Meet the Team
They come from from all over the world and speak more than 15 different languages altogether. One thing they all have in common: their passion for languages and multiculturalism.
Here’s your chance to get to know them!
Willy Hayman
Willy Hayman
Co-founder
Hebrew/Spanish Teacher
Language Coach
8 languages
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Born in southern Argentina and moving to Israel at 17, Willy knows firsthand what it’s like to be a newcomer in a country where you don’t speak the language.
“This experience taught me that everyone is capable of learning a foreign language—the key is simply building self-confidence.”
Since then, language learning has become his second passion (right after rugby). He learns new languages daily and is always on the lookout for his next linguistic adventure!
Speaks: Spanish, French, Hebrew, English, Italian, Esperanto, Portuguese | Learning Russian.
Jessica Tulchin
Co-founder
Hebrew/English/French Teacher
Language Coach
7 languages
Born in the U.S., raised in Belgium, and moved to Israel when she was 18, Jess has always found deep meaning in connecting different cultures.
“For me, learning a language is like unlocking a whole new world—new perspectives, cultures, and ways of thinking. It pushes you beyond your comfort zone and into someone else’s reality.”
When she’s not at Fluent, Jess spends most of her time playing rugby or biking around Tel-Aviv.
Speaks: French, English, Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch | Learning: Arabic.
Nava Kasztan
English/Hebrew Teacher
Course & Projects Coordinator
3 languages
Nava is the heart of our Language Immersion Courses! She brilliantly coordinates dozens of programs, and puts all her heart into helping students reach their language goals.
Born in Boston, Nava moved to Israel when she was a teen, and is perfectly bilingual (English & Hebrew). Being married to an Uruguayan gave her the motivation to start conquering her third language- Spanish!
When asked why she joined Fluent, she answered “I love teaching and really connected with Fluent’s teaching method and concept. I love seeing my students reach their goals!”
Speaks: Hebrew and English | Learning: Spanish.
Maayan Tzadok
Head of Method
English/Hebrew Teacher
4 languages
Born in Israel but with a childhood stint in sunny San Diego, Maayan now calls Be’er Sheva home, where she’s finishing her history thesis at BGU.
As Fluent’s Head of Method and Pedagogy, Maayan is the mastermind behind making sure our learning experience is top-notch. Her dedication, expertise, and passion for language learning make her an incredible teacher—students love the way she makes learning feel natural and exciting.
Maayan is a trivia whiz, an avid reader, a lover of 60’s music, and always planning her next adventure abroad!
Fun fact? She’s half Iraqi, but you’d never guess it!
Speaks: English and Hebrew | Learning: German and French.
Ness Soudry
Events & Community Lead
3 languages
Originally from Nice, France, Ness is the heart of our Fluent community and our Language Exchange Events!
After leaving her career in brand management & marketing to start fresh in Israel, she was drawn to Fluent’s vibrant, multicultural community and the chance to help others break language barriers.
With her energetic and creative personality—she’ll always welcome you with open arms and a big smile!
Outside of Fluent, Ness has a love for fashion (especially vintage finds from her grandparents’ closets), and a habit of adding lemon to everything she eats. You’ll also find her running on the Tayelet, lifting weights, or dancing the night away at a party!
Speaks: French and English| Learning: Hebrew.
Sarah Markowitz
Sales Process Manager
Language Coach
3 languages
Helping Fluent impact more people every day, Sarah is one of the most passionate people you’ll ge the chance to meet!
Born and raised in New York, Sarah is now a proud Tel-Avivian and an incredibly multi-facetted person.
Besides working at Fluent, Sarah is also a talented actress, an improv’ instructor, and she’s working on creating her own TV show!
Some of Sarah’s hobbies are: reading, dancing and hanging out with her cat.
Speaks: English and Spanish | Learning: Hebrew.
Inbar Harel
Hebrew Teacher
3 languages
Big-hearted and loving are words that come up when you think of Inbar. Inbar is one of those kind and giving spirits, and students often just fall in love with her.
Born and raised in Israel, Inbar was a commander of international lone-soldiers during her army service. This experience opened up her curiosity to learn about different cultures and ways of life.
She says she “really enjoys teaching Hebrew and being part of the process that connects between different people.”
Speaks: Hebrew and English | Learning: Arabic.
Tamar Kedmi
Hebrew Teacher
4 languages
Give it up for.. the amazing Tamar! A personality like no other, authenticity and natural charisma at its best.
Although she is originally from the center of Israel, Tamar is a very proud Yerushalmit (from Jerusalem).
Tamar is not only an (amazing) Hebrew teacher at Fluent, but also studying to become a social worker, and an active sexual educator.
Tamar also loves painting, dancing, acting, writing, playing the piano and.. rapping in the shower!
Speaks: Hebrew, Italian, Spanish and English | Learning: Arabic.
Gal Frachtenberg
Spanish/Hebrew Teacher
Language coach
4 languages
Born in Chile and raised in Argentina, Gal left her South-American childhood to settle in Israel.
Funny story: her parents seemed to have anticipated her move to Israel by giving her one of the most common Israeli names- though they inspired themselves from a Brazilian singer named Gal Costa.
Gal is that person everyone wants to have as a friend: fun, sweet and who makes the best Empanadas!
Speaks: Hebrew, Spanish, English | Learning: French.
Ella Alhazov
Hebrew teacher
7 languages
Speaks: Hebrew, English, Russian, Spanish| Learning: French, Portuguese & Turkish.
Sapir Oved
English/Hebrew Teacher
2 languages
Mee our amazing teacher & tutor Sapir! Originally from a small town in Georgia, USA, Sapir is now living in Beer Sheva.
Sapir has the best positive energy, and she creates amazing connections with her students, you can tell how much she loves her job!
She decided to join the Fluent team because, in her words “their mission really resonated with me, and I wanted to be a part of a community whose purpose was to connect people”.
Things she loves to do in her free time: dancing and hanging out at cafes with friends.
Speaks: Hebrew and English.
Michal Lefkowitz
English/Hebrew Teacher
5 languages
Michal’s fascination with languages started in her bilingual house, with an American dad and Israeli mom.
She then started showing interest in Arabic when she moved to Jerusalem, and is now an avid language learner- currently working on mastering Arabic and learning French!
She plays a key role in shaping Fluent’s pedagogical approach, and by day, she also teaches middle school.
When she’s not teaching, you may find her cooking (especially healthy and vegan food), knitting or hiking. Fun fact: her ultimate dream is to become a DJ!
Speaks: Hebrew, English, Spanish, Arabic | Learning: French
Yara Yaakoby
Language Exchange Events Team
4 languages
Born in Sweden, Yara grew up moving between countries—starting school in Berlin and graduating in New Zealand!
Growing up in a multilingual home, Yara joined Fluent because she loves people and the magic of human connection.
“Even a few words in another language can open doors to new friendships and stories,” she says. Her favorite part of the job? The amazing people she meets at every event!
When she’s not at Fluent, she works as a full-time nanny, spends her time reading, baking, or taking long aimless walks.
Fun fact? She has a free-diving license… but is completely terrified of open water!
Speaks: English, Hebrew, German | Learning: Spanish.
Mayan Camhi
English/Hebrew Teacher
5 languages
If you feel a strong rush of energy, good vibes, loud laughs and a stream of love coming in, that probably means that Mayan ‘is in the place’!
Born in San Diego to Mexican parents (spoke Spanish at home), and moved to Israel when she was 10 years old, Mayan is a natural fit in our family of culture and language lovers!
“Exploring different cultures and traveling is one of my biggest passions. I love learning about different ways of living and worldviews.”
Speaks: Hebrew, French, English, Spanish | Learning German.
Isaac Chocron
Spanish/Hebrew Teacher
2 languages
Isaac’s journey with languages began when he made Aliyah from Spain 11 years ago as part of the Na’ale program. A trained actor, mastering Hebrew was essential for him, and he brings his incredible charisma and energy into every class he teaches!
“For me, every class is like a new show! I love teaching in groups because the energy, interaction, and excitement make each lesson dynamic and unforgettable.”
Beyond teaching, Isaac is passionate about working with people and exploring new cultures. But what excites him most is watching his students improve day by day!
Speaks: Spanish and Hebrew.
Ben Sterling
English Teacher & Tutor
2 languages
Born and raised in Toronto, Ben is an actor and director with a passion for languages, now living in Tel-Aviv!
Ben brings his charisma, humor, and love for storytelling into every class, making learning fun and engaging.
“I really align with the way Fluent teaches languages – I think learning to have a conversation in a language is critical to be able to operate within it.”
When he’s not teaching, you’ll find him cycling around Tel Aviv, playing ultimate frisbee, walking his dog Sky, or catching a live show.
Fun fact: He can instantly count the letters in any English word—challenge him next time you see him!
Speaks: English, Hebrew | Learning: Arabic
Jacqui Mautner
English/Hebrew Teacher
Course Coordinator
3 languages
If you don’t know Jacqui yet, you’re definitely missing out. As a teacher, her awesome personality makes language learning so much fun. As a colleague, you always want a big loving hug from Jax.
Besides being the only Australian on the team, Jacqui differentiates herself by using sarcasm as her superpower.
Things she loves to do in her free time: dancing, reading, or creating new material for English teachers.
Speaks: Hebrew and English | Learning Italian.
Inbar Tzadok
English/Hebrew Language Coach
2 languages
During her free time, she loves being active outdoors! Beach volleyball, yoga, SUP, cycling are some of the activities you may find her doing on a sunny day.
Speaks: Hebrew & English.
Stav Soroker
Events team & Hebrew tutor
6 languages
Fun fact about Stav: he uses the ‘International Phonetic Alphabet’ to learn languages and he says you should too!
Speaks: Hebrew, English, Russian, Esperanto | Learning: Spanish and French
Rachel Brink
English/Hebrew Teacher
3 languages
Meet Rachel, who brings beautiful energies everywhere she goes!
Originally from South Africa, Rachel moved to Israel when she was a teenager. Her life mission is to help others reach their goals and become fulfilled.
When she’s not teaching at Fluent, Rachel is a dedicated life coach and is studying to become a social worker!
Photography, travel, yoga, meditation, cooking, reading & learning about other cultures are some of the many things she is passionate about.
Speaks: Hebrew, English, some Arabic and some Afrikaans | Learning Spanish.
