
ABLS AMERICAN BUSINESS LANGUAGE SERVICES
Our Story
ABLS founders, Patricia and Vicki, first met working at a school in San Diego, Ca., Patricia working as the school's speech pathologist and Vicki teaching her hands-on science program. They both shared an interest in advancing their public speaking and leadership skills, so joined a local Toastmasters Club. It was during their time in Toastmasters that they realized the need for a business model such as ABLS.
ESL (English as a Second Language) professionals in the club shared their challenges and frustrations working in the American business world, both personally and professionally. Patricia and Vicki went to work finding out how they could help. First, they gathered information from American professionals about the cultural differences that they encountered while working with foreign business associates. In addition, Patricia and Vicki utilized their personal travel experiences and challenges learning a new language to help in developing the ABLS curriculum. Patricia and Vicki both have over 25 years experience as educators, which helps them to tailor lessons to the needs of each and every client.
Meet The Team
Vicki Conlon, has worked and studied in the field of education for over 40 years, including 25 years experience as a business owner, developing, implementing and teaching hands-on science curriculums. She is certified in both the TEFL Comprehensive English Course and the TEFL US Business Course. Vicki has been a member of Toastmasters International since 2011 and has utilized the communication and leadership skills acquired in both her personal and professional life. Vicki is passionate about environmental sustainability and in 2016, began helping restaurants implement sustainable practices as the Lead of the Surfrider Ocean Friendly Restaurants Program in San Diego, California. Vicki's devotion to education and understanding the need for English language skills in the American workplace has led to her role as co-founder, developer and instructor of American Business Language Services. Vicki's passion for traveling, learning about new cultures and languages helps her to understand the challenges non-native speakers face professionally, culturally and personally.
Patricia Kooren is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist with over 30 years experience working with adults and children with communication disorders and differences in a variety of settings. As the CEO of her private Speech and Language practice, her area of interest is working with adults from different cultures, providing American Accent Improvement training. She has extensive experience in child language development and family training. She is the Chairperson on the Board of the Dutch School of Southern California. Patricia is an awarded member of Toastmasters International, having won several speech contests.
Patricia is from the Netherlands and speaks fluent Dutch and has first hand experience with the challenges of integrating into America. With her background in education, program development, and business management, Patricia is excited to be an ABLS co-founder and instructor, and looks forward to helping clients integrate into American language and culture.
Patricia is often found traveling around the globe, experiencing cultures, cuisine and customs of the places she visits.
We founded American Business Language Services with one goal in mind: giving our clients a high quality and rewarding learning experience. Our lessons are tailored to the needs of every client.
American Business Language Services is located in San Diego, California and reflects the international business culture of the area. Our passionate and highly skilled instructors are here to help clients achieve their goals.
Are you ready to reach your potential?
Join us today!