Our Board of Advisors

Michael Levine
Michael Levine is the Executive Director of the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop where he oversees the Center's efforts to catalyze and support research, innovation and investment in educational media technologies for young children. Prior to joining the Center, Dr. Levine served as Vice President of New Media and Executive Director of Education for Asia Society, managing the global nonprofit organization's interactive media and educational initiatives to promote knowledge and understanding of Asia and other world regions, languages and cultures. Previously, Dr. Levine oversaw Carnegie Corporation of New York's groundbreaking work in early childhood development, educational media and primary grades reform, and was a senior advisor to the New York City Schools Chancellor, where he directed dropout prevention, afterschool and early childhood initiatives. Dr. Levine has been a frequent adviser to the U.S. Department of Education and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, writes for public affairs journals, and appears frequently in the media. He was named by Working Mother magazine as one of America's most influential leaders in shaping family and children's policy.

Phil Hubbard
Phil Hubbard, PhD, is a senior lecturer in linguistics at Stanford University, where he also directs the English for Foreign Students program. A specialist in computer-assisted language learning, he is the author of over twenty software products for teaching English as a second language, serves on the editorial boards of four journals and has published widely in the field. An AYSO coach for over ten years, Phil still plays soccer at least twice a week.

Lori Langer de Ramirez
Lori Langer de Ramirez began her career as a teacher of Spanish, French and ESL. She holds a Master's Degree in Applied Linguistics and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching from Columbia University. She is currently Chairperson of the ESL and World Language Department for Herricks Public Schools in New York. Her interactive website offers over forty virtual picture books and other curricular materials for teaching Spanish, French and ESL, as well as multicultural education. She is the recipient of the Nelson Brooks Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Culture, several National Endowment for the Humanities grants, and a Fulbright Award.

Christy Johnson
Christy Johnson is a consultant with McKinsey & Co where she focuses on strategy in the healthcare and education sectors. Christy is passionate about education, especially the younger years, and believes cultural and bilingual education is crucial.

Prior to McKinsey, Christy taught high school math, economics and history in Washington. A graduate of Stanford University's MBA and Masters in Education programs, and trained in writing curriculum by the US Department of Education, Christy also works with several nonprofits to provide teacher training, serves on the board of Seattle-based Powerful Schools and is Co-President of the board of the Washington Council on Economic Education.

While she loves Seattle for its wonderful outdoor activities, she does miss sunshine during the rainy season and is always interested in traveling to exciting destinations. Thank goodness Bilingo is headquartered in sunny Los Angeles!