Tamara Ballestero

Tamara Ballestero

Senior Program Coordinator

Administration

B.A. International Relations, FIU M.A. Religious Studies, FIU

Tamara is originally from Nicaragua. She has always been interested in the social sciences and exploring the different cultural aspects of the world. She joined the English Language Institute when she was working on her undergraduate studies. Being at the ELI has given her the opportunity to interact with students from culturally diverse backgrounds, which is something she loves. During her spare time, she enjoys arts and crafts, long road trips, and spending time with her family. She also likes to read books about anthropology and languages. She is looking forward to meeting and helping new students every semester at the ELI!

Mailing Address

LC 206

Contact

Phone: 305-348-3899

Email: tballest@fiu.edu

Arianna Casanella

Arianna Casanella

Student Assistant

Administration

Ari was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to Miami two years ago. She is getting her bachelors in Finance and aspires to be a philanthropist in the future. Her philanthropy focuses on domestic violence awareness.

Mailing Address

LC 204

Contact

Phone: 305-348-2222

Email: acasanel@fiu.edu

Andy Florido

Andy Florido

Student Assistant

Administration

Andy was born and raised in Miami. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He plans on attending graduate school after his undergraduate studies. Andy spends his free time playing basketball and going out with friends.

Mailing Address

LC 204

Contact

Phone: (305)-348-2222

Email: aflorido@fiu.edu

Nancy Garcia

Nancy Garcia

Program Manager

Administration

B.A. in Psychology and Social Work, FIU

Nancy Garcia is a native of Miami, Florida. She is currently the ELI’s Office Manager. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. She has been blessed with two wonderful children and has been married to an amazing husband for 20 years. Florida International University has been more than an educational setting for her; it has been her second family, helping her grow in both her education and profession.

Mailing Address

LC 215

Contact

Phone: 305-348-1032

Email: xgarcian@fiu.edu

Christa Garcia

Christa Garcia

Event Coordinator

Administration

English, B.A. (English Literature), FIU
Graduate Certificate, TESOL, FIU

Christa Garcia is an Adjunct Lecturer at the English Language Institute. Born in New York and later moved to Miami, she has grown a love for nature, education, and literature. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in English at FIU, Christa is now working on her Master of Science in Foreign Language Education. She enjoys traveling, reading, listening to music and, of course, being a part of the wonderful team at the E.L.I.

Mailing Address

LC 203A

Contact

Email: cjgarcia@fiu.edu

Giuliana Mesa

Giuliana Mesa

Student Assistant

Administration

Giuliana Mesa was born in Bogotá, Colombia and emigrated to Miami when she was eleven years old. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering alongside a Mathematical Science minor and a Linguistics Studies certificate. After completing her undergraduate education, she plans on attending graduate school. Outside of school, she enjoys video games, reading and writing.

Mailing Address

LC 204

Contact

Phone: 305-348-2222

Email: gmesacas@fiu.edu

Michelle Rios

Michelle Rios

Program Coordinator

Administration

B.A. English, FIU
M.S. Curriculum and Instruction, FIU

Michelle is from Miami, but her family is from Argentina and Ecuador. She graduated from FIU with a Bachelor’s in English in 2019. In her free time, Michelle likes to watch soccer, read, and spend time with friends and family.

Mailing Address

LC 204

Contact

Phone: 305-348-2222

Email: micrios@fiu.edu