I’m Dr. Swift—a linguist, educator, curriculum designer, and researcher specializing in language education consulting. With 15+ years of experience in teaching, program design, research, and evaluation, I help educators and institutions expand the depth and breadth of their programming, curricula, and professional opportunities.

My love of languages began with a personal goal: learning Italian, the language of my family. What started as undergraduate electives grew into a double major in Italian and Psychology, and later into a career dedicated to language, education, and research. Over the years, I’ve developed original curricula and programs for international students and educators, helping scholars elevate their expertise, passions, and professional impact through strategic language development. I’ve also worked with institutions to create and deliver curricula that sustain meaningful global partnerships, fostering connections across borders and disciplines.

I believe deeply in the power of language to connect people to opportunity. Whether in education, business, travel, policy, or community, language shapes how we belong, communicate, and grow. It can bridge connections, inspire innovation, and cultivate inclusion.

As a first-generation college graduate and granddaughter of Italian immigrants, my passion for education and research grew from a desire to understand belonging and global perspectives. That journey led me to become a language instructor, curriculum designer, and consultant who helps others pursue their own goals in education and language development.

Today, I bring a proven record of supporting educators and institutions in strengthening research, curriculum, and professional development initiatives. My consulting services focus on advancing language development, fostering inclusion, and equipping educators—both domestic and international—to make a greater impact in their work, research, and academic communities.

Over the years, I’ve worked with educators, administrators, and institutions to strengthen language development, teaching, and professional growth through:

• Professional development & teacher training: Designed and facilitated workshops and courses for university faculty, staff, and administrators.

• Curriculum design & program development: Created and delivered original curricula for international students, global partnerships, and multilingual learning contexts that promote inclusion and equitable opportunities.

• Higher education leadership & operations: Served as operations director for a research institute at an R1 university and contributed as a federal grant writer across multiple disciplines.

• Research & program guidance: Conducted research that informed student programming, academic success resources, and onboarding processes to foster belonging and equitable access to opportunities.

• Language teaching experience: Taught high school college-prep Italian and Spanish, university-level Italian at an R1 institution, English as a second language to international and migrant students, adult Italian and English courses, and linguistics.

My training comes from some of the top institutions in the United States:

Ph.D. - Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, University of California at Davis

Dissertation: Language Ideologies and Belonging: Educational Experiences of Chicanx and Latinx University Students.

M.A. - Linguistics, University of California at Davis

M.A. - Italian Linguistics & Pedagogy, Middlebury College Italian School, Vermont

B.A. - Psychology & Italian Studies, Wheaton College (Massachusetts)

Contact me to start a conversation about how my expertise can support your institutions’ goals and needs.