Meet the Teachers
Elizabeth Smolcic
Director, Intensive English Program
At Juniata, I feel lucky to be able to work with students from all around the world. I chose to study applied linguistics and language teaching as a graduate student because I love the process of learning a new language and culture. One of the best things about working at Juniata is helping others go through this same process.
Over the years, I have lived in lots of different places including big cities. I think that coming to Huntingdon to study is a great choice for an international person because the environment is small enough to allow personal interaction….people actually say hello and stop and have a conversation. We are also lucky to be surrounded by beautiful nature and live in a place that is safe and without stress. We hope to see you here soon!
Prudence Ingerman
Senior ESL Instructor and Curriculum Coordinator
I value learning from you as much as teaching you. I also enjoy empowering you with strategies, which will help you to do well in regular college classes and in your careers. I came to Juniata College in June of 1997. Before that I worked in Bolivia, Ecuador and Canada in a variety of jobs related to health education and teaching ESL. I received my Master’s in TESOL from the School for International Training. At Juniata, I sing in the Choral Union and play several instruments in an early music group (14th - 17th century music) and am the faculty advisor for the Knitting Club.
Claire Holzner
Intensive English Program Coordinator and ESL Instructor
After I got my MA in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, I taught English in Torun, Poland for seven years, at a teacher training college and a university. I have also taught ESL at universities in Pittsburgh, Pa. At Juniata I help with administration of the Intensive English Program and teach some courses. In my free time, I work in ceramics, write poems, and explore the beautiful forests and mountains of central Pennsylvania.
Sally Frazier
Intensive English Program Instructor
Sally Frazier joined the team at Juniata in 1995. She has worked as activity coordinator for the summer programs, Friendship Family Coordinator and ESL instructor. She is currently teaching on a part-time basis.
Gretchen Ketner
Intensive English Program Instructor
Because I love working with people and language and learning about other cultures, being an ESL teacher is a natural fit for me. One of the most exciting things in the world is being able to connect with other people and cultures through language. I received an MA in TESL from Penn State University and have taught students from elementary to university level in Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan, as well as at Penn State, before coming to Juniata. In my free time, I enjoy reading, singing in a choir, playing volleyball, and serving as a mentor to college-age women.