As a third-generation Canadian who was born and raised in Vancouver, I have always been surrounded by people who come from different lands and who speak different languages. My family originates from Southern China, and I have much gratitude for the two cultures – Chinese and Canadian – that have shaped who I am.
I became interested in adult education in the early 1990s when I was a volunteer with McGill Students for Literacy, a Frontier College initiative. After I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree, I continued my teaching and learning journey and worked in a variety of settings in China and Canada, including Vancouver Community College and Langara College.
Twenty years later, and I’m still passionate about English language learning and bringing value to every interaction that I have with my clients and learners.
I have a Master of Education degree in TESL from the University of Calgary, a TESOL Diploma from Vancouver Community College, and an ICF-accredited Language Coaching Certificate. For more information, please visit my 
.
Why Spark Language Coaching?
The word “spark” represents light, energy, and inspiration, and these are elements that are important to my work as a language coach.
I love teaching adult English language learners because of the mutual learning and growth that can happen when everything fits. Communicating effectively requires understanding ourselves and the others around us, and there isn’t always enough time in an ESL classroom setting to practice, get feedback, explore and reflect deeply. I made a decision to start Spark Language Coaching so I can support people who need flexible and personalized language learning to improve their English skills. I’ve been told by many of my former students that even after many years of living in Canada and learning English, there are still many confusing moments and questions that arise in every day life in the community and at home. My goal as a language coach is to guide clients to overcome specific communication dilemmas and challenges with confidence and strength.
Passionate, supportive, compassionate and positive
On my first day of English class, Sara welcomed me very warmly and treated me so kindly that I felt at home right away…I was able to feel the atmosphere of love, care and respect in the classroom. For Sara, teaching is about human relationships, understanding others and helping them. Sara has a creative, open and friendly style of teaching; now, I am working as a SEA for the Vancouver School board to help young learners, and I try to remember the most essential things about teaching and learning from my favourite teacher: being passionate, supportive, compassionate and positive.
