With an Honors BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies from the University of Alberta, Elma is a passionate educator and seasoned polyglot who has dedicated her career to helping students discover the joy of learning languages and exploring new cultures. Born in Europe and shaped by its rich linguistic and cultural diversity, she spent her formative years immersed in a multilingual environment before immigrating to Canada as a teenager. It was there that she began learning both English and Spanish, sparking a lifelong passion for language acquisition and cultural connection.

Elma’s professional journey has included impactful roles as a cultural liaison with Canadian non-governmental organizations and the Canadian Armed Forces, where she developed a strong foundation in communication and cross-cultural engagement. These experiences have deeply informed her teaching philosophy and commitment to supporting learners from diverse backgrounds.

Elma draws on her international background and professional experience to create inclusive, engaging, and empowering learning environments. Whether in the classroom or in community settings, she is driven by a sincere passion for helping students build confidence, embrace new perspectives, and develop the language skills that open doors to opportunity and understanding.