Maja McAvinue,

Maja McAvinue,

English Language Coach/Translator/Interpreter

Followers of Maja McAvinue,513 followers
location of Maja McAvinue,Greater Guelph Metropolitan Area

Connect with Maja McAvinue, to Send Message

Connect

Connect with Maja McAvinue, to Send Message

Connect
  • Timeline

  • About me

    Passionate Educator | EdTech Enthusiast | Advocate for access & empowerment through communication

  • Education

    • University of Essex

      -
      Essex Summer School in Social Sciences Data Analysis and Collection SOCIAL SCIENCES Distinction

      Qualitative Interviewing and Focus Groups (35hrs)

    • University of Limerick

      -
      Master of Arts (M.A.) Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language

      Teaching practice with International students.Linguistics. English language teaching methodologies.

    • University of East London Cass School of Education and Communities

      -
      Postgraduate Associate Certificate in Narrative Research via Distance Learning Narrative Research
    • University of Limerick

      -
      Doctoral Researcher (ABD) Applied Language Studies
    • Canadian College of Educators

      -
      TESL Diploma TESL
  • Experience

    • Self-Employed

      Jan 2002 - now
      English Language Coach/Translator/Interpreter

      Providing learner–centred language instruction using resources and activities sensitive to cultural differences. Providing translation/interpretation Services as needed.

    • University of Limerick

      Jul 2006 - Jun 2007
      President - Postgraduate Students' Association - elected by students
    • Thomson Reuters - Formerly Thomson Financial

      Jul 2007 - Mar 2008
      Office Management
    • Zimmer

      Jul 2008 - Oct 2010
      • Supply Chain Project Co-ordinator

        Oct 2008 - Oct 2010
      • Office Management

        Jul 2008 - Oct 2010
    • University of Limerick

      Oct 2010 - Aug 2015
      Researcher (PhD) at University of Limerick (ABD)

      Conducted independent, original research focusing on narrative stories of immigrants, designing experiments, analyzing complex data, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals. Presented at international conferences and collaborated across interdisciplinary teams. Managed various projects simultaneously, honed problem-solving and critical thinking skills Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication through thesis writing, grant proposals, and stakeholder engagement.

    • JA Tech Inc.

      Jul 2014 - Apr 2017
      Office Management/AP/Ar Coordinator/Intake Coordinator

      I also worked for Guillevin International as an AR/AP Coordinator. In Mississauga, I worked for Positive Kids Inc. as an Intake Coordinator.

    • Mortgage Allies

      Mar 2017 - Mar 2019
      Mortgage Agent

      Assisted clients in securing residential and commercial mortgages by assessing financial situations, explaining loan options, and guiding them through the approval process. Managed a portfolio of 100+ clients, submitting accurate documentation to lenders and negotiating competitive rates. Maintained compliance with industry regulations and ensured a smooth experience from application to closing.

    • TTEC

      Sept 2018 - Apr 2020
      Customer Service for Nissan/Infinity

      Delivered high-quality customer support in a fast-paced, contact center environment. Resolved inquiries efficiently via phone, email, and chat, ensuring a positive customer experience. Demonstrated excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills while meeting performance metrics such as call handling time and customer satisfaction scores. Adapted quickly to new systems and maintained professionalism and empathy in every interaction.

    • Upper Grand District School Board

      Sept 2019 - Dec 2021
      ESL/LINC Instructor

      - Helping newcomers develop necessary English language and life skills through real-world tasks to successfully integrate into Canadian society- Teaching practical language skills needed for daily life, work, and social integration in Canada

    • Le Collège Boréal

      Sept 2020 - Jul 2022
      LINC Instructor

      I also worked as a contract LINC/Citizenship Class Instructor for My Neighbourhood Services in Mississauga.During the pandemic, contributed to the design and implementation of an emergency remote learning program. 92% of students rated the program as "good" or "outstanding."

    • Immigrant Services - Guelph Wellington

      Nov 2021 - Apr 2024
      Language Assessor

      Conducted 500+ standardized language assessments annually (CLBPT, CLBA, CLB-LPT) for newcomers, accurately placing clients into LINC/ESL programs. Managed high-volume caseloads (15–20 clients weekly), maintained 100% data accuracy in HARTs/iCARE, and collaborated with multiple agencies to support client referrals and program access. Delivered clear assessment feedback, contributing to successful settlement and learning outcomes.

    • COSTI

      May 2024 - now
      LINC Instructor (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program)

      I also work as a contract LINC Instructor for Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services.- Delivered CLB-aligned instruction to over 100+ adult newcomers over a 12-month period, fostering language development and settlement readiness.- Designed and facilitated 20+ monthly modules on essential topics such as employment, housing, healthcare and financial literacy.- Administered and analyzed PBLA assessments for 100+ learners, tailoring instruction to multilevel learners progress.- Successfully managed hybrid learning format, maintaining 80% attendance and 90% learner engagement.- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to connect learners with community resources, improving retention and integration outcomes. Show less

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Customer Success Management Fundamentals

      LinkedIn
      Apr 2025
      View certificate certificate
    • Instructional Design: Adult Learners

      LinkedIn
      Apr 2025
      View certificate certificate
    • SalesCamp: B2B Sales Training

      Palette Skills
      Apr 2025
    • Portfolio Based Language Assessment (PBLA) Certificate

      Canadian College of Educators
      Jul 2020
    • Adult ESL Teacher Accreditation - OCELT

      TESL Ontario (Teachers of English as a Second Language)
      Aug 2020
    • CLB Bootcamp

      Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks
      Aug 2019
  • Honors & Awards

    • Awarded to Maja McAvinue,
      ISSP Government of Ireland Scholar - Ph.D. scholarship: ISSP Government of Ireland Scholar (October 2010-October 2012)
  • Volunteer Experience

    • Board of Management, Treasurer

      Issued by Board of Management, St.Tolas National School, Shannon, Co.Clare, Ireland
      Board of Management, St.Tolas National School, Shannon, Co.Clare, IrelandAssociated with Maja McAvinue,
    • Unit Leader

      Issued by Girl Guides of Canada on Sept 2018
      Girl Guides of CanadaAssociated with Maja McAvinue,
    • Treasurer

      Issued by Guelph Ringette Association on Aug 2023
      Guelph Ringette AssociationAssociated with Maja McAvinue,
    • Assistant Ringette Coach

      Issued by Guelph Ringette Association on Sept 2023
      Guelph Ringette AssociationAssociated with Maja McAvinue,