About CELS
Our Mission
Calgary Essential Language Solution (CELS) is a language school committed to meeting the unique learning needs of internationally trained as well as Canadian-born professionals.
Our approach to language instruction goes beyond basic communication skills, fostering both linguistic proficiency and intercultural competence.
We offer high-quality programs designed to immerse students in authentic, real-world materials that reflect Canada’s diverse society.
Meet Dr. Alisa Zavialova, Founder & Executive Director
Alisa Zavialova, PhD is an accomplished professional with over a decade of experience in second language education and newcomer integration sectors.
Alisa completed her graduate studies in Applied Linguistics and TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. Since then, she has held a variety of roles including teaching, curriculum development, and program management in both tertiary and community-based educational settings. Throughout her teaching career, Alisa has been witnessing challenges faced by many immigrant professionals who struggled to achieve the required level of English proficiency and lacked the essential soft skills for building successful careers and lives in Canada. Motivated by her passion for helping immigrants succeed, Alisa founded Calgary Essential Language Solutions (CELS). Alisa’s vision is to create high-quality language training programs for newcomer professionals and bridge the critical gap in second language education in Canada.Alisa relocated to Calgary in 2022 and is happy to call this beautiful city her new home, where she lives with her husband and two dogs.
Meet Our Team
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Lorelei Lachambre, ESL Instructor
Lorelei Lachambre holds a Master of Counselling degree from the University of Calgary and is currently employed there as a Career Counsellor in the Faculty of Graduate Studies. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as an Additional Language from the University of Saskatchewan.
Lorelei has taught Intermediate English since 2018 through Southeast College in Saskatchewan and Bow Valley College in Calgary. She is thrilled to continue teaching English through Calgary Essential Language Solutions. With a background in social work, Lorelei is passionate about helping students find their voice.
Originally from Saskatchewan, she moved to Calgary in 2021 with her husband and 3 children. Lorelei enjoys volunteering with the Making Changes Association and is on the Board of Directors for the University of Calgary Alumni Association.
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Jason Andrews, ESL Instructor
Jason Andrews is an educator and applied researcher with over a decade of experience in postsecondary education. He has taught English for Specific Purposes and TESOL at Bow Valley College, where he also co-developed government-funded “Job-Ready” programs and contributed to a national Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) microcredential initiative.
Currently the Associate Program Director and Internship Coordinator for City University of Seattle’s MEd in Leadership program in Calgary, Jason has led curriculum and policy projects at Sundance College and supported faculty development through conference presentations and professional committees. His research explores transformative leadership, educational policy, and language education, and he is completing his Doctor of Education at the University of British Columbia.
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Galyna Salyzhyn, ESL Instructor & CELPIP Trainer
Galyna Salyzhyn is a certified ACE TESOL instructor with a Master’s degree in Translation and Interpretation Studies and a strong background in international relations. She has over 15 years of teaching experience in both university and language school environments.
Since 2022, Galyna has served as Lead Teacher for the Survival English Program for Ukrainian newcomer evacuees, a program that has helped over 6,000 newcomers improve their language skills and integrate into Canadian life.
She has also developed a CELPIP preparation course and successfully taught four cohorts for UCC-APC. Her student-focused approach, cultural sensitivity, and deep expertise make her classes both effective and empowering.
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Vera Limonova, ESL Instructor
Vera Limonova is a passionate language instructor dedicated to supporting her students and helping them strengthen their language skills. She earned her master’s degree in Curriculum and Pedagogy from the University of Toronto and holds certifications from TESL Canada and TESL Ontario. Having been working in education since 2009, she has taught a wide range of language levels and English programs, including LINC, ESL, EAP, and ESP.
Throughout her career, Vera has worked with both non-profit organizations that provide language classes for newcomers and several international language schools. While the institutions and settings may have varied, what has never wavered is her genuine commitment to supporting students, helping them achieve their goals, and adapting curriculum and teaching methods to meet their needs.
In 2020, Vera relocated from Ontario to Calgary, where she has been actively exploring the province ever since.
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Abby Popowich, ESL Instructor & IELTS Trainer
Abby Popowich is an adult educator with over two decades of teaching experience. She spent four years teaching overseas in Asia and the rest of her time in Calgary in both the private and public sectors. She holds two degrees. The first in English Literature from the University of Saskatchewan and the second in Business Administration and Human Resources from the University of Lethbridge. Throughout her teaching career, she has worked with students ranging in age from 12 to 80 from a large variety of backgrounds in both the private and public sectors.
Throughout her time in the ESL industry, she has become proficient in preparing students for the IELTS test, Cambridge ESOL exams, and Duolingo exams. Her approach to test preparation has achieved an 85% success rate by focusing on all the skills necessary for success and providing a clear understanding of what each exam entails. At Bow Valley College, she developed an online IELTS course to help healthcare workers fast-track their accreditation in their respective fields.
In addition to her time as an ESL instructor, Abby teaches soft skill classes at CDI College. Here she has stressed the importance of developing soft skills, business writing and resume preparation to over 2,000 students during her five years with the college.
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Audrey Senave, French Language Instructor
Audrey Senave holds a Master’s degree in French as a Second Language from the University of Grenoble in France. She spent over a decade teaching French literature to high school students before immigrating to Québec, where she began working in francisation programs for newcomers.
Audrey has taught French to adult learners at various levels through the Alliance Française of Calgary and currently teaches at La Cité des Rocheuses. She is passionate about helping students discover the richness of the French language and culture, and also works as a professional proofreader.
Originally from France, Audrey moved to Canada in 2016 with her family. After living in Québec, a trip to Alberta inspired her to relocate permanently to Calgary. She volunteers as the Secretary of the Board for the Cinemagine Association and enjoys hiking and traveling to explore new cultures.
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Yevheniia (Jane) Zachepa, Digital Marketing Coordinator
Yevheniia Zachepa is a digital marketing specialist with over 7 years of experience in SEO, SMM, paid advertising, website management, and marketing analytics. Yevheniia began her career in 2017 as a content marketing assistant. Just three months in, she discovered a lasting passion for digital marketing—a field that lets her combine creativity with analytical thinking. Since then, she has developed and executed comprehensive digital strategies across websites, social media platforms, and ad campaigns, helping businesses strengthen their online presence and attract new clients. She thrives on creating compelling content and solving complex marketing challenges—especially those that seem impossible at first glance.
She currently manages a 1,600-page website during the workweek—strategizing, optimizing, and ensuring performance across all digital touchpoints. On weekends, you'll likely find her scaling Canadian peaks over 2,500 meters high.