Staff - Sophie Scholl Schule

School Director	Daniela Boyce Director, teacher Born: Linz, Austria I studied International Business and Languages (English, French and Spanish) at the University of Linz, Austria and the Universities of Fribourg and Geneva, Switzerland and worked in the financial centers of London and Zurich as a Client Relationship Manager in Custody Banking and Brokerage for more than 10 years. We moved to Portland in 2012, and it was here that I began to tutor German privately and later on teach German at Sophie Scholl Schule (Level B1/Advanced teens). My favorite hobbies are reading, arts & crafts, travelling, visiting the Oregon coast and attending classes at the Bar Method. I truly enjoy being connected to the German-speaking community here in Portland and to help our learners young and old to improve and perfect their German language skills. I have been Director since June 2018 and hope to continue the success of Sophie Scholl Schule in the near future.
	School Staff
	Frances Bland

	Angelika Gorman I grew up in Germany but have been living in Oregon since 1991. While I was a teaching assistant at Portland State University, I discovered the joy of teaching my native language. Since then, I have taught German classes at various language levels, mostly to adults but also to children and teens. In my classes, I stress speaking and lively role-play while making sure the students acquire a solid grammar base. I hold Master’s Degrees in both History and German, and my love of history carries over into my classes. I enjoy incorporating historical knowledge and German culture into my teaching while letting myself be guided by the interests of the class.
	Verena Hutter Originally from the Lake Constance region in Germany, I hold an M.A. and PhD. in German from the University of California, Davis. I’ve taught all levels of German, and am excited about the enthusiasm learners bring to Sophie Scholl Schule. Learning a new language means learning about a new culture and ultimately oneself. I stress reading and writing, but ultimately the student’s ability to express themselves and find joy in German is paramount.
	Vera Jackson
	Heather Kalowsky I began my German studies as a high school freshman and since then German language and culture have become a large part of who I am. I have a BA in German Studies from Lewis & Clark College and an MA in German from University of Colorado. I also have an MA in TESOL from Portland State University. I have been teaching German to adults for over well over a decade. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with younger learners here who bring their own gifts (and challenges!) to the language learning process.
	Imke Melles
	Iris Noack I bring my aesthetic as a trained graphic artist to my Saturday classes as well. My students can expect readings and worksheets, but also a lot of hands-on learning: maybe we’ll write a play to go with the story we read, or crafts that tie in to the topic. I grew up in Heidenheim, and lived in Ulm, but particularly enjoy Oregon’s natural beauty. When travelling, I always have my camera with me.
	Stefanie Noack
	Bettina Rebaum
	Susan Schlesinger


	School Steering Team
	Dieter Cohrs, Chair (parent)
	Angelika Gorman, Secretary (teacher) I grew up in Germany but have been living in Oregon since 1991. While I was a teaching assistant at Portland State University, I discovered the joy of teaching my native language. Since then, I have taught German classes at various language levels, mostly to adults but also to children and teens. In my classes, I stress speaking and lively role-play while making sure the students acquire a solid grammar base. I hold Master’s Degrees in both History and German, and my love of history carries over into my classes. I enjoy incorporating historical knowledge and German culture into my teaching while letting myself be guided by the interests of the class.
	Iris Noack, Treasurer (teacher) Sophie School Schule co-founder Iris Noack was a longtime teacher at the German International School. She originally got involved as a parent of 2 bi-lingual students to keep their German heritage and language alive. She has taught adults as well as grade schoolers, and has many years’ experience with summer camp. Her background is in Graphic Design and she has run her own Design company for over 20 years.
	Anthony Sutherland, MBA, Fundraising chair (parent) Anthony applies his background in finance and business management to his role as school treasurer, as when he helped to establish a professional budgeting process for the program. He has always been interested in German culture and history. He is the parent of a German immersion student and active in German school activities, and is gratified that the program is growing in a way that supports his son’s academic needs.
	Bernd R. Ferner Ed.D., Chair of the Zeitgeist NW Education Board Sophie School Schule co-founder Dr. Bernd Ferner is an Associate Professor at PSU’s Graduate School of Education. His teaching & research focuses on World Language Methods, Action Research and Multicultural Education. He has served German Saturday schools boards since 2005 and has established German immersion afterschool programs for adults and middle school students. Holding degrees in education and teaching credentials from Portland State as well as the University of Education (Paedagogische Hochschule) Freiburg, Germany, Bernd has taught grade school at the German American School of Portland and at secondary Schools in Worms and Saarbruecken.

School Staff

School Steering Team