Meet the Team

From memberships to class sign ups and book check outs to Reading Challenge cards; Sinem is the one who keeps us all on track! 

Originally from Istanbul, Sinem is currently working to complete her Master's Thesis in Psychology with a focus on Family Therapy and Childhood development. 

Sinem is also the master of games here at the library; stop by to play a board game with her when you have the chance! 

Sinem's favorite library book is The Midnight Library.

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Ayla is half-American, half-Turkish and grew up in Istanbul.  She graduated from Enka High School and is currently studying Psychology at Koc University.

For the past two years, Ayla has been a familiar smiling face at the library and is one of our Reading Group Instructors. 

This year, Ayla will also be teaching beginners Book Clubs!

Ayla's favorite library book is Fancy Nancy & The Mermaid Ballet.

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Originally from Zimbabwe, Emily is a certified ESL teacher and linguist with a Master's in Education and is about to complete her Master's Degree in Psychology at Glasgow University. 

Emily has taught Reading Groups, Book Clubs and Private Lessons here at Strong Roots; this year she will be focused on Private Lessons and also hard at work on our new signature Strong Roots Book Club Curriculum! 

Emily's favorite book is Northern Lights.

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Megan is a certified CELTA teacher and has taught extensively in schools and camps throughout Istanbul. In addition to teaching at Strong Roots, she is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Geological Anthropology at Istanbul Technical University.

At Strong Roots, Megan teaches Reading Groups, Toddler Groups, Book Clubs and is the mastermind behind our fantastic Strong Roots Summer Camps! 

Megan's favorite library book is Matilda!

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Another half-American, half-Turk, Ela has been living in Istanbul for almost 10 years with her amazing rescue pup, Senna. 

At Strong Roots she is currently teaching our weekly Cooking Class as well as helping to keep the library space and decorations looking beautiful at all times. 

Ela's enthusiasm for good coffee is contagious so be sure to stop in on Thursdays to sit and have a chat over a cup of coffee!

Ela's favorite library book is Slime.

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Alaz is one of our newer instructors here at Strong Roots; a graduate of Science Po Paris and the Polis Institute, he has degrees in linguistics and political science. 

Alaz loves cooking, pedagogy, poetry, cats and reading! When he is not working or reading, he spends his time advocating for LBGT and autistic people.

This year Alaz will be teaching Book Clubs and holding a series of workshops on poetry! 

His favorite library book is Falling Up! 

Lara has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University, a Postgraduate Acting diploma from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Drama Education. After working as a professional actor and Drama teacher in London, she moved to Istanbul where she now freelances as an acting coach, workshop leader and voice-over artist. 

Lara is part of our amazing Drama Duo with Arda and will be teaching semester long Drama courses this year! 

Lara's favorite library book is Scaredy Bear.
Lara 

Arda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University. He moved to Istanbul from New York City where he acted and trained in acting at the Uta Hagen Institute at HB Studio. Today, Arda teaches English and English Drama inside and outside school. He directs and produces theater and is often thinking about how to learn through play. 

Arda will be at Strong Roots on Mondays and Fridays this year, together with Lara, teaching our first ever semester long drama courses! 

Arda's favorite library book is The Berenstain Bears.

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Where would we be without Hanife hanim??? Originally from Kastamonu, Hanife hanim has been a godsend for all of us a Strong Roots! 

From keeping our space clean and comfortable, to prepping daily snack and Strong Roots Team Lunches, to helping with the ever-important activity prep to making sure our library cat, Kumpir, is fed and happy, there is no job that Hanife hanim isn't ready and willing to do! 

Hanife hanim's favorite library book is Planting A Rainbow.