Centers & Locations

Daniel Stone

Center Director

Welcome to Buckeye Country!! My name is Daniel Stone and I came to Columbus for the very first time in May 2010. Before assuming the role of founding center director on the campus of Ohio Dominican University, I taught at ESL programs in Japan and South Carolina. In my home state of South Carolina, I was a member of the founding teaching corp at ELS on the campus of Clemson University. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Marketing courtesy of the Montgomery GI Bill from CSU-Dominguez Hills in Los Angeles. My postgraduate qualifications consist of the Praxis II in ESOL certification with many others are on the way. Having been in an intercultural relationship and marriage since 1998 which led to life in Asia for three years, I can honestly say that my life became better because of my relationship to my wife. I see things from a different perspective, think about things more deeply and appreciate a global point of view. Because of this, I know what an international student experiences, needs and expects while studying and living abroad because it was, is and will be a part of my life. Professionally, my top priority is to establish and create positive experiences that will enable international students to meet their goals and objectives while in Columbus. Since the inception of ELS/Columbus, most of my time has been spent making the Columbus center the best that it can be. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, attending sporting events and dining at ethnic restaurants. Whether you want to enroll into a university program or want to improve your English for professional or recreational purposes, ELS Columbus on the campus of Ohio Dominican University is the place for you! I look forward to meeting you.

Gary Nickrand

Academic Director

Greetings to Columbus I received my B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Miami University (OH) and graduated from Ohio Dominican University with a M.A. TESOL degree and have spent three years of ESL experience, both in the US and abroad, and enjoy learning from students every day. I have traveled and lived abroad in various places such as Macedonia and Guatemala where he was a volunteer ESL teacher and when I am not teaching, I enjoys fishing, kayaking, reading a good book and trying all of Columbus' new and amazing restaurants.

I am always excited to welcome new students to the Columbus center.

ELS Columbus has a wonderful staff and excellent students. We are excited for you to join us to make it even better!

Jane Flohr

International Student Advisor

Hello! After receiving a BA degree in Linguistics from The Ohio State University, I enjoyed working as an educational textbook editor for 10 years. During that time, I received my TESOL Certificate and also began a teaching career as a part-time instructor with the Columbus City Schools ABLE program teaching ESOL classes. In September 2010, it was an exciting opportunity for me to join ELS/Columbus as an instructor. I recently accepted the position of International Student Advisor at ELS/Columbus and am fortunate to have my classroom experience to draw on as I fulfill the responsibilities of this new challenge. Working in an international environment and helping students adapt to American culture is very rewarding. Travel and learning about other cultures have always been a passion of mine. I look forward to meeting new students each session!

Andrea Henry

Registrar

Andrea is happy to help start the new Columbus ELS center as the Registrar. Andrea is excited to return to Columbus, where she received her B.S. with research distinction in Psychology and minor in Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology from The Ohio State University. After training for a year in genetic counseling, Andrea decided to leave the medical field and looked for a new way to help others. She began working at the Cincinnati ELS Center as an assistant International Student Advisor, where she found a new joy in helping international students. Andrea is thrilled to expand her administrative role as the Registrar here in Columbus. Andrea is excited to continue learning about other cultures and she hopes to share her love for Columbus with all of you!

Christin Butler

Instructor

Hi! After I earned my B.A. in English with a minor in Spanish from Indiana University, I moved to New York City where I studied for my CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults). I then taught General English to adults at a language school in New York, traveled to many countries in Asia, and taught ESL in Japan. In addition to teaching classes at ELS, I’m working towards a Masters degree in TESOL at Ohio State University. I love the diversity of the international students we work with at ELS. My students have taught me so much about life and culture all over the world. Please always feel that you are welcome in my country, my city, and my classroom!

Mark Ratliff

Instructor

Hello! After I received my BA degree in English from The Ohio State University, I traveled to Japan where I taught English grammar and TOEFL Preparation for a private English school. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Japan. I learned to appreciate new foods and customs and made friends from all four corners of the globe! Upon my return to Columbus, I continued teaching TOEFL Preparation for Kaplan Test Prep. I gained valuable insight into the challenges faced by international students who wish to study in the United States. In March of 2011, I began teaching at ELS/Columbus and I have loved every minute of it. Teaching international students is truly a rewarding experience as I learn as much from them as they do from me. In my free time, I enjoy sports, movies, and spending time with my family. I can’t wait to find out who I’m going to meet each session!