- Fort Myers
Staff Directory
Antares
Our Team
PRESIDENT
Dave Merkley, BS
Mikle enjoys the study and use of language, and the possibility to communicate despite language differences. He believes language is essential to an individual’s understanding of their world and their ability to build relationships.
Mikle’s passion for language began when he was young, as he grew up around individuals who spoke multiple languages. He first studied language (Spanish) formally throughout his four years in high school. Later, he studied Italian in a high-intensity, immersive program for six weeks before moving to Italy, where he lived for two years as a religious missionary. During that time he volunteered teaching English on a weekly basis, as well as tutoring students in an after-school program for a period.
Chief Operating Officer
Dave Merkley, BS
David learned to love languages at a young age. After high school, he lived in Brazil for two years as a missionary and taught English classes on occasion. Then he attended University in Colorado, USA, where he got a degree in business. He then spent the next 20 years in corporate management and entrepreneurship before getting involved in English language schools. He has a passion for helping others, and for languages.
GENERAL MANAGER
Vinícius Nogueira
Vini learned English while in Brazil, which led him to teach beginning and intermediate students for two years. He also has experience in logistics and problem-solving from work in the United States, which has helped both his language and his qualifications as Internexus/Antares’ general manager.
Teacher
Jamal Jaradat
Jamal earned his TESOL Certification from Huntington University in 2011, and taught at Exodus Refugee Immigration for a year and has been a part of the Globalcom family since 2012. Jamal has lived overseas for 23 years and is bilingual in English and Arabic. He enjoys playing sports, reading, and traveling.
Teacher
Curt R. Lentsch
MA – Applied Linguistics, U of Illinois-Chicago, 1988
PhD – Education (Curriculum & Instruction), U of Illinois, 1999
1989-1990, 1997-2008: Teaching English in China institutions of higher ed – Subject areas: 4 skills (reading/writing/listening/speaking), American & British Literature intros, Western Civilization, Intro Linguistics courses
2010 -2017 – higher ed in Hong Kong – subject areas: 4 skills, applied linguistics courses
Office Manager
Francielly Ferreira
With a solid 12 years of experience as CEO in a Brazilian company, I made the decision to move to the United States in search of new opportunities and improve my language skills. This move represents my commitment to professional growth and my determination to acquire the skills possible to achieve success in an international environment.
Office Manager
Cris Jonas Ferreira
Cris Jonas Ferreira, who served as CEO in Brazil, made an audacious choice by moving to the United States. He is widely recognized as an exceptional administrator and a visionary who brings his experience and leadership to new horizons in the United States.
