About Us
Our story is one of dedication, commitment, passion, friendship and partnership.
Audrey Korol has been the owner and director of EZ-Learning Language Institute since December 2020, formerly English Language Learning Center. She took it over from Sherrie Lilge, who was a cofounder of the school and the director for 20 years. Audrey, herself, went through the entire program as a native of Venezuela with little to no English skills when she first started. She worked through the entire program and then helped with administrative functions at the school. Thus, she was fully immersed and trained in the school’s mission and caring atmosphere.
When Sherrie decided to semi-retire, she thought Audrey was the perfect person to continue the mission of the school. And Audrey has done just that, while at the same time expanding the program, adding structure, and taking steps to apply for accreditation.
Aside from continuing the caring attitude toward students at EZ-Learning Language Institute and offering dynamic classes, the school provides its part-time students with a unique comprehensive program of study, which includes grammar, reading, vocabulary, and pronunciation. These subjects utilize three different books which are covered in each class. Classes meet for 5 hours per week in 9-week sessions. Where else in Atlanta can you find this kind of comprehensive program for part-time students? This is the type of program that is generally available only to full-time students. This has been successfully implemented for over 20 years.
Beginning in March 2022, EZ-Learning Language Institute will begin offering a full-time English language program in addition to the established part-time program. Students studying full-time may take 20 hours of classes per week. Each class in the full-time program will meet for 5 hours per day, so four classes would be 20 hours per week.
Located in East Cobb Marietta, EZ-Learning Language Institute currently employs eight TESOL certified instructors, many of whom have advanced degrees in education and linguistics. Luckily, Ms. Sherrie Lilge is one of them and we couldn’t be happier to have her with us. Classes are offered mornings and evenings, with a view towards meeting the varied needs of working adults, whether that be in the world at large, at home, in corporations, for entrepreneurs, or in the ultimate job of raising a family. Newcomers with little to no English abilities will feel right at home among teachers who have been English language learners themselves, or native English speakers who have learned other languages or who are well-traveled. Intermediate and advanced students will find both extended learning and extensive practice in communication skills through Level 14. Private instruction is available for individuals seeking American citizenship, TOEFL assistance, and more.
EZ-Learning Language Institute strives to provide a low-stress environment proven to enhance learning. While there is plenty of fun involved, the school takes its mission seriously. If you are serious about learning English as a 2+ language, complete the registration form below and schedule a placement test to find out just how EZ we are.
Our director
I’m Audrey, I became an ESL teacher by destiny.
My journey started 15 years ago when I decided to leave my country, Venezuela, to start a new life in the United States. During those years, speaking English was my hardest challenge. At first, that fear held me back from learning, but I knew that if I wanted to succeed in a country that wasn’t mine, I had to learn the language and fall in love with the culture, so I enrolled in an English school that changed my life forever. Its people welcomed me with love and compassion. I will never forget the satisfaction of moving up to advanced classes. Who would have thought that later I would be teaching with the teacher who helped me overcome my struggle with English, helping others in the same way?
When I’m not teaching at school, I’m busy with my online students.
I feel that my experiences have given me the gift of true empathy for language learners. Simply knowing that I have the opportunity to impact the lives of my students makes it all worthwhile.
There’s an old saying that goes, “The best way to learn something is to teach it!”
Why is EZ-Learning Language Institute a great option?
01
INSTRUCTORS AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Our instructors have the educational credentials, plus the experience of working with diverse cultures from all over the world. They understand that students have varying expectations depending on their native countries and strive to meet the needs of all students.
02
TEACHING METHOD
Our instructors do more than just follow the book. They strive to present the material in an easy-to-understand manner.
03
CITIZENSHIP CLASSES
The director, Audrey Korol, personally provides this service. Since she has herself been through the process and become a citizen. She has also participated in USCIS teacher training seminars to remain updated on changes to the process.
04
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Some students can’t adjust their schedule to structured class times and others just prefer classes tailored to their particular goals and needs.
Staff
Sherrie Lilge
The past 20 years, I’ve been teaching ESL as director and owner of English Language Learning Center. I can still enthusiastically proclaim, “This is why God made me!” How blessed I’ve been to wake up every morning thrilled to go to work and invest myself in the nicest people from all over the world! Let’s have fun while we learn together at EZ Learning Club!
Univ. of South Florida BA, Kennesaw State Univ. TESOL Certification, Director English Language Learning Center, Teacher EZ-Learning Language Institute
Intermediate Spanish, Beginning Portuguese
Kristen Oni
Hi, my name is Kristen and I have been teaching at EZ Learning since Spring 2022! Before coming to EZ learning, my husband and I volunteered as ESL teachers together, at a local church. This is where my passion for teaching English grew. I am driven by the desire to show hospitality to everyone, and that everyone should feel welcome! I am so proud to teach at EZ Learning and enjoy meeting all my students, hearing their stories, and seeing their English improve. I also enjoy being surrounded by a staff that shares the same passion for people, culture, and language!
During the day I work for the Cobb County School System as a Braille clerk. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and have taught students of varying ages, backgrounds and needs.
Maggie Kinkead
Hello, my name is Maggie Kinkead. I received my bachelor’s degree in biology from Auburn University and learned later in life that I love to teach ESL to adults. I was first trained by the Southern Baptist Literacy Mission in Chattanooga, TN in 1987. Over the years, my family and I moved a number of times, and I taught classes and tutored individuals in each different place we lived. I have started several new classes where there were none.
In 2009, I received a post graduate TESL Certificate from the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute, and in 2012, a TESOL Certificate from Kennesaw CCE.
In 2010, I began working for Sherrie at The English Language Learning Center, teaching classes and tutoring individuals. In 2018, I had to stop teaching English to take care of my elderly mother, and in August 2021, I began teaching again for Audrey in her EZ Learning Club.
I love teaching English, and I have met many wonderful people in my years of teaching.
Gabriela Ratcliff
My name is Gabriela Ratcliff. I have been a teacher since 1996. I was born and raised in Mexico and came to the USA in 1998 as an exchange teacher. I have been very fortunate to study in three different countries (Mexico, Spain, and the USA) and have had students from many countries. I speak Spanish, English, and am currently working on my Italian. I treasured the beauty of each culture, language, tradition of each family that has made a difference in my life as an educator!
Mary De Jesus
Mary is a native of Georgia and grew up in Marietta. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs in 2012 and has been teaching English since 2015, when she obtained her TESOL certification. With a passion for different languages and cultures, she has taken various language courses herself, including Spanish, Arabic, and even has a minor in Classical Studies: Latin Language. She travels as often as possible and loves hearing about the different cultures of her students. Her passion for teaching comes from a love of watching her students blossom and grow in their capabilities. Having been a student in many language classes herself, she knows the struggle of trying to learn a new language and brings that knowledge along with various teaching strategies and patience to the classroom to help students as much as she can.
Sandra Angone
Sandra started her English career in Germany in 1990. She earned her Master’s in Applied Linguistics and the Teaching of English as a Second Language from Georgia State University in 1994 and a year later, a vision for a different kind of language school prompted her to start her own school, which she directed for 17 years. There, she worked with students from over 100 different countries. During this same time (evenings/weekends), she spent 15 years teaching ESL in Emory University’s evening program. She has also taught English at Indiana University South Bend and at the University of Georgia in Athens. Back to Atlanta, with a business partner, she started an on-site English program focusing on business professionals. She continues to work with this program on a limited basis. Sandra appreciates the goals and vision of EZ-Learning Language Institute and enthusiastically joined the faculty in 2021.
She finds it personally rewarding to help students who are serious about improving their English language skills.
She enjoys all levels and subjects, especially pronunciation and grammar.
Olga Moreno
My name is Olga Moreno, and I have lived in Colombia my whole life. I certified myself as a teacher of Spanish as a foreign language at the ELE INTERNACIONAL school and the University MIGUEL DE CERVANTES in Spain. My passion for teaching stems from having the
patience and dedication to transmit my knowledge to students in a clear and concise way, ensuring their learning is easy and effective.
Due to my current location, I offer virtual classes for all ages, and I can guarantee that the classes will be varied and dynamic. Taking into account that motivation is an important factor for learning, I emphasize this so that my students can achieve their
objectives faster.
I emphasize linguistic skills by developing activities for reading/listening comprehension, oral expression, and written expression.
I also speak English, which facilitates communication with beginner students. For more advanced students, the purpose is to speak Spanish to achieve faster results.
Chantel J. Rachel
Chantel started with EZ-Learning Language Institute under its former name of English Language Learning Center. Chantel’s career in education spawns from her desire for, “helping people be the best they can be“. Chantel earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University, in Atlanta, Georgia, and her Master’s of Arts in Post-Secondary and Adult Learning from Central Michigan University. She is pursuing her PhD in the area of Adult Education.
Chantel’s profession includes teaching, training, and development. She develops training programs for fortune 500 companies and state-level government agencies. She creates and delivers educational, instructional learning, and training classes to individuals and group-setting environments. Chantel is an entrepreneur. As the founder and president of two companies, The Hunter and Associates, Inc. and Kaleidoscope City For Kids, Inc., Chantel’s biggest role of them all is being a mom to her daughter, Meghan.
Clara Herszenhaut
Hi! My name is Clara, and I’m from Rio, Brazil.
My family and I have been living in the US for over 20 years and I have been teaching English to beginner adults for about five years. It’s very exciting to help introduce adults to a new language and see (and hear) how they develop in class. I will be glad to work with you in one of my next classes!
Gaurav Bhatia
My name is Gaurav Bhatia. I like experiencing different cultures, traveling, speaking different languages, playing board games, listening to 80’s music, and spending time with family and friends. Much of my career has been in education, as I’ve taught English at schools such as American National College, English for a Lifetime, and Infinity Learning, and Atlanta International Language Institute. I am TESOL certified and have a Master of Science in Education from Georgia State University.
I am very excited about teaching at EZ-Learning Language Institute. I believe that the best learning experiences are when the classroom and the outside world are brought together. My philosophy is that, in addition to traditional lecturing, classes should incorporate games, role-playing, and task-based learning.
Melanie Davis
Melanie Davis is a vivacious language professional. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Covenant College and her Master’s in Applied Linguistics and ESL from Georgia State University. She has over six years of teaching and tutoring experience. She desires to share her cross-cultural skills to help non-native English speaking adults learn the value of the English language. She believes learning English can help adult students find a sense of confidence, hope, and home, for the purpose of feeling a part of American society.
FAQs
Yes. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Each 9-week class meets for 5 hours per week and is $450.00 plus books. Tuition is due in full before the first day of class.
If there is another class at your level that meets on a different day or at a different time, you can make the class up by arranging it with the director or the teachers involved. The class must be made up in the same month as the missed class. If there is not another class at your level, you can attend a Friday conversation or writing class, but arrangements must be made in advance.
Our goal is at least 5 and no more than 10. Occasionally, a class may have 12 students, but that is the highest number allowed.
First, our teachers and staff really care about the students and are willing to give students personal attention.
Second, as far as we know, no other school in the Atlanta area is providing such a well-rounded program for part-time students. If you join one of our levels (0-14), you will study grammar, reading/writing, vocabulary/idioms, and speaking/listening. Pronunciation is also emphasized in all of our levels. Generally, students have 3 different books which they work in each and every class.
Third, we are making every effort to deliver dynamic classes that make learning fun, not just follow a text book.
To participate in our group classes, students must be at least 18. Those under 18 are invited to enroll in private classes.
The minimum requirement for our teachers is a Bachelor’s degree and post-secondary teaching experience in the field of English or English as a Second Language. Many of our teachers have Master’s degrees.
The session length used to be 14 weeks, but this has changed. We have added an extra hour per week to our classes, stopped all the week-long interruptions of following the Cobb County calendar, and shortened the session to 9 weeks.
If you join one of our levels (0-14), you will study grammar, reading/writing, vocabulary/idioms, and speaking/listening. Pronunciation is also emphasized in all of our levels. Generally, students have 3 different books which they work in each and every class.
If you feel that you have gaps in your English language learning and could benefit by taking another level below your current level, it is fine to sign up for two levels. You are also able to add a Friday conversation and/or writing class if available at your level. And, of course, private instruction is always available to supplement your group classes.
It’s possible if your level matches the available classes. See the above question.
We offer conversation classes on Fridays from 9:30 – 11:30 am. This is a great way to give you more speaking practice and to get individual feedback from your teacher.
We offer group classes on demand. In addition, TOEFL Preparation is always available through private instruction.