Staff

Kim Parker, Director of Philanthropy, brings more than 25 years of development experience to her role at Alliance Francaise de Houston.  Her experience includes fundraising leadership positions at a variety of nonprofits, including Holocaust Museum Houston, Space Center Houston, South Texas College of Law/Houston, and the American Bar Association.Kim has a passion for building donor-centered philanthropy programs “from the ground up” through donor recognition societies, communications, and volunteer and donor engagement strategies. Kim has a Bachelor of Arts in English and French from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Arts in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia.

philantrophy@alliancehouston.org

events@alliancehouston.org

Juan Martinez is a seasoned language educator with over 28 years of experience in higher education, specializing in language instruction and academic leadership. He served as the coordinator of a vibrant language department at a community college in Texas, where he managed a team of 10 language instructors and oversaw programs in German, Spanish, French, and Chinese.

Juan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Languages, a Master’s in Literature and Linguistics, and a Master of Liberal Arts in Art History, all earned from respected American universities. His academic background reflects a deep commitment to both language pedagogy and cultural studies.

His professional development includes two training programs at CAVILAM – Alliance Française, a renowned center for French language instruction. He also studied French abroad at the Université Laval in Québec and the Alliance Française de Paris, where he earned the Diplôme de Langue Française, further enriching his expertise in Francophone language and culture.

Juan is passionate about fostering inclusive, high-quality language education and continues to advocate for programs that empower learners through linguistic and cultural fluency.

programs@alliancehouston.org

I was born and raised in the southeast of France, surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields. I moved to Houston in 2014 — what was meant to be a short stay quickly became home, and I now have two little Texans of my own.

With a Master’s degree in FLE (Français Langue Étrangère), I have been teaching at the Alliance Française of Houston since 2016. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep passion for teaching French to children and for creating programs that make learning both fun and meaningful.

As Pedagogical Coordinator for Children’s Programs, I select and implement the teaching methods used in our children’s classes and develop new ideas for creative workshops that bring French language and culture to life. My goal is to make French come alive through games, songs, stories, cultural projects, and hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and creativity.

I believe that learning a language is not just about words and grammar — it’s about discovering a whole new world. Through our programs, I aim to help children build confidence, develop a love for languages, and feel connected to French culture in an authentic, joyful way.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy traveling, dancing, reading, and spending time with my family and friends.

youthprograms@alliancehouston.org
exams@alliancehouston.org

Born and raised in Paris, I’ve called Houston home since 2006. Deeply passionate about the French language, culture, and history, I love sharing the richness of my Parisian heritage with others who are curious about France. At the Alliance Française, I enjoy meeting our students and members, and working closely with our wonderful volunteers who help bring our events to life. Outside the Alliance, I’m inspired by art and history, and I love exploring the world and discovering new cultures. As a true citizen of the world, I find joy in building bridges between people and celebrating our different cultures. 

admin@alliancehouston.org