About Me
Hi. My name is Doni, and I am the coach and consultant behind Language Counts. I am a seasoned educator, speaker, and trainer focusing on SEI training and advancing, teaching, and learning through optimal instructional methods. With over 25 years of experience in language education, I have successfully implemented proficiency-based Spanish programs across all high school levels, including English Language Learners (ELL). My extensive career includes diverse leadership and language acquisition roles, including board positions at the Arizona Language Association (AZLA) and the Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP).
In addition to my leadership roles, I have played key mentoring roles for new teachers, serving as a Cognitive Coach, Instructional Coach, and ELL site coordinator. I have shared my expertise at AZLA, AATSP, and SWCOLT conferences, focusing on best practices in language acquisition, Performance toward Proficiency, and the Arizona World and Native Languages Standards.
My commitment to continuous learning is evident through my ongoing efforts to contribute to and enhance the development of the educational community. I also consider myself a lifelong learner. As such, I recently achieved a Certificate of Mastery in Early Childhood Education through the Lexia LETRS program. Additionally, I have immersed myself in studying AI and its influence on education. I am passionate about coaching and providing support to teachers, knowing that together, we can improve our community!