NYC classes are taught by bilingual musicians who are trained in the Bilingual Birdies methodology. Each are native speakers who are super engaging and fun!

NYC classes are taught by bilingual musicians who are trained in the Bilingual Birdies methodology. Each are native speakers who are super engaging and fun!

NYC classes are taught by bilingual musicians who are trained in the Bilingual Birdies methodology. Each are native speakers who are super engaging and fun!

Paulina is an experienced bilingual musician who leads the Spanish Bilingual Birdies concert with energy and enthusiasm. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Yen-Nien is an engaging and knowledgeable teacher who brings Mandarin culture and language to life through interactive activities. Join this session for a delightful educational experience!

Daniel is a talented and passionate teacher who brings Spanish to life through music and interactive activities. Join him for a fun and engaging class!

Amelia is an enthusiastic Spanish teacher who creates a warm, interactive environment for language learning. Come join her for a lively and enriching class!

Daniela Risquez

Daniela Risquez is a singer, early childhood educator specializing in outdoor education, and a children's book illustrator from Caracas Venezuela. She has worked in preschools, education organizations, and has a degree in behavioral analysis. She loves working with kids and performs as a professional singer when she is not making all the kiddos giggle! Dani currently teaches Spanish in Bilingual Birdies Asheville classes and performs in birthday parties, school, and community concerts as part of the program’s performing band of teachers.

Melissa Hyman

Melissa Hyman is a musician, arts educator and mom, originally from the NYC area. She studied French for many years, has a BA in Spanish from the University of Vermont and has lived in Perú and Switzerland. Melissa currently teaches rock band at French Broad River Academy, is the Asheville Music Teacher for Arts For Life (an arts-in-healthcare nonprofit serving children and families facing serious illness), and coordinates the Swannanoa Gathering Children's Program at Warren Wilson College. She also performs with several local bands including The Moon and You, Cowboy Judy, Tina & Her Pony, and Hannah Kaminer & the Wistfuls. Melissa is a longtime singer, songwriter and recording artist who plays and teaches cello, bass, ukulele and guitar. She is thrilled to become part of the Bilingual Birdies family - this program aligns beautifully with her interests, values and skills!

Melissa Hyman

Melissa Hyman is a musician, arts educator and mom, originally from the NYC area. She studied French for many years, has a BA in Spanish from the University of Vermont and has lived in Perú and Switzerland. Melissa currently teaches rock band at French Broad River Academy, is the Asheville Music Teacher for Arts For Life (an arts-in-healthcare nonprofit serving children and families facing serious illness), and coordinates the Swannanoa Gathering Children's Program at Warren Wilson College. She also performs with several local bands including The Moon and You, Cowboy Judy, Tina & Her Pony, and Hannah Kaminer & the Wistfuls. Melissa is a longtime singer, songwriter and recording artist who plays and teaches cello, bass, ukulele and guitar. She is thrilled to become part of the Bilingual Birdies family - this program aligns beautifully with her interests, values and skills!

Šara Stranovsky (French)

Dr. Šara ("Sha-rah") started Bilingual Birdies Asheville to offer Spanish and French and increase diversity for littles in Asheville. She is a trilingual performer from New York City with a BA in Dance, and MA/PhD in Performance and Cultural Studies. She has lived in France, Senegal, Brazil, Cape Verde, and toured on many international stages as a singer, dancer, and puppeteer. When not performing, Šara loves teaching kids to learn about other cultures through years of experience as an arts educator with world renowned institutions such as Lincoln Center, BAM, and beyond. She speaks French, Portuguese, Spanish and some Slovak and teaches both French and Spanish classes for Bilingual Birdies Asheville. She aims to help grow the global bilingual community in Asheville.

Šara Stranovsky (Spanish)

Dr. Šara ("Sha-rah") started Bilingual Birdies Asheville to offer Spanish and French and increase diversity for littles in Asheville. She is a trilingual performer from New York City with a BA in Dance, and MA/PhD in Performance and Cultural Studies. She has lived in France, Senegal, Brazil, Cape Verde, and toured on many international stages as a singer, dancer, and puppeteer. When not performing, Šara loves teaching kids to learn about other cultures through years of experience as an arts educator with world renowned institutions such as Lincoln Center, BAM, and beyond. She speaks French, Portuguese, Spanish and some Slovak and teaches both French and Spanish classes for Bilingual Birdies Asheville. She aims to help grow the global bilingual community in Asheville.