About the Founder
Essia Bouzamondo-Bernstein holds a Ph.D. in Neurovirology from The Pasteur Institute in Paris, where she conducted groundbreaking research under the guidance of Pr. Luc Montagnier, the 2008 Nobel Prize Winner for Medicine and Physiology, renowned for his work on HIV. Before her doctoral studies, Essia earned an M.S. in Biochemistry from CNRS (Central National de La Recherche Scientifique), France, and Paris XI University.
Upon relocating to California, she began her academic journey as a post-doctoral fellow, supported by an NIH grant, and later became a researcher at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). At UCSF, she specialized in prion diseases, working within the laboratory of Pr. Stanley Prusiner, the 1997 Nobel Prize Winner.
Essia's passion for education led her to teach at various educational levels, from college to high school and middle school. She also volunteered her time to teach and coordinate science clubs and language classes in San Francisco and Alameda's schools.
Currently, as the founder and president of Bay Language Academy, Essia has cultivated an institution that initially offered four language options and has since expanded into a multilingual center. At the core of the academy's pedagogy is a commitment to the highest standards of language learning and an appreciation for the rich cultural contexts each language represents. This philosophy is complemented by an artistic component integrated into the curriculum.
Essia assembles a dedicated team of instructors who share her vision of holistic education. Many of these instructors are trilingual and have lived in various countries, immersing themselves in diverse cultures. This diverse team delivers intensive classes for corporate clients and offers a range of language services, including translation, interpretation, and proofreading.
Bay Language Academy's corporate language programs are tailored to help professionals achieve their communication goals, with a strong emphasis on the four pillars of language learning.
With her deep understanding of language mastery, Essia actively listens to her students, guiding them through the learning process. For those seeking certifications and diplomas, she offers access to specialized assessment organizations. The academy also provides SAT, AP, and other exam preparation services. Essia firmly believes in a balanced theory-practice curriculum that is adaptable to each group's unique needs, ensuring learners connect with the language on a profound level.
Bay Language Academy welcomes students as young as 2 years old and as mature as 87 years, with varying exposure levels and abilities. The academy specializes in catering to beginners, intermediates, advanced learners, and anyone in between, making language education accessible and enriching for all.
TESTIMONIALS
Bonjour Madame Essia,
Today I will be backpacking while French class is going so I won't be able to make it to class today. (Fritz won't either). Thank you so much for being an excellent teacher throughout COVID and I will miss having French classes every day during the summer.- Merci beaucoup! Thanks for the nice note, I am so glad to learn that Tibby is doing well in the French class as I think language is truly important to help expand our life, giving us more opportunity to connect with more people and gain more perspective, to make us more open minded and connected.Thank you for giving your heart to teach those students!
- Please thank Ms. Gracie for all of the amazing work, lessons, and support she has provided me so far. She has impacted my learning experience in such a positive way and I am extremely grateful.I wish you both all the best, and thank you again for everything!
I liked the Tuesday class and I felt it was a slightly better pace for me. I am trying to find my rhythm with an at home practice still and so a slower pace is best for me right now. I can not thank you ladies enough for listening to my concerns and being so supportive. I felt understood and cared for and I really appreciate that form you both and look forward to continuing my lessons.
Thank you for your extraordinary leadership and support of the students during this challenging time. I really applaud you and your teachers' dedication in keeping the classes going so consistently during this prolonged shelter in place period.
Hello. Just a quick note to say that Selig is enjoying the classes so far. They are engaging and move quickly. It makes us hopeful of success. Thank you very much l! Catherine G
Loving French. Yes, to fall. Remote class works great. My son got up this morning (on a Saturday) to attend French. He wanted to read and answer more questions in French. So sweet. Love the Monday through Friday daily schedule. Keeps us all on track and regular.
Thank you for a great opportunity.- I want you to know that both of my children love their French classes.I hope that you are able to offer this format over the summer. I would very much like it. Same for the fall next year as I believe the schools are going to be on split schedules. Even if you need to change the time of day....the daily 30-min with homework works great from our perspective.
- Thank you for all of your efforts developing the new protocols that are required for the upcoming school year. I know it has been a tremendously difficult undertaking for you and the teachers.Nicole and I would still like to have the Kids attend the Bay Language Academy next year. We are nervous about the in person classes, as additional classes and students means additional risk of contracting COVID. I imagine that many parents are in a similar mindset. However, we felt that the distance learning was very effective for the kids, particularly after you switched to the 5-day per week, 30-minute per session format.We are most interested in the remote learning options that will be available to the kids next year.
I want to thank you and let you know that Alaia is loving Bay Language Academy Camp. She had really missed interaction with kids and teachers. She is just loving it. She absolutely loves art, and comes home so excited. I hope she has been well behaved and a good listener.
You have a wonderful language program and aftercare set up. We are really excited for our daughter to participate in your programs.
J'ai été accepté, Mme Essia ! J'ai rejoint la Sorbonne dans le cours de lettres, j’ai été accepté en deux, mais je vais choisir Lettres Classiques ! Rien de tout n'aurait été possible sans votre aide pour le DELF! Merci beaucoup beaucoup !!
I will highly recommend your Language Academy to anyone!
We appreciate the foundation you laid for her language skills. Sincerely
Thanks as always for your help and the great learning experience!
Warmly,Sorry for the delay. The courses are great!
We have looked at several after school programs and really feel he would do best with you. You've created an amazing space to learn and grow.
Thank you so much for patiently working with this my son. I wish you and the Bay Language Academy all the best and hope that your programs continue to thrive.
Thank you for accepting my kids into your wonderful program, and showing them a lot of personal love and care. When we come back from Taiwan in 2 years, I want to enroll them back in your program so that they can keep up their Mandarin! Thank you!
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to every staff at Bay Language Academy for the love and support you all have given my boys.Thank you.
Thank you for your kindness, making the adjustment, and reaching out. I think what you all do there is amazing.
So grateful i still have you !! And so happy to see you again tomorrow she was sad to leave today ...
Thank you for allWe've had a wonderful experience so far, and look forward to being back the rest of the week, and then during the year for TK. Thank you!
It was truly a pleasure to meet you and spend time talking with you. Reya and I continued to discuss your kindness and welcoming energy: we really look forward to being part of the community you have created at Bay Language Academy.
Je me suis préparé pour l'AP dans ma classe de français, et j'ai de bonnes notes pour mes exercices d'AP (vous m'avez aidé pendant l'été!)
I am very happy with the progress the kids are making. Thank you.
We very much have enjoyed the Korean class and really like the teacher !
You simply have an awesome program!