For this month's spotlight, we spoke with Barbara Goodno. Ms. Goodno is the Program Manager for Cedarbrook Community Church's ESOL Program. She’s been part of the program since the beginning, serving first as assistant director to Millie Walters, whose vision in 2004 was to bring English classes to adult internationals in upper Montgomery County. Since that first year, Barb has also served as an intermediate and advanced instructor. In her professional life she is a senior program manager for the government, currently serving as the associate director for online learning. She is an avid volunteer who encourages others to join this marvelous team -- "you get so much more than you give!"
Organization Spotlight: Cedarbrook Community Church
August 20, 2019
Can you tell us a little bit about your ESOL program?
Each Wednesday evening, from 7-9 p.m., Cedarbrook Community Church in Clarksburg, Maryland, offers conversational English classes for learners at five levels – from beginners to advanced. Planning for the program began in 2005 when a church member noted that many of the residents in the newly built neighborhoods in Clarksburg were adult internationals. Her work with MCAEL confirmed the need, and on September 2006, the ESOL program began. Since then, estimates are that more than 1,200 learners have participated in the classes.
What are the demographics of your learners?
In May at our last class, we celebrated our students’ achievements. As part of that celebration, our decorated space included the flags of their home countries – last year there were 45 flags. So, to answer your question -- our learners’ backgrounds are quite diverse! While many are from countries in Central and South America, we’ve hosted learners from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. During our break time (when the use of the heart language is OK), we hear Spanish, French, Korean, Vietnamese, Farsi, Russian – and others. As for occupations, that is also quite varied. In their home countries, many have had professional degrees; here in the U.S., they work in a variety of fields to include health care, childcare, education, management and landscaping. Several of our learners are business owners.
For readers who may not be familiar with your ESOL program, what are some things you would like them to know about your program/s?
Our program is filled with highly motivated adult learners – we learn so much from them! This year, classes will begin on Wednesday, September 18 and will conclude on Wednesday, May 27. There is no charge for the classes except for a one-time book fee of $24. We offer a rolling registration; learners are welcome to join the classes at any time. The first meeting begins with an assessment to help with placement – we work hard at offering a program that balances challenge with mastery of what they already know. We follow the Montgomery County Public School calendar for vacations and weather delays and cancellation.
Top five reasons our learners attend ESOL classes based on one of our internal surveys:
- To speak English
- Practice pronunciation
- Listen and understand
- Write to be understood (with correct grammar)
- Read and understand more clearly what is written
Can you share a recent success story?
There are so many! The one that comes to mind immediately is our learner who started in our program as a beginner several years ago. Now an intermediate-level student, this past October he took his citizenship test – and passed! His classmates helped him prepare (by quizzing him – he had to know the answers, which he of course did). Getting his citizenship was a long-time goal and it was a joy to share this accomplishment with him.
MCAEL is delighted to announce the appointment of Gerard J. P. Etienne as its new Executive Director. Gerard brings a depth of experience overseeing and growing large programs, most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). He will assume his new position at MCAEL on May 5, 2025. Gerard began his career as a mechanical engineer and then a management consultant for both small and large companies, focusing on intrapreneurship and innovation. He discovered his passion for mission-driven work through years of volunteering – leading him to a position as Director of the Vocational Services Program (VSP) at Interfaith Works, where he worked directly with immigrant job seekers, including non-English speakers, to help them overcome cultural and employment barriers. “Gerard brings a deep personal connection to MCAEL’s mission and a strong commitment to serving vulnerable and marginalized communities in Montgomery County,” said Sean Klein, MCAEL Board Chair. “His record of equity-centered leadership, along with his experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex programs, make him the ideal choice to lead MCAEL into its next chapter.” "I am thrilled and honored to serve as MCAEL'S next Executive Director,” Gerard stated. “As a long-time Montgomery County resident and someone with lived experience as an English learner, MCAEL'S mission is deeply personal to me. It's a privilege to give back to my community and to help expand opportunities for adult learners across our county." Gerard’s family moved to the United States when he was a teenager, and he entered the American school system speaking no English. A Montgomery County resident for almost 40 years, Gerard and his wife raised two sons here. He and his wife are both avid fans of Arsenal Football Club (they never miss a game). They live in Silver Spring with their dog, Doug.
Two years ago, MCAEL and the Islamic Society of Washington Area (ISWA) came together with a shared mission: to make English classes more accessible to the local Muslim community. ISWA, a vibrant religious organization, serves a diverse group of individuals from around the world. During our visit in November, we experienced firsthand how ISWA’s mosque transforms during the day into a dynamic learning space. The moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed into the community breakfast—tables filled with fresh fruit, pastries, and lively conversations. Learners chatted eagerly, children laughed as they played, and there was a sense of excitement as classes began. What makes these classes truly unique is that they are structured to uphold religious practices, offering a space where women can learn in privacy and comfort. Each classroom is tailored to different English proficiency levels, ensuring that every student gets the encouragement they need. One of the most engaging aspects of the program is the rewards system for Level 2 beginner learners. At the end of class, learners can choose a prize, but there’s a catch! They must correctly pronounce the item’s name in English. The bigger the prize, the longer the sentence – from long children dresses to beautiful hijabs, bedazzled shoes or knitted blankets. With so many beautiful and fun prizes available, the classroom buzzes with excitement and chatter as learners share their sentences and new words they’ve discovered. Outside the classroom, the learning continues. Before heading to prayer, a wide table in the center of the space holds free groceries once a week for learners to take home with them. Bananas, fresh vegetables, pastries, and more. But before taking an item – again – they must first name it in English. This simple yet powerful exercise turns everyday essentials into an opportunity for learners to help each other, practice new words, and build confidence in their language skills. It’s been nearly two years since MCAEL and ISWA first collaborated to launch a Community Learning Group (MCAEL’s “starter” classes, established in areas with few English learning opportunities). Recognizing a growing need in their community, ISWA went on to apply for a Start-Up Grant, securing financial and professional development support to expand their program. Last year, they took another step forward by applying for and receiving an increased award through the Access Small Grant. MCAEL is thrilled to continue this incredible partnership with ISWA, working together to support learners and strengthen our community. To learn more about ISWA and our Grant Partners, click here .
On Friday, October 25th, the MCAEL staff had the privilege of visiting WUMCO Help's facility in Poolesville, MD. What began as a quick journey to distribute our Adult English Language Program Directories turned into an insightful tour of WUMCO’s expansive ESOL classroom, designed for local residents, and their food pantry, where they provide shelf-stable goods and fresh produce to the community. Supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, community members, and local Boy Scout troops, WUMCO is committed to addressing food, language, health, and financial insecurities in Poolesville and the surrounding areas. We are proud to partner with WUMCO Help , which began with MCAEL as a Start-Up Grant recipient in 2023 and then grew to become an Access Small Grant recipient the following year. To learn more about WUMCO and the good work of all of our current Grant Partners, click here.
