Staff and Instructors
Paul Edmunds – Director
Dr. Edmunds works in both administrative and teaching capacities at the University of New Mexico. As the Director of UNM’s intensive English language program CELAC (Center for English Language and American Culture) he oversees regular semester-long academic English courses, online courses, TOEFL test preparation courses, and customized short-term programs for students, faculty and administrators from around the world.
He also teaches classes in the Departments of Speech & Hearing Sciences and Linguistics where he holds the academic title of Research Assistant Professor. Dr. Edmunds travels widely to represent UNM at local, national and international events and conferences as well as at foreign embassies, consulates and education centers. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and English with a minor in Biology from the University of Minnesota. From the University of New Mexico, he received his Masters in Linguistics and Doctorate in Linguistics with a Concentration in Speech & Hearing Sciences.
Bart Hill – Supervisor of International Education
Bart started working at CELAC in Spring 2010 and graduated from UNM with an MA in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies in Fall 2011. In 2014, he became the Education Specialist. While continuing to teach courses at CELAC, he transitioned to the role of Senior International Education Advisor in Spring 2019.
Bart’s involvement in teaching and advising English language learners began in 2000. While an undergraduate student at NMSU, Bart was a volunteer ESL tutor and an active member of Assembly of International Ambassadors, an organization that helped foreign exchange students to adjust to life in the United States. After graduating from NMSU, Bart taught EFL in Seoul, South Korea for over 3 years, working as a full-time instructor. At this institute, he taught several courses including Honors sections of Writing, Speaking, Grammar, Listening, Reading and Comprehension.
Bart lists reading and writing as his favorite hobbies. He also enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking. He spends his time being active in the community, volunteering and meeting new people whenever possible. He takes great pleasure in learning about diverse cultures and studying languages.
Jordan Minke – Instructor
ordan began working at CELAC in Summer 2022 after receiving her undergraduate degree in Biology and Linguistics at UNM. She has participated in study abroad programs in China and South Korea, including a Mandarin immersion programed sponsored by the U.S. State Department and an English-teaching internship with college students from around the globe at Dankook University. Jordan has been involved with CELAC as a volunteer during her undergraduate career as well as with the Biology Undergraduate Society, The World Affairs Delegation (Model UN), and UNM Symphony on the viola.
Jordan is currently pursuing an MA in Linguistics through UNM’s shared credit program. After finishing in Spring 2023, she plans to teach English abroad and improve her language skills.
Bingsheng Chen – Instructor
Bing is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor of Arts in English and an MA in Liberal Arts Education from St. John's College. He has also been a visiting Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM) in Guatemala City, facilitating engaging discussions. He has accumulated teaching experience across different academic levels over the past decade.
Currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of New Mexico (UNM), Bing actively contributes to Native American Studies and the evolving Corn Pollen Holistic Leadership Theory. He is an experienced instructor at CELAC, UNM, where he leads student voice initiatives and teaches English language classes, including Reading, Writing, and Grammar.
Outside of his academic pursuits, Bing finds solace in the simple pleasures of watching movies, hiking, running, and the art of culinary creation. His extensive travels and volunteer work in diverse communities worldwide reflect his global perspective. Bing thrives in the dynamic and international atmosphere of CELAC, UNM, where his commitment to education and cultural exchange finds a welcoming home.
Benjamin Lachelt – Instructor
Benjamin (Benji) Lachelt finds great joy in teaching classes at CELAC. As of Fall 2023, he has been teaching at the Center for three semesters. Before joining CELAC, Benji taught high school and middle school in Ignacio, Colorado, and worked as an educational assistant at the Bernalillo County Youth Services Center in Albuquerque.
Benji’s primary academic interests include student-centered and alternative pedagogies, critical cultural studies, carceral geography, and literature. He has completed graduate coursework at The University of New Mexico and is now pursuing a teaching license in secondary education at Central New Mexico Community College.
Outside of the classroom, Benji enjoys hiking in the desert landscapes of New Mexico and playing/writing music. He is originally from Durango, Colorado, and is conversant in Spanish.
Isabella DelMargo-Lewis – Instructor
Isabella comes to CELAC from Albuquerque Public Schools, where she has taught students from various backgrounds in various settings. Isabella has a passion for helping students meet and exceed their goals. During her undergraduate degree, she worked as a tutor, supporting fellow students pursuing their degree in Education.
To increase her ability in the classroom, Isabella spends her free time engaged in enriching activities like travel. She has spent time in China, Mexico, and Europe. Isabella also enjoys rock climbing, photography, and party planning.
Whitney Jane – Instructor
Whitney is a passionate educator pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Linguistics at UNM. With extensive teaching experience in both Florida and Taiwan, she specializes in bilingual education and ESOL learners. Currently, she teaches Grammar and Conversation at CELAC, focusing on creating inclusive and transformative learning environments. Beyond education, Whitney is an avid explorer who immerses herself in diverse cultures, cuisines, and outdoor activities like surfing. Her diverse experiences enrich her teaching and broaden her perspective on culture and education. Whitney is committed to bridging the theory-practice gap in educational linguistics and invites you to join her on this transformative journey.
Wil MacNeil – Instructor
Wil has worked in some form of education since he was 14. He has worked in the public school system in Albuquerque and Los Angeles, as well as at Escuela Del Sol Montessori and The Harwood Art Center. Wil graduated from UNM with a BA in Linguistics in 2021. After a year of coursework toward his MA in California, he returned to UNM in the Fall 2022 semester and began teaching at CELAC. Wil enjoys the structure of language, hence his interest in linguistics and his preference for teaching grammar classes. After finishing his MA, he intends to pursue a PhD in linguistics.
