Faculty and Staff
Department Chair | Dept. Administrative Aides | Full-time Faculty | Part-time Faculty
Department Chair
Email: ivonne.bruneau-botello@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3993
Office Location: Rockville Campus, MT-429A
Biography
Prof. Ivonne Bruneau-Botello is the new appointed chair for the World Languages and Philosophy department. Prof. Botello spent the last ten years teaching Spanish on the Takoma/Silver Spring campus; seven of them as the Humanities Department chair. Prof. Botello has over 12 years of solid work experience in curriculum development, research, teaching, and translations as well as interpretation in addition to working as a journalist for over 8 years. She currently serves on the Advisory Board of the MA track in Hispanic Applied Linguistics (HAL) at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is also a Board member of the Maryland Foreign Language Association (MFLA). At the College, she served as a board member of the Montgomery College International Studies Program. She also served as member of the TP/SS Campus Council, the TP/SS Students Services & Success Council, the General Education Restructure and Transform Committee, the Closing the Achievement Gap Task Force Steering Committee, and the Collegewide general education review for World Languages, among other committees. She earned a MA in Second Language Acquisition and Application (SLAA), University of Maryland, College Park a BA in Journalism, University of Panamá, and an Economic Journalism Certificate, Florida International University (FIU). Prof. Botello is member of the Sigma Delta Phi Honor Society, and former fellow from the Thomas A. Jefferson Academic Fellowship. Before working as a Full-time faculty at the College, she taught Spanish at the School of Languages, Literature, and Cultures in the University of Maryland, College Park and as an adjunct, at the MC Rockville campus.
Educational Background
MA, in Second Language Acquisition and Application, from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
Department Administrative Aides
Full-time Faculty
Email: eddy.enriquezarana@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-4441
Office Location: Rockville Campus, MT-409
Biography
Eddy Arana joined the Montgomery College faculty in spring 2017. He has taught at
several institutions: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), the Pennsylvania
State University, Catholic University, United States Air Force LEAP Program, Montgomery
College, German Language School Washington, D.C., and Die Vereinigte Kirche (United
Church, D.C.). He has also worked as an independent consultant in translation, interpretation,
curriculum development, textbook publishing and editing, political and cultural analysis,
as well as in intercultural competence training since 2000.
Professor Arana has studied at the University of Bonn, Germany; University of Salzburg,
Austria; University of Alcalá de Henares, Spain; University of Ouagadougou, Burkina
Faso, and the Institute du Touraine in Tours, France. He is a passionate teacher and
learner of foreign languages. He is working on his fourth language, French, and is
contemplating a fifth: Hindi-Urdu, Arabic or Farsi.
Professor Arana regularly presents course materials and best teaching practices at
local, regional, national, and international professional organizations and conferences.
He has co-authored the teacher's edition of a first-year Spanish language and culture
textbook: Ritmos in 2012. Professor Arana was a contributing author to the Atlantic
Council's 2015 publication Through a New Prism: A Next Generation Strategy for the U.S.-German Relationshipnew window. In 2017, he was the sole author of Duolingo's smartphone app published and adapted
to the first-year German textbook Treffpunkt Deutsch (Pearson).
Eddy Arana was recognized for excellence in teaching in 2013 and 2014 during his tenure
at NOVA. His research interests include second/third language acquisition and teaching,
curriculum and instruction, the construction of identity and nation through language
in German-speaking Europe, and Spanish bilingualism/heritage language maintenance
in the U.S, issues of language policy in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Europe.
Professor Arana also serves as Coordinator of the Honors Internship Program for the Paul Peck Humanities Institute (PPHI). In 2020, he founded the Intercultural
Learning Series (ILS) and collaboratively designs interdisciplinary programming with
colleagues from the PPHI, World Languages and Philosophy, including Study Abroad and
International Education and MCTV.
When not teaching, Professor Arana enjoys films, traveling abroad, and international
cuisine.
Email: cristina.butler@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7389
Office Location: Rockville Campus, MT-403
Biography
Professor Cristina D. Butler earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language, Literature and Cultures and her Master of Arts in Spanish Literature. She has taught at the University of Maryland as a teaching assistant, and as an adjunct professor at Trinity University in the District of Columbia. She has been teaching at Montgomery College since 2006, first as an adjunct professor and then joining the World Languages and Philosophy Department as an Assistant Professor in 2008. Her research interests include Spanish Caribbean and colonial and Latino literature.
Email: christopher.collins@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7427
Office Location: Rockville Campus, MT-405
Biography
Professor Collins earned his M.A. in philosophy at West Chester University; he taught philosophy courses there as well as at Montgomery County Community college in Pennsylvania. He is interested in multiculturalism and specializes in the thought of John Dewey. Professor Collins also teaches at a local high school.
Email: christina.gentile@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7425
Office Location: Rockville Campus, MT-417
Biography
Professor Gentile holds an M.A. in Romance Languages & Literature (Italian and Spanish) from the Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. with a double major in Romance Languages & Literature as well as a Citation in Renaissance Studies from the University of Maryland at College Park. She has taught Italian and Spanish at Montgomery College since spring 2007. In addition to teaching, Prof. Gentile is also a freelance translator and interpreter and has worked for National Geographic Television and Film, the Library of Congress, and the United States Postal Service among other translation companies.
Teaching Philosophy
I teach Italian and Spanish at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. I am always happy to talk about our world languages courses and consider career paths that utilize language skills. Whether you’d like to major or minor in a world language, are considering how studying a language could benefit your career path, or need help navigating course requirements and which core will best meet your academic and professional goals, we’ll work together to set you on the right path!
Biography
Before joining Montgomery College, Prof. Grindstaff had over 35 years of experience teaching American Sign Language (ASL) at Gallaudet University, McDaniel College, and at the Maryland School for the Deaf. Prof. Grindstaff holds a Master of Arts in ASL Linguistics from Gallaudet University. She grew up with her Deaf family in Philadelphia. Prof. Grindstaff is a native ASL signer and she is also a proud mother of her three Deaf children.Professor Grindstaff enjoys traveling, learning cultures, exploring foods in different countries, biking and real estate investing. Her favorite escape is at the beach!
Email: roberto.hurtado@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-2354
Office Location: Rockville Campus, MT 415
Biography
Prof. Hurtado holds an M.A. in Spanish Language and Culture from the University of Central Florida as well as 18 graduate credits in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) from the same institution. Before joining Montgomery College, he taught part-time at Seminole State College and Valencia College in the metro Orlando area.
Email: timothy.mcwhirter@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-8026
Office Location: Rockville Campus, MT-404
Biography
Dr. McWhirter specializes in the philosophy of science, ethics, and nineteenth and twentieth century continental philosophy. He has published and presented work internationally and directed two grant funded research projects that focused on sustainability. Professor McWhirter holds a B. A. in philosophy from the University of South Florida and a Ph. D. in philosophy from Florida State University.
Email: auksuole.rubavichute@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7432
Office Location: Rockville Campus, MT 416
Biography
Professor Rubavichute has over 15 years of experience teaching the whole gamut of philosophy and government courses, ranging from Medieval Philosophy to Twentieth-Century Philosophy. She also specializes in ethics and contemporary law, as well as in logic and critical thinking. She earned an M.A. in political philosophy from the University of Dallas, and is currently finishing her dissertation: Aristotle and the Right to Revolution: A Reconsideration of Politics V in light of Nicomachean Ethics III, 1. Professor Rubavichute is expected to receive her Ph.D. from the University of Dallas in December 2016.
Part-time Faculty
All Part-Time Faculty hold their office hours in HU 008 the Evening and Weekend Office.
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 008
Biography
Prof. Vijay Advani started teaching at MC last fall 2023. I graduated from Gallaudet University for BA in education and McDaniel College for MS in Deaf education.
Over 30 years , I began teaching preschool to university. My belief in educating students is a wonderful opportunity.
I am the global presenter as well as I advocate the Deaf community. I am an emcee.
I enjoy teaching the students when they make errors in the sign productions, and I remind them that we are in the safe space. American Sign Language is a clear visual language. It is not a broken English.
Educational Background
BA, education, Gallaudet UniversityMS, Deaf Education, McDaniel College
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 008
Biography
Sean has been teaching deaf and hard of hearing students at a local public high school and an ASL instructor of a continuing professional development course at a local school district for 20+ years. He is a proud alumni of state-sponsored residential high school for the Deaf. As a native ASL signer, Sean is an active member of Eastern Deaf Bikers. His research interests include American Sign Language and Deaf Studies.
Educational Background
MA, Secondary Education for the Deaf, Gallaudet University
BA, Deaf Studies, University of Arizona
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 008
Biography
Erika was born and raised in Seattle, Washington and completed her B.A. in Humanities at Western Washington University. She minored in Latin, Greek, and Classical Studies and spent her summers working at Starbucks in downtown Seattle. Erika then moved to Kentucky to pursue a Masters in Classical Studies at the University of Kentucky and achieve additional certification from the Institute of Latin Studies. She has since lived in Virginia and Japan before moving into the area. Here at Montgomery College, Erika teaches English 101 & 102, Latin 101 & 102, moonlights as an ATPA embedded coach, and serves as Part-Time Faculty Associate and in this capacity looks forward to assisting part-time faculty, departments in her area, and the Part-Time Faculty Institute.Educational Background
- M.A., University of Kentucky
- B.A., Western Washington University
Biography
- Has taught Korean language at Montgomery College since 2015
- Teaching all levels of Korean courses to the US diplomats at the Distance Language Learning Program, FSI since 2016
- Previously, taught the Korean language to the US militaries in DLIFLC (CA & NE) as an assistant professor, and at Wesleyan University in CT.
- Designed and developed instructional RC and LC materials, and DLPT for the US military linguists at NFLC, University of Maryland
Educational Background
M.S. in TESOL, Central Connecticut State University (CT)M.A. in English Linguistics, In-Ha University (South Korea)
B.A. in English Language Education, In-Ha University (South Korea)
Educational Background
MA, University of Maryland, College ParkBA, Universidad de la Costa in Barranquilla, Colombia
Biography
Milvia Hernández has taught at Montgomery College since 2020 and having previously taught in 2009 and 2018. In addition, she teaches at UMBC intermediate courses. At MC she teaches elementary 1 Spanish courses. She has been teaching for 23 years Spanish as a second language and as a heritage language.
Professor Hernandez earned her BA in Educational Psychology from Universidad de la Costa in Barranquilla, Colombia. Then, moved to USA and earned MA in Second Language Acquisition and Application from University of Maryland College Park. In 2022 earned a Graduate Certificate in Language Teaching with Technology from University of Colorado- Boulder. Her research focuses Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) on Team Based Learning (TBL) to enhance the students’ language learning not only for second language learners but also for heritage speakers.
When not in teaching, she loves cooking, walking with her dog and watching movies
and series.
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 008
Educational Background
- Doctor of Modern Languages, Middlebury College
- Diplôme Supérieur du Français des Affaires (Business French Diploma), Chambre de Commerce de Paris
- 2-week Seminar (Spanish for Business), University of S. Carolina, Columbia
- Many seminars and four Studies Abroad to France
Biography
Lidia Krasnov is an Adjunct Two Plus Russian Language and Culture Professor with 38 years of outstanding teaching experience working alongside the World Language and Philosophy Department last 14 years.By focusing on teaching Russian Language and Culture, Lidia has been able to put her Master’s Degree in teaching which she earned at Moscow State Pedagogical University to good use. Lidia is responsible for educating her students on using Russian Language in four different ways, including speaking, reading, listening and writing. Lidia is a powerful force in the area of teaching foreign languages and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage students to work hard and successful.
Lidia is inspired daily by her husband and their two adult daughters. In her free time, Lidia likes to hike with her Labrador Maya, visit her favorite sport club, play the piano, travel during her college breaks and read many books with her grandson.
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 008
Biography
Dr. Mattocci holds a Ph.D. in Italian from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a M.A. in Italian Language and Literature from the University of Pisa (Italy). Prior to joining Montgomery College in 2021, she taught Italian language classes in the Department of French and Italian and the Division of Continuing Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research interests include medieval Italian literature and textual criticism.Educational Background
- Ph.D. in Italian from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- M.A. in Italian Language and Literature, the University of Pisa (Italy).
Office Location: Rockville Campus, MT 423
Biography
Professor Tanner began teaching French at Montgomery College in 2009, and enjoys teaching a variety of courses from FREN101 through FREN202, as well as French Conversation & Grammar and Advanced French. She holds an M.A. in International Education from New York University and a B.A. in French and Education from SUNY and the Université de Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Prior to teaching, she worked for major corporations in the U.S. and Canada, based in Manhattan and at the United Nations, and continues to freelance as a translator and interpreter. Professor Tanner has a passion for global education, and loves introducing her students to the Francophone culture and language, and to the many doors that can be opened by speaking another language.
Teaching Philosophy
Making the language come alive, making it real, is the best way to summarize my teaching philosophy. Whether through impromptu dialogues, cultural presentations, famous quotations, or listening to music lyrics, my goal is that students create connections and realize the practical benefits and fun of cultural understanding and learning the language.
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 008
Biography
Prof. Thigpen grew up in Bay Area, Calif. He moved out in Eastern and lived in Maryland for 19 years and his dream came true during his late age as he graduated from Gallaudet University in ASL/Deaf Studied and Linguistics. My career has been ASL/Linguistic for 25 plus years. He loves and enjoys his work and job.
Biography
After previously teaching and studying in Scotland, Professor Deryn Thomas joined the Department in 2024. She currently teaches courses in Introductory Philosophy.
Deryn completed her Ph.D. in Philosophy at the University of St. Andrews, where her research focused on the concept and social value of work. She was, and continues to be, especially interested in understanding the relationship between work and the collective goods required for community-building. She also holds an M.Sc. from The University of Edinburgh and a B.A. from Boston College.
Outside of teaching, she lives in Baltimore and works for the Maryland General Assembly as a legislative staffer.
Biography
Born and raised in western Maryland, Joseph Wolfensberger attended college at Mount St. Mary's University, majoring in philosophy, theology, sociology, and criminal justice. Upon the completion of his studies, he entered into Mount St. Mary's Seminary while discerning a potential vocation to the priesthood. After discerning that God was calling him elsewhere, Joseph completed the Master of Arts in Philosophical Studies degree and taught at his alma mater. He is currently teaching philosophy at Montgomery College. In his free time, you can find Joseph attending an Orioles game, behind a drum set, or playing on his bass guitar and lute.
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 008
Biography
Nobue Yamabayashi started teaching at the Montgomery College in 2024.She teaches Elementary Japanese I (JAPN 101). Nobu speaks mostly in Japanese in classes to give students maximum exposure to the language and encourages them to practice Japanese often. She conducts group work activities during the class, so students have ample time to speak and listen to Japanese.
Nobu was born and grew up in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. After graduating from community college in Shizuoka, she came to the US to study abroad and received BA in Communication Arts and MS in Occupational and Adult Education in Oklahoma. She has worked at universities in Japan for 10 years to help international students.
Email: aixiu.zhang@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-643-2288
Office Location: Rockville Campus, Hu 008
Biography
Prof. Zhang has been teaching at Montgomery College since 2006. She has a PhD degree in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.
She received the prestigious "Outstanding Faculty Award" during the 2015-2016 academic
year at Montgomery College. Inspired by the Montessori educational model, Prof. Zhang
helps students learn in ways that bring out the sparkle in their eyes, in meaningful,
creative and authentic interactions. She practices the art of teaching in students'
Zone of Proximal Development (Vygotsky) - the zone where students are fully engaged,
but not overwhelmed or under challenged.
More information on Dr. Zhang's educational backgroundnew window