Hello! Nihao! My name is Riva.
I’m a mom, a language lover, and your partner in building confidence through language. Originally from Taiwan, I received my master’s degree in TESOL from Concordia University, Portland, in 2019.
I teach both English and Mandarin Chinese, and I love helping students build confidence in speaking. Learning a new language can feel challenging at first, but it can also be exciting, empowering, and even fun. I aim to create a classroom where students feel relaxed, supported, and encouraged to try.
In my classes, we focus on real-life communication. We talk about everyday topics, current events, and situations you may encounter in daily life, helping students enjoy the process of learning while building confidence.
Two things I often tell my students are: “The more you speak, the more natural it becomes,” and “We are a team, so let’s support each other.”
Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, working out, learning Japanese, exploring new cafes, and taking time alone to recharge. Being both a teacher and a lifelong learner helps me understand the journey my students are on.
I look forward to meeting you in class!