Michael Ward has been teaching English since 2006. He created Fast Forward to provide the opportunity for working professionals to have meaningful and relevant instructions in order to advance their careers. Along with being a celebrated teacher, Mike is a passionate learner and careful listener. His goal is to unlock the potential in every student, to instill them with confidence and to set them on the path to success. In short, to make them fearless. To accomplish this Mike’s classes are primarily conversation based focusing on “real” daily conversations which can be used immediately. This innovative and pedagogical style of teaching has won him accolades from students around the world.
Dr. Meritxell Obiols PhD and professor of Emotional Intelligence and Coaching at the University of Barcelona, is one of the most respected career coaches in Europe. The author of five books on the importance of emotional intelligence and coaching in the workplace, she is the founder and director of her own coaching firm, www.meritxellobiols.com. Meritxell has over 31 years of professional experience and has dedicated her life to helping people find meaning in their profession as well as developing their leadership skills and honing their aspirations for professional excellence.
Sofia Simonetto is from Santos, Brazil and has been teaching English for ten years. Her students have ranged from kids to seniors, and she takes great pride in helping them achieve their English language goals. Sofia is organized, understanding and enthusiastic about her work. She fits perfectly into the Fast Forward family.
Tamusi Mosidze, Fast Forward’s Business Manager, was born in Tbilisi, Georgia. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in auditing and accounting. She worked for 9 years in an ambulatory clinic, first as an accountant and then as a financial manager. Last year, after getting married, she relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She began working for Fast Forward soon after arriving. Along with her Business Manger duties, Tamusi is also a conversation partner. In this role, she enjoys meeting various people from all over the world and loves learning about their goals and aspirations. It is her great pleasure to help the students achieve their language goals.
Renata Barboza Ferraz lives in São Paulo/ Brazil. She is a lawyer practicing civil law. Renata has always been passionate about writing which led her to a second career in digital marketing. She enjoys helping companies to express themselves in a humane and truthful way with their customers. In addition to her legal education, Renata has always delighted in studying English. In fact, it was during an exchange program in Philadelphia that she met Mike Ward, Fast Forward’s founder. While studying at the Kaplan International Center, Renata developed skills that she continues to use today. Because of her experience abroad, she is an enthusiastic supporter of studies, especially languages, for the freedom and autonomy that speaking a second language provides. Renata also loves traveling and connecting with new people and cultures.
Magda Carvahlo, who lives in Sao Paulo, holds a degree in Pedagogy (with a specialization in Neurolinguistics) from Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas. In addition, she studied English at the University of Pennsylvania and has a master’s degree in English from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.Magda is certified in TESOL along with TOEFL and IELTS instruction.
As a TOEFL and IELTS teacher, Magda believes that speaking English is one of several skills necessary to do well in the exam. She understands that there are many details that are important to study, so effort and commitment are essential to sharpen student’s skills and accomplish the desired certification score.
Victoria Ramalho has been Fast Forward’s Marketing and Sales Manager in Brazil since June 2019. In addition, she is responsible for customer support, new student evaluation and talent acquisition. In addition to her administrative duties, she serves as moderator for conversation groups and is also a conversation partner for private sessions. Victoria studied Journalism, has taken courses in Digital Marketing and is always willing to help. She is fluent in English and, of course, Portuguese.
Meredith Hansbury, Originally from Marin County California, she is currently living in Modena, Italy.
Meredith has a degree in Viticulture and has worked in several industries both in the US and abroad and loves language, culture, travel, and wine.
She currently teaches English to students of all ages and abilities, which allows her to immerse herself in the community. In her free time, she loves exploring Italy by train and enjoying an aperitivo with friends in the city center.
Mia Tamburrino holds a master’s degree in vocal performance and vocal pedagogy. She is also certified in Teaching English and is a Diction Coach as well. In addition, Mia is fluent in Spanish, Italian and English. As a performer for many years, Mia understands the practice and consistency it takes to learn a new skill. Through this experience, she also understands the confidence required when it comes to showcasing that new skill. Mia has 7+ years of instructional experience and has taught English in the US and Europe. As an educator, Mia has worked with students of all ages, backgrounds, and levels. Mia considers herself to be positive, creative, and easy to talk to. She can’t wait to start working with you in meeting your English Language goals!
Ilaria Selmani, was born in Albania, but she grew up in Venice, Italy. Ilaria speaks six languages, holds a bachelor degree in Foreign Languages Studies at Ca’ Foscari University and is currently completing a dual master’s degree in Management and Global Marketing at the University of Modena e Reggio Emilia.
Ilaria works as a business developer executive in Barcelona - Spain, and is specialized in strategic partnerships. She is Fast Forward’s Marketing manager: her role is based on spreading the voice of Fast Forward through different channels and developing the activity of the company. Ilaria’s strongest belief is “Having a second language is having a second soul”, which best represents her bicultural being.