Chi siamo?

Director and a Teacher at the Comitato Promotore della Lingua Italiana (CPLI) – Italian Language School, Ms. Cortese holds a Doctorate of Education and Policy Studies and a Master Degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Education. Ms. Cortese has taught Italian and ESL, K to University level for over 20 years. Her work in research includes English/Heritage language (HL) acquisition and teaching methodologies. She proudly shares the work and teaching done at the CPLI at various conferences and with international colleagues. She has been the Director and a Teacher at the CPLI since its inception in 2008.

Ms. Arianna Piccinin returns to CPLI after having started with us in 2015!  Born in San Vito al Tagliamonte in the region of Veneto, we are happy  to welcome her back! Having taken various courses in Art she is  excited to create opportunities and take part in children's Italian language learning skills having had her 4 children in the CPLI program when it first started in 2008. Her goal is to shine a light on her belief that "Our children are our greatest teachers and that we need to appreciate their ability to have no limitations on their creatvitiy and enthusiasm in demonstrating it."

Originally from Rome, Italy, Ms. DeRosa was born in Rome, Italy and raised in a bilingual/bicultural Italian-Canadian family. She has worked with  and taught children and adults in Rome, London, Madagascar, and Greece. Educatonally, her specializations are in Classical Studies, Greek, Latin, Anthropology and Swahili. She is an avid reader with a passion for languages. Her goal is to inspire children to explore and experience the richness of their unique cultural heritage by stimulating their curiousity through creativity and fun.

Mrs. Enza Talarico is a Teacher and has been with the  CPLI since 2012. Mrs. Talarico has participated and continues her coursework undertaking Professional Development courses in the area of Heritage Language Teaching and is also an Assistant Administrator at the CPLI. Mrs. Talarico moved to Canada from Italy at age 9 with her family in 1975. She has been an active member within the Italian community for over 20 years, most notably as a Board Member with the Italian Appennini Dancers.  

Ms. Mestriner is originally from Milan, Italy. After studying Human Sciences she moved to the UK to live abroad, improve her English and learn more about living in a multicultural country. During her five years there, she worked with children in various child care environments while living with local families and enrolled at university. She holds a BA degree in Education Studies from University of Worcester and the Cambridge CELTA qualification to teach EFL. She came to Canada recently and we are excited to welcome her to the CPLI Teaching Team. She brings her passion and dedication for assisting in the development of young minds through language teaching. As she says - ‘I love watching kids learn and have fun while doing it. I love how they remind me to always have a curious mind and it is beautiful to be part of their amazement of discovery, learning and achievement.’ 

Originally from Padova, Italy, Ms. Dell'Aversana is educated in the Arts with a background specifically in Cultural Heritage. She has worked extensively in several art galleries and conducted Art Education programming. She moved to Canada in 2021. As she expresses, "I am fascinated by the multiculturalism that exists in this country" and looks forward to continuing her journey in Edmonton, Alberta.  Her goals as a teaching team member of the CPLI, "to bring her knowledge (and love) of the Italian language and affection for working with children."

Ms. Rajwinder Kaur brings her passion for fostering community connections and empowering individuals of all abilities to her role at CPLI Scuola. Rajwinder brings her committment to creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Her expertise includes working with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, leading innovative programs such as ESL at CSS, and collaborating with organizations that serve several cultural groups.

Rajwinder's work at CPLI Scuola focuses on building bridges through education, communication, and community integration. She believes that every individual has the right to learn, grow, and connect in ways that empower them to succeed in both personal and professional life.