Alessia “Ale” Cherici was born and raised in Arezzo, Italy, and earned her BA and MA in East Asian Languages and Cultures at Ca’ Foscari University, Venice. In 2009 she moved to China where she worked as an Italian language instructor and school manager for about eight years. In 2017, Ale started her PhD at Indiana University (IU), majoring in Chinese linguistics and minoring in Second Language Studies. During her years at IU, she taught a variety of language and area-studies courses, and conducted research in comparative morpho-syntax and foreign language acquisition. She eventually left academia and started to work as a Sr. Program Manager at Code2College, an organization that creates STEM career access for high school students through an internship preparation & placement program. Ale recently completed her doctoral degree and earned her PhD from IU. She still works at Code2College, while also doubling as a fitness instructor and a language teacher. In her spare time, Ale loves to work out and dance, learn foreign languages, and spend time with friends chatting, playing boardgames, and watching movies. 

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.