From the early 90s until 2017, Joe volunteered as a teacher, a member of the Board of Directors and the marketing arm of ELC.  Before the widespread use of Facebook and other social media sites, Joe managed the distribution of thousands of flyers each semester to supermarkets, laundromats, restaurants and other neighborhood businesses. When the task became overwhelming, Joe taught students how to distribute the flyers. Joe brought more than 500 new students to our program.

Bud was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania and has been in Denver since 1972. As one of the English Learning Center's founders, Bud continues to go above and beyond by continuing to teach classes!

Bud enjoys dogs, walking, biking, gardening and teaching ELS. His favorite time of the year is spring, because that's when the world comes alive.

Liz was the administrator of our school in its early days and one of the first teachers to sign up for our first program. Liz continued to teach classes for an additional 15 years as a volunteer and was always doing the extra things that made the school successful.  She was inspired by the need for English language education for adults in the Denver area.  In her tenure, she taught more than 450 students.

Pat has devoted thousands of volunteer hours to our school. Teaching, training, designing curriculum, preparing lesson plans, testing students and new ideas as well as planning moves and even finding us new space.  Always the go-to person for questions and advice, ELC is a reflection of her dedication and contributions. We are proud to honor Pat as a lifetime member of the Best of the Best at our school.  Thank you for all you have done.

Burna was born and raised in Ironwood, Michigan. She has been in the Denver area for 32 years and enjoys hiking, playing the piano, baking bread, line dancing and Tai Chi!

Her favorite English word is “copacetic” because it’s used almost exclusively in the United States (and she likes the way it sounds.)

Another volunteer who was instrumental in the school’s early days was Marianne Woodward.  During her 20-plus years in the classroom, she often got involved with her students’ personal lives.  Marianne accompanied one student to court for immigration hearings, taught another how to drive, and hosted two students in her home until they could find a permanent residence in Denver.  She has also visited a number of her students in their native countries.  She was a model for how to respectfully honor our students and provide assistance in so many ways.