Patricia Tay, Founder
Patricia Tay was born in Singapore and raised in the U.S. After 15 years in marketing and business development for global entertainment, media and internet services companies, Patricia became the mother of two. As a new parent, Patricia began exploring options to ensure her children grow up speaking other languages and have deep intercultural experiences from a young age. Through her search Patricia became frustrated at the lack of high-quality, accessible options for giving her kids fun and effective education in foreign languages.
“There are so many sports, art and music classes and activities for children these days, which are important for building confidence and establishing a healthy and creative lifestyle. However, one of the most valuable skill-sets for opening doors to new experiences and becoming a citizen of our global world is learning new languages.”
Patricia founded Global Noodle in 2008 to deliver effective foreign language programs for children based on the philosophy: if they love it, they will learn it. Global Noodle is committed to creating quality, accessible and engaging multi-language learning opportunities for young children and has been providing foreign language classes for toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary age students in schools, recreation centers and home environments. Results from Global Noodle programs are memorable experiences that expose children to different languages and cultures early, and help to ignite a lifetime of learning.
Patricia holds a Bachelors degree in English Literature from the University of California at Los Angeles. She is member of the American Council for Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), National Network for Early Language Learners (NNELL) and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
“There are so many sports, art and music classes and activities for children these days, which are important for building confidence and establishing a healthy and creative lifestyle. However, one of the most valuable skill-sets for opening doors to new experiences and becoming a citizen of our global world is learning new languages.”
Patricia founded Global Noodle in 2008 to deliver effective foreign language programs for children based on the philosophy: if they love it, they will learn it. Global Noodle is committed to creating quality, accessible and engaging multi-language learning opportunities for young children and has been providing foreign language classes for toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary age students in schools, recreation centers and home environments. Results from Global Noodle programs are memorable experiences that expose children to different languages and cultures early, and help to ignite a lifetime of learning.
Patricia holds a Bachelors degree in English Literature from the University of California at Los Angeles. She is member of the American Council for Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), National Network for Early Language Learners (NNELL) and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Olga Grimalt Moraga, Ed.D.
Olga is Director of Bilingual Bicultural Programs at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. Olga is a dedicated educator who is committed to bilingual education starting in elementary school. She has spent many years in the classroom as a teacher, with over 8 years as a bilingual education teacher at Justice Street Elementary for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and Bret Harte Elementary, Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) and 8 years as a two-way immersion teacher and program coordinator at Patrick Henry Elementary, LBUSD. Olga advises Global Noodle on curriculum development.
Margaret Phua
Ms. Phua has been a teacher for nearly 40 years in Singapore and the U.S. She has been teaching ESL to adults and children for over 20 years, presently with the San Mateo Adult School since 1991 and previously with Lomita Elementary School in San Bruno since 1989. Ms. Phua holds a B.A. in Chinese Studies and an M.A. in TES/FL (Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language) from San Francisco State University. Ms. Phua has aided in early stage product development, Mandarin language curriculum development and teacher training.
Joanie Neumayer
Joanie has worked in the hospitality and travel industry for over 30 years. Her areas of expertise are wide-ranging including business development, marketing, strategic planning and development, operations, contracts, legal and financial responsibilities
Joanie’s international business experience includes serving as CEO of Fitness Asia Limited, based in Hong Kong, which included a magazine, fitness and spa convention and regional training workshops throughout the 20 key markets in the Asia Pacific Region. She was involved in selling the company prior to her full time return to the US. Prior to this, she spent 18 years with American Express, Carlson Companies and BTI. Joanie advises Global Noodle on strategic planning, operations, sales and marketing.
Olga is Director of Bilingual Bicultural Programs at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. Olga is a dedicated educator who is committed to bilingual education starting in elementary school. She has spent many years in the classroom as a teacher, with over 8 years as a bilingual education teacher at Justice Street Elementary for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and Bret Harte Elementary, Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) and 8 years as a two-way immersion teacher and program coordinator at Patrick Henry Elementary, LBUSD. Olga advises Global Noodle on curriculum development.
Margaret Phua
Ms. Phua has been a teacher for nearly 40 years in Singapore and the U.S. She has been teaching ESL to adults and children for over 20 years, presently with the San Mateo Adult School since 1991 and previously with Lomita Elementary School in San Bruno since 1989. Ms. Phua holds a B.A. in Chinese Studies and an M.A. in TES/FL (Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language) from San Francisco State University. Ms. Phua has aided in early stage product development, Mandarin language curriculum development and teacher training.
Joanie Neumayer
Joanie has worked in the hospitality and travel industry for over 30 years. Her areas of expertise are wide-ranging including business development, marketing, strategic planning and development, operations, contracts, legal and financial responsibilities
Joanie’s international business experience includes serving as CEO of Fitness Asia Limited, based in Hong Kong, which included a magazine, fitness and spa convention and regional training workshops throughout the 20 key markets in the Asia Pacific Region. She was involved in selling the company prior to her full time return to the US. Prior to this, she spent 18 years with American Express, Carlson Companies and BTI. Joanie advises Global Noodle on strategic planning, operations, sales and marketing.