Hello! I'm Eric Breland and I teach American Sign Language or ASL. I teach levels 1-4 and am the only ASL Teacher at LASA.

I began my ASL language learning journey at the age of 13 and am still on that journey today. I believe you never stop learning, growing, and changing as long as you are still alive and breathing. I received my AA in Interpreting for the Deaf from Tarrant County College and my BS in Rehabilitation Counseling with a minor in Chemical Dependency from the University of North Texas. I obtained my teacher certificate through Texas Teachers and am certified to teach ASL, Special Education K-12, and General education 4-8.

I also sponsor Student Council and Archery at LASA.

When I'm not teaching, I enjoy playing games including board, computer, console and table-top games; cooking; poetry (I am a published poet and have toured performing my original poems across the United States); watching football (HUGE Green Bay Packers fan); Netflix binge watching; Sci-Fi; bowling (I bowl in a weekly league); traveling both inside and outside of the US.

¡Saludos! Bonjour! I did my first schooling years in Mexico before I moved to the Rio Grande Valley. I studied 3 years of French in High School where I fell in love with the language and culture. In my college years, I continued to study languages. I first received my Associates in Spanish & English translations. Later, I did my B.A. in Spanish and English from the University of Texas Pan American (now UTRGV) and finished it off by living and studying French and Spanish in France at Université Michel de Montaigne Bordeaux III. I received my teaching certificate in Spanish and French and I have been teaching since 2008. ln 2016 I moved to Austin to teach at McCallum High School. It was around that time that I began to learn German. I am a language learner for life and I am honored to become part of the LASA family!

Salvē! My name is Kayla Hays and I teach all levels of Latin here at LASA. My Latin journey began by tossing stuffed animals across the room in my high school Latin 1 class, and I've loved the language and history of ancient Rome ever since! In high school, I was an enthusiastic participant in TSJCL conventions and Certamen, even earning some high placements statewide in the individual competitions. 

I went on to major in Classics (with a minor in Italian) at the University of Texas at Austin. At UT, I was a teaching assistant for two beginning Latin courses and served as Editor, then President, of our local chapter of Eta Sigma Phi, the Classics Honors Society. 

In my free time, I love cooking, watching anime, and playing video games (Nintendo especially!). I'm really looking forward to meeting you and introducing you to the ancient Roman world!

Hello! こんにちは！

I'm Ms.Karch (Karch sensei). I'm from Tokyo. I have been teaching at LASA for many years. Before coming to LASA I worked at the language school and international schools overseas.

I'm excited to start the new school year and see you soon!

Bonjour! Languages have been one of my greatest passions since childhood. Growing up, I had the opportunity to travel extensively with my family, which sparked my curiosity about different cultures and ways of communicating. Since then, I have visited more than 90 countries and lived in five, experiences that have shaped both who I am and how I approach language learning and teaching.

While living in Europe, I met many fellow polyglots who inspired me and introduced me to different strategies for learning languages effectively. Through my own experience studying and using multiple languages, I have come to believe that language learning is about much more than vocabulary and grammar. It is a way to connect with people, understand different perspectives, and become a true global citizen. I hope to bring that same curiosity and enthusiasm into my classroom and encourage my students to see French as something they can use beyond school.

Music is another important part of my life. I grew up in a musical family with a mother who is also a music teacher, and I have performed in a wide variety of musical settings over the years. When I am not teaching French at LASA, I teach private violin and viola lessons in the Arboretum area.

Outside of teaching and music, I enjoy training my Goldendoodle and spending time outdoors. My husband is from Germany, and together we love trying new restaurants, going hiking, and exploring new places.

I have been teaching languages since I graduated from SMU and returned from studies in Berlin in 2006. My passion for German language, literature, and culture grew out of my time spent with my grandmother, who was born in Berlin in 1942. Outside of teaching English, German, and Italian before coming to LASA, I also took classes to improve my Spanish and Dutch, along with some beginner courses in Mandarin Chinese and French. Languages have been a lifelong passion of mine since I first learned German nursery rhymes from my Oma. Alongside my fascination with languages and cultures, I grew up being very active in marching band and team sports.

Profe Ramírez has taught Spanish at LASA since 2017. He is an award winning filmmaker, clothing designer, and music artist who goes by Miguel St. Michael. He's originally from the Rio Grande Valley and is a heritage learner of Spanish.

He graduated from UT Austin in 2010 with a double major in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish Language Teaching.

Some highlights of his time at UT was being a member of Longhorn Singers, and working as an intern reporter at KXAN Austin News. His production work has been featured on CNN and various international news outlets.

He earned his masters in Spanish Language and Culture from the University of Salamanca in 2021. His thesis is on ""Selena Quintanilla: A Motivational Figure in the U.S. Spanish Language Classroom.""

Profe Ramírez is the former frontman of Son de Rey - a Latin Alternative band who received several accolades including Austin Music Award nominations and a city proclamation.

He launched his solo career as Miguel St. Michael and has since released his full length album ""Entre Luces."" His music has been featured on KUTX, Sun Radio, Future Rootz Lumpen Radio 105.5FM in Chicago, Tejano Nation, and CBS Austin. His visibility also extends internationally, with features in LGBTQ publications such as Out Magazine, Queerty, Vidas Y Colores (MX), and Shangay.com (ES).

He's directed and produced many music videos including “Guapito, Divino” and ""Cumbia Espiritual"" which won “Best Music Video” at the Texas Short Film Festival. His work has also received awards and recognition from Latino Film Market (NYC), Cine Las Americas (ATX), the Atlanta Short Film Festival, and AGLIFF among others.

He enjoys traveling, designing clothing, hanging with friends, and family time with his partner and dog Xóchitl.

Hello！大家好！

I am Zhong Laoshi, and I am delighted to be your Mandarin Chinese teacher. I have had the pleasure of teaching Mandarin Chinese for many years here at LASA, and I am thrilled to be part of this wonderful educational community.

Before joining LASA, I had the opportunity to teach both Chinese and Physics at other public schools, where I gained valuable experience in diverse teaching environments. In addition, my background in higher education and private industry has enriched my teaching style and approach.

Originally from the vibrant city of Guangzhou, China, I bring with me a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and history that spans thousands of years. Growing up in Guangzhou also allowed me to become fluent in Cantonese and gain an understanding of Hakkaness, another fascinating Chinese dialect.

Aside from my passion for teaching, I have a keen interest in traveling, exploring new places, and discovering the beauty of different cultures. When I'm not teaching or traveling, I cherish spending quality time with my family, as they play a most significant role in my life.

I genuinely love teaching and being able to work with students like all of you. I am committed to creating a positive and engaging learning environment where we can explore the wonders of Mandarin Chinese together. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you and having an unforgettable year filled with learning and growth. 欢迎! (Welcome!)