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!

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!

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!

Sofia Besosa

I am a bilingual educator with an MA in Special Education who has been working in the neurodiverse community for the past 10 years in her home country DR and SF, CA. I have a passion for music and truly believe in the power of being bilingual to create a more inclusive community.

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

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.

Carla Orellana

Carla Orellana is a native Spanish-speaking artist, mentor and teacher. She was born in Venezuela to a Colombian mother and a Salvadoran father, with heritage that includes an Indian grandfather. Carla creates a welcoming atmosphere that fosters a deep appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity in all its forms. Her true magic shines when she works with children. She brings a loving presence and creates a contagiously playful and spontaneous atmosphere in her classes. Get ready to embark on a joyful journey of learning through music with Carla!

Carla Orellana

Carla Orellana is a native Spanish-speaking artist, mentor and teacher. She was born in Venezuela to a Colombian mother and a Salvadoran father, with heritage that includes an Indian grandfather. Carla creates a welcoming atmosphere that fosters a deep appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity in all its forms. Her true magic shines when she works with children. She brings a loving presence and creates a contagiously playful and spontaneous atmosphere in her classes. Get ready to embark on a joyful journey of learning through music with Carla!

Vivian Torres

Vivian Torres is originally from Argentina and Miami. She is a professional violist and educator with a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in music performance. Vivian is also passionate about teaching people to change their lives through moving with ease, as a nationally certified Alexander Technique teacher. She also teaches viola to teens and adults. She cannot wait to inspire children to move and sing in Bilingual Birdies classes, where her passions for her culture, music and movement can combine.

Šara Stranovsky

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.