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FluencyNow began out of a desire to facilitate international exchange and cultural
understanding. The ability to speak other languages and communicate with people
around the world is beneficial for society as a whole and for each of us as
individuals. The founders believe that the best way to learn a language and develop
fluency is to practice speaking it and to have fun at the same time! “It was the
regular conversational practice that occurred when I was living in South America that
really helped me to solidify my Spanish,” says Rachel Ballard. “Books and CDs were
a start but I only developed confidence when I was forced to speak.
All of FluencyNow’s founders have traveled extensively and enjoy experiencing new
cultures. “All of my most memorable travel experiences have occurred when I’m able
to interact with locals,” says Laura Creasey. “People spend so much time and money
on international trips, why not take the time to learn a bit of a local language in
order to really make the most of it!.” Their hope is that FluencyNow helps clients
have equally rewarding experiences, personal or professional.
About the founders:
Laura Creasey
A native of Boston, Laura graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut and
attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, obtaining a
Masters in international affairs. She lived in Paraguay for 5 years, where she
taught English and worked for a micro-credit institution. Back in the US, she teamed
up with Rachel to form an importing business. Laura speaks Spanish and is improving
her very basic Portuguese and French with the help of FluencyNow tutors.
Jonathan Lipsitz
Jonathan attended Carnegie Mellon and received his MBA from Thunderbird, The American
Graduate School of International Management. He has lived and worked in Poland,
Turkey, Germany, Switzerland, Finland and the United Kingdom. He has extensive work
experience as a management consultant, specializing in strategic use of technologies
and cross-border project implementations. Jon speaks German and Polish and is
looking forward to improving his Russian and Turkish.
Karri Simmons
A native of California and a graduate of Whittier College, Karri has spent the last
twelve years in marketing, both in-house and as a consultant for various companies.
In addition, she spent several years with the California Department of Education,
helping to shape the School-to-Career program. Karri speaks French and is working on
improving her Italian.
Rachel Ballard
Rachel graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut with a degree in
International Studies. She received her MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
She headed up a United Nations financial reform project at the City Hall in Asuncion,
Paraguay. Rachel also owned an import company with Laura. Rachel speaks Spanish and
is working on Portuguese.
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