Dr. Salvatrice Taormina, is a Clinical Psychologist and an Italian Teacher at Marco Polo school in Philadelphia. She received a Master Degree in Clinical Developmental Psychology in 2010 at the University of Palermo (Italy) and she attended a Master course in Psychological Expertise in civil and criminal matters. In Italy, after her studies, she did a training internship on generalized developmental disorders, working with autism spectrum children, intellectual disabilities and specific learning disorders. From 2015 to today, after moving to Philadelphia, she began teaching Italian at Marco Polo School in Philadelphia, where she carries out activities of Italian culture and language with multilingual children. She has attended several English language courses and she is a volunteer care of a center specialized in Selective Mutism.  Moreover, she played roles as Assistant Teacher in schools using the Montessori method.

“Il più grande segno di successo per un insegnante … è poter dire: i bambini stanno lavorando come se io non esistessi” M. Montessori

My name is Cristiana and I am a teacher at Scuola Marco Polo. I was born in Philadelphia, but my family is Italian (from Pescara, Abruzzo) and I lived in Italy for many years. I hold a master’s degree in Modern Languages, Literature and Translation Studies from La Sapienza, University of Rome. I started teaching Italian and ESL when I lived in Rome, during my college years. When I moved to Philadelphia, I began my collaboration with Scuola Marco Polo and I really enjoy it.
Being bilingual and having a passion for multilingual studies, I know the importance and benefits of speaking a second language. At Scuola Marco Polo, I work alongside the other teachers in helping our little students develop this ability through games, storytelling, role play,
songs, and much more. Scuola Marco Polo has given me the chance to keep a deep connection with my Italian side, to share my knowledge of Italian language and culture, to teach young children something that will benefit them now and in their future, and I am very thankful for
that.

I’m Marco Circelli, a native of Milan, Italy. I moved to Philadelphia in 2011 with my wife, Agnese, and our son, Jonathan. I’m a musician, economist, accountant, and auditor with a passion for bilingualism and connecting people and cultures.

I have a Master of Music in Saxophone from the Conservatorio di Musica “Giuseppe Verdi” Milano and a Master of Economics in Management of Commercial Enterprises from the Bocconi University, Milan. I also recently obtained an Associate Degree in Accounting from Eastern Gateway Community College, OH.

I’m currently volunteering as Secretary and Treasurer at the Scuola Marco Polo. I’m also a Clarinet Teaching Artist and taught for several programs (Play on Philly, Tune Up Philly!), providing opportunities for personal development to children through the study of music in communities that have little to no access to music education.

In 2023, I was appointed as State Auditor for the Liquor Control Board Division of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I am passionate about using my skills and experiences to make a positive impact on the world. I’m always looking for new ways to connect people and cultures, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.