The FIAF Preschool Staff
All FIAF Preschool teachers are native French speakers with degrees in early childhood education. They have comprehensive experience in working with toddlers in multicultural and multilingual environments. They are regularly evaluated, trained, and supervised by specialists in early childhood education.
Anne Bellec
Director of FIAF Preschool
Mme. Bellec was raised in Versailles, France, and has lived in the United States for more than 20 years. She attended business school both in France and the U.S. and earned an MBA in International Management from the University of Dallas. After holding marketing and sales management positions in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, Mme. Bellec decided to change careers and go into education. In the years since, Mme. Bellec has taught French at EFNY, Education Française à New York, the Garden House School, and FIAF (à petits pas, programs for Kids and Teens). She also has many years of experience teaching French as a second language to both children and adults. Mme. Bellec is married to an American and has two children, ages 10 and 17, who she has raised in New York City.
Soledad Rodas
Educational Director
Ms. Rodas was born and raised in Lyon, France. She has an advanced degree in Education from the University of Lyon. She worked as a preschool and elementary teacher for more than ten years in France. She has also taught in the Lycee Francais of Barcelone and has done volunteer work as an educational coordinator in Ecuador. She has collaborated with researchers in the rhythm of the young child and the early learning. During the last ten years she has been teaching French and Spanish in a pre-K program in New Jersey. At FIAF she has taught toddlers, kids, and teens. She aided in the start of the children’s program at FIAF Montclair and has lectured for professional development programs for French teachers.
Emmanuelle Bonin
Assistant Teacher
Ms. Bonin was born in Perigueux in Southwestern France. She grew up in the vibrant city of Lyon. She holds a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education and a diploma for youth leaders. She worked for several years in daycare and recreational centers with children ages 3 months to 14 years old. She has taught at FIAF since 2010 and has worked for the "à petits pas: French for Toddlers" and "Kids and Teens" programs. She is a dynamic, optimistic person who is eager to share French culture and language with children.
Corinne Marchois
Pedagogical Consultant
Mrs. Marchois has 20 years of experience as a preschool teacher. She focused her academic research on the teaching and acquisition of foreign languages in early childhood development. In 2002, she became a Pedagogical Counselor working for the French Ministry of Education and now trains teachers in foreign language instruction for young children. Mrs. Marchois is also a successful author of French and English textbooks for children.