MEET OUR TEACHERS
Larissa Sotnikova is the founder of Russian 4 Kids. She is a passionate and dedicated educator with 30-years’ experience of teaching languages to students of all ages and levels.
Larissa started her carrier as a University Professor in Russia where she was known for her rigorous but fun teaching style, her students’ rapid learning curve, and her ability to demonstrate dramatic results within the first few months of teaching. She is a published author of student textbooks and teaching methodologies in Russia.
As much as Larissa enjoyed working with teenagers and young adults, she found her true passion when she started working with kids. In the early 90s, Larissa was asked to teach English to pre-school and elementary school children in the first bilingual school in Pyatigorsk, Russia. Having discovered very few materials for teaching children, most of which were outdated, she started working on developing her own program and teaching method. With the help of a local artist, she created work books, recorded audio courses for home study, designed board games and wrote a methodology for teaching children. The program was a huge success, and she soon opened her own language school where she worked until leaving the country in 1999.
Larissa resumed her work with children at Charles University in Prague, and later, in a Russian bilingual school in Virginia, where she taught, designed curriculum, trained and supervised other teachers as a Program Director. At the moment, Larissa is living her dream of operating a Russian language school for children in the US to help preserve and develop appreciation for Russian language and cultural heritage.
Larissa started her carrier as a University Professor in Russia where she was known for her rigorous but fun teaching style, her students’ rapid learning curve, and her ability to demonstrate dramatic results within the first few months of teaching. She is a published author of student textbooks and teaching methodologies in Russia.
As much as Larissa enjoyed working with teenagers and young adults, she found her true passion when she started working with kids. In the early 90s, Larissa was asked to teach English to pre-school and elementary school children in the first bilingual school in Pyatigorsk, Russia. Having discovered very few materials for teaching children, most of which were outdated, she started working on developing her own program and teaching method. With the help of a local artist, she created work books, recorded audio courses for home study, designed board games and wrote a methodology for teaching children. The program was a huge success, and she soon opened her own language school where she worked until leaving the country in 1999.
Larissa resumed her work with children at Charles University in Prague, and later, in a Russian bilingual school in Virginia, where she taught, designed curriculum, trained and supervised other teachers as a Program Director. At the moment, Larissa is living her dream of operating a Russian language school for children in the US to help preserve and develop appreciation for Russian language and cultural heritage.
Olga Brown is Russian 4 Kids' talented and inspiring music teacher. Olga started her musical training at age seven in Kazan, Russia. In 1980 she graduated from Kazan Pedagogical College as Certified Preschool and Music Teacher. She has had passion to teach and inspire students playing musical instruments and singing for most of her adult life.
She has worked as a Music Teacher, Choir Conductor, and Choreography Studio Accompanist, and an Event Singer for more than 20 years.
Olga’s American experience includes working in Russian Kids’ House Sunday School, MD and VA preschool Centers conducting a choir, performing recitals and staging musicals, as well as giving private piano, violin, and singing lessons to kids age 5 and up.
She also continues her singing career as a member of ParrisTroika Music Band regularly performing for the Russian Community in DC area.
Olga believes that a good musician never stops learning. Her teaching philosophy is to make learning a musical instrument a fun and enjoyable experience. For Olga every child is unique that’s why her lessons are tailored to meet the needs & goals of every student.
She has worked as a Music Teacher, Choir Conductor, and Choreography Studio Accompanist, and an Event Singer for more than 20 years.
Olga’s American experience includes working in Russian Kids’ House Sunday School, MD and VA preschool Centers conducting a choir, performing recitals and staging musicals, as well as giving private piano, violin, and singing lessons to kids age 5 and up.
She also continues her singing career as a member of ParrisTroika Music Band regularly performing for the Russian Community in DC area.
Olga believes that a good musician never stops learning. Her teaching philosophy is to make learning a musical instrument a fun and enjoyable experience. For Olga every child is unique that’s why her lessons are tailored to meet the needs & goals of every student.
Alena Fishman is Russian 4 Kids' wonderful art teacher. Having graduated from the Kiev Arts College with an advanced degree in art, Alena has always been a creative soul, gaining experience in various art forms and projects. She started her career as a designer at the Ukrainian Fashion Development Center. Her models were featured in fashion magazines and shows.
After her move to United States, Alena explored her talents further in designing souvenirs and flower arrangements. She worked as a visual decorator with the nation’s largest retailer, maintaining and creating attractive displays and setting trends for new seasons. In 2010, Alena founded Alena’s Art Studio to teach children different art techniques and encourage them to develop and pursue their talents. For more information about Alena’s Art Studio, please visit www.alenasartstudio.com.
After her move to United States, Alena explored her talents further in designing souvenirs and flower arrangements. She worked as a visual decorator with the nation’s largest retailer, maintaining and creating attractive displays and setting trends for new seasons. In 2010, Alena founded Alena’s Art Studio to teach children different art techniques and encourage them to develop and pursue their talents. For more information about Alena’s Art Studio, please visit www.alenasartstudio.com.