her clients have opted to continue virtually with her from Japan.

“Tomoko is just perfect for us - she pushes us forwards every lesson”.
Assignee relocating to Japan
Multinational food and beverage company