| The Instructors |
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The Directors of Lake Tahoe Institute of English, Boni and Kim LaValley, are the primary instructors.
The LaValleys are uniquely qualified as instructors in this type of personalized, total immersion program designed for adults, especially executives or professionals. Friendly, outgoing people, the LaValleys have traveled to 35 countries outside of the United States, and have participated in language immersion programs themselves. They both have TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certifications and special Certifications in Teaching Business English. They also have numerous university and professional degrees.
Boni and Kim both have a wide variety of business and educational experiences and outside interests that gives them a diversity of experience and knowledge that enhances their ability to provide a total immersion program designed to meet your exact needs and interests.
Boni has her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley. She has minor degrees in French and History. She also has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Systems Engineering, with an emphasis in cross-cultural issues, from California State University Humboldt.
Boni and Kim together owned a chain of six restaurants for 13 years, which they operated together, Boni as the Chief Executive Officer, Kim as the Chief Operations Officer. In the more distant past, Boni also owned and operated a high fashion handbag manufacturing company, SidePocket, Inc., in San Francisco, California. Kim owned and operated a legal data base management service.
The LaValleys travel frequently, and have interests in history, politics, civic affairs, environmental issues, business management, the world economy, literature, and music. They have been involved in a very wide range of informal studies. They also have many hobbies, which they would love to share with you. They love to ski, hike, bike, kayak, swim, relax at the beach, entertain at their home, cook, scuba dive and snorkel, snowshoe, design jewelry, read, sew, dance, and make new friends!
“We guarantee that every client will increase their proficiency in English by many levels, and that they will have one of the most enjoyable times of their lives while learning! Come join us for a week or more to explore beautiful Lake Tahoe and the nearby sights and cities that make the Western United States one of the best tourist destinations in the world. We see ourselves as very friendly and hospitable, and anticipate becoming friends with all our clients.”
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Kim has his Bachelor’s Degrees in International Relations and Comparative Religious Studies from the University of the Pacific. He has his Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. He has practiced law since 1977, with specialties in labor law, human resources, family law and criminal defense law. He has additional studies in Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Business and Project Management. Recently the national Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) certified Kim as a Professional of Human Resource Management (PHR). Kim has also served on local and national boards for Campfire, USA, TOCCATA, and has participated in Rotary International. He also served on the Board of Directors and as a 2-year President of a National Association of franchise restaurant owners (The Papa Murphy’s Franchisee Association).
She has a teaching credential, and is certified to teach grades kindergarten to 12 in English, History, Spanish and Social Sciences. She also has a degree in Fashion Design and additional studies in Alternative Dispute Resolution and Business and Project Management. In addition, Boni has had the important experience of teaching school in Puerto Rico, and has taught at all age levels, from young children to older adults. Boni has also served on the boards of many local community organizations, including CASA, Adoption Horizons, Council on Adoptable Children, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and The Children’s Cabinet. Finally, she occasionally serves as a local tour guide for the Lake Tahoe area.
