About Home of Cultures

Founded in 2024 in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, Home of Cultures emerged from the shared vision of Jasmin and Angela, two devoted moms originating from German-speaking countries and passionate advocates for multilingualism. Driven by their desire to cultivate a space where language learning and cultural preservation intersect, Home of Cultures was born. Recognizing the significance of accessible and geographically independent language education, they sought to provide a platform for heritage speakers and language enthusiasts alike. With a firm belief in the transformative power of multilingualism, Home of Cultures is dedicated to expanding horizons through the exploration of language and culture.

Our Mission

To democratize access to high-quality language education, fostering inclusive communities of like-minded individuals, and promoting cultural understanding through immersive learning experiences.

We believe that the foundation for skills and values such as the ability to speak multiple languages, which foster the understanding, empathy, and connection between different cultures are laid in childhood.

Vision & Values

Accessibility
Community
Collaboration
Cultural Enrichment
Heritage Preservation
Child-Centric Approach

Our Founders

Jasmin Versage, Co-Founder

Jasmin, rooted in German heritage and a multicultural background, was deeply influenced by her multilingual parents, driving her passion for languages and education. She honed her skills at the University of Heidelberg, majoring in English and Spanish, and furthered her linguistic expertise at the University of Barcelona.

Moving to the United States in 2014, she initiated her teaching career in Colorado Springs, teaching German and Spanish, and led several student exchange programs to Germany, showcasing her dedication to immersive learning experiences. Jasmin augmented her credentials with a DaF certification from the Goethe Institut and advanced her educational impact with a master’s in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education, focusing on World Languages at the University of Nebraska.

Over recent years, she has enjoyed teaching students of all ages, from toddlers to adults, which reflects her adaptability and passion for lifelong learning. Her dream of reshaping language education in the United States and creating her own school is a testament to her innovative spirit and dedication to excellence. Jasmin's passion lies not only in teaching languages but also in curriculum design, where she seeks to inspire and empower students to reach their full potential.

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Angela Herren, Co-Founder

Angela epitomizes the fusion of multicultural upbringing and entrepreneurial spirit. Raised in Switzerland in a bilingual household, early exposure to diverse linguistic and cultural environments fueled her passion for languages.

Angela's academic background in information technologies and international business administration, coupled with her extensive experience as an entrepreneur in various startup contexts, provided a robust foundation for her venture into digital language education.

After relocating to Puerto Rico in 2016 and later settling in Florida, Angela’s immersion in multilingual environments made her recognize the necessity for a platform fostering linguistic growth and cultural exchange, particularly for heritage speakers. Her motivation lies in creating an inclusive community where individuals of all ages can immerse themselves in language education, celebrate cultural diversity, and foster enriching experiences. Through her personal journey and steadfast commitment to innovation and digital transformation, Angela is committed to leading Home of Cultures into the future of language education. With a focus on education technologies and artificial intelligence, she is dedicated to ensuring HOC’s programs remain at the forefront of language learning excellence.

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Our Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Meet the dedicated educators who bring exceptional expertise and passion to German language instruction. Renowned for their ability to engage and inspire children and young learners, our dynamic teaching staff is committed to fostering a love for language learning in every student.

Teacher and Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Jasmin Versage

Jasmin, originally from the Stuttgart area in Germany, has over a decade of experience in foreign language education. A graduate of the University of Heidelberg, she has a strong background in curriculum development and focuses on making language learning engaging and relevant through real-life contexts. Jasmin believes that building strong relationships with her students is key to effective learning. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, baking, and traveling, which enriches her teaching with real-world insights. Jasmin looks forward to sharing her love for the German language and culture, inspiring her students to embrace learning with enthusiasm and confidence.

Teacher and Director of Operations

Angela Herren

Angela, co-founder of Home of Cultures, was born and raised in Switzerland and is gearing up to teach Swiss German. She’s passionate about preserving heritage through language learning and is dedicated to broadening the interest in multilingualism. She is excited to share her passion for language and culture with her students, helping them connect with their roots. Her classes are not only educational but also a celebration of Swiss heritage. With two daughters of her own, Angela has first-hand experience with the benefits and challenges of multilingual education. Besides spending time with her family, Angela enjoys music, exercise, and traveling.

Teacher

Angela Bacher

Angela Bacher is a German teacher with almost 20 years teaching experience with a Bachelor of Arts degree in German from Rutgers University. Angela has worked with students of all levels, ranging from elementary school to adult learners, both in person and virtually as a classroom teacher and private tutor. Having spent one year in Germany as an exchange student during high school, Angela is now passionate about exposing her own students to a German homestay experience, and works with not only them but other students preparing to embark on a cultural exchange by providing cultural and language training before their departure. Angela is excited to share her love of the German language and culture with by providing fun and engaging lessons to you.

Teacher

Augustus Haines

Augustus Haines holds degrees in German, French, and World Language Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has taught both languages online and in-person to various age groups, including children, college students, and government employees. Augustus focuses on making language learning engaging and accessible, tailoring instruction to meet individual or group needs. He is also pursuing a doctoral degree in German and French, with a research focus on contemporary literature and second language teaching. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, walking with his German shepherd, cooking, and collecting books.

Teacher

Daniela Boyce

Daniela is a native Austrian and full-time German teacher with a passion for teaching children and teens. She has taught at German Saturday Schools and summer camps, including serving as School Director for Sophie Scholl Schule in Beaverton, OR. Her engaging teaching style incorporates bite-size grammar and conversation practice to help kids learn quickly while having fun. Currently training at TPRS University, she continually refines her methods to create interactive, enjoyable lessons. Daniela holds a degree in International Business and Languages, and completed her graduate studies in Academic Training at the University of Linz, Austria. She also holds a certification as a Professional Neurolanguage Coach® and is an ICF-accredited Life Coach.

Teacher

Shelby Riggins

Shelby Riggins is in the US Air Force. She is an University of North Carolina at Charlotte alumni. She holds a bachelors in German with certifications in German/American Business and German-English Translation. She also holds a Masters in Teaching Foreign Language with a Concentration in German. Shelby loves to make learning German fun and engaging with a lot of creativity and passion. Shelby is compassionate, outgoing, and caring. Her goal is to make learning German effective and exciting. In her free time, Shelby loves to work out, spend time with friends, family and her Corgi, as well as be outdoors and travel.

Teacher

Susan Eberhart

Susan Eberhart is a dedicated language educator with a Master’s Degree in Germanic Languages and Literature from Tufts University and four decades of teaching experience across two continents. Born in Stavanger, Norway, and raised in the United States, Susan brings a rich multicultural and multilingual perspective to her classes. Having lived in Germany for 17 years, she now resides in Maine, where she has taught German both in-person and online. Her experience spans all age groups, from preschoolers to adults. Susan looks forward to sharing her passion for German language and culture with you.