Staff and Teachers

Franca Riccardi
Director of Language and Cultural Programs
From Busto Arsizio (Varese).
Graduated from Universita' degli Studi di Milano.
She has been teaching for more than 30 years, 20 at the Society.
She plays a pivotal role as the creative and organizational force behind the AIS's events and the school's exceptional programs.
email: franca_riccardi@aisphila.org

Giulia Panarelli
Office Manager, front desk and Language Instructor
From Milano.
Graduated from Universita' degli Studi di Milano with a degree in "Beni Culturali". Starting in 2017, she embarked on a valuable collaboration with the AIS, focusing on the meticulous organization of the Society's archive. Additionally, she played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Landing Library. Her dedication extended to occasional teaching duties as well. She currently holds the position of Office Manager and is responsible for overseeing front desk operations.

Michele Pergola
Language Instructor
From Roma.
Graduated from Universita' La Sapienza di Roma with a degree in Italian Literature. He is an internationally published poet, photojournalist, and fine art photographer.
He has been dedicated to teaching at the AIS across all levels for several years. He is an esteemed member of our staff, serving also as a highly valuable CILS language test administrator.

Alessandra Fumagalli
Language Instructor and Teacher Trainer
From Milano.
Graduated with two Master’s degrees from Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM in Milan.
Currently Italian adjunct instructor at University of Pennsylvania. She has been teaching Italian in the USA since 2012, at University of South Carolina, SC, Drexel University, and at the University of the Arts. She has been dedicated to teaching at the AIS across all levels for several years consistently showcasing her remarkable creativity.

Rosanna Calabrò
Language Instructor
From Varese.
Graduated from Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca: Sociology – Communication and Mass Media. Currently located in London, UK. She has been teaching Italian for 13 years. She has been dedicated to teaching at the AIS across all levels for several years but mostly intermediate and advanced classes, where her outstanding patience and welcoming energy have made her an integral part of our educational team. She ha been involved in many projects, last but not least a special Cinema class for our students and members.

Claudio Saracino
Head of Liaison for CILS Program, Teacher Trainer, and Language Instructor
From Potenza.
Graduated from the University of Siena with a degree in teaching Italian for Foreigners. He currently teaches full time at Franklin Towne Charter High School.
He is the Director of the CILS program and he has proven to be an amazing and invaluable resource for the AIS.

Silvia Luongo
Language Instructor and Liaison for CILS Program for UT in Austin.
From Milano.
Graduated from Università degli Studi di Milano with a degree in teaching Italian for Foreigners. She currently teaches at University of Texas, in Austin.
She has been teaching Italian for 10 year. She has been dedicated to teaching at the AIS across all levels but mostly prep courses for CILS exams. She has been serving as a highly valuable CILS language test administrator in Austin, TX.

Hilary Locorotondo
Language Instructor
From Taranto.
Hilary Locorotondo is an L2 Italian teacher (II level Ditals certified at UNITRASI), psychologist, and psychotherapist in training in Transactional Analysis (PerFormat Specialization School, Pisa branch). She currently carries out projects on cultural and linguistic diversity and inclusion in a perspective focused on resources, trying to limit stereotyping and discrimination and researching new teaching methods to facilitate students' assimilation of the foreign language.

Stefania Baita
Language Instructor
From Bergamo.
Graduated from Università degli studi di Bergamo with a degree in Business Economics. She has 10-year experience in training and coaching. She currently teaches Italian at Drexel University and Penn University in Philadelphia.
She has been dedicated to teaching at the AIS across all levels for several years but mostly intermediate and advanced classes, where her boundless energy and positive attitude make a significant impact.

The America-Italy Society of Philadelphia promotes friendship and cultural understanding between the Republic of Italy and the United States of America