About Us
Wilton Language Academy (WLA) began with a personal challenge: I wanted to introduce Japanese to my own children in a way that was fun, engaging, and connected to real culture - but I struggled to find local options that truly resonated with them. That experience inspired me to create something more: a welcoming space where families could learn together, not just through vocabulary and grammar, but through songs, stories, food, and cultural experiences.
Our classes are open to everyone - whether you have some background in a particular country like Japan or are completely new to the language. We believe that language learning should be joyful and inclusive, and we have designed our programs for toddlers, kids, teens, adults, and families of all kinds. At WLA, we invite you to explore, connect, and grow through language — together.
Meet the Team
Shiho Layne
Lead Teacher (Japanese classes)
Our lead teacher is a licensed and experienced Japanese educator with a passion for helping students connect with language and culture in meaningful, engaging ways.
Credentials and Experience:
Holds a teaching degree and is licensed to teach middle and high school students in Japan
Taught Japanese to children and adults in Japan for over 5 years
Has 8 years of experience teaching Japanese to elementary through college students in the U.S.
Has provided private Japanese lessons for the past 6 years, specializing in elementary-aged children and older learners.
Dr. Noriko Mori
Japanese class teacher
Noriko is a dedicated Japanese teacher with a Ph.D. and a lifelong passion for helping students of all ages learn and enjoy the language.
Credentials and Experience:
Ph.D. in Foreign Language Pedagogy, Japanese Linguistics, and Second Language Acquisition (University of Kansas)
Licensed to teach Japanese and Music in California public schools
Over 15 years of experience teaching Japanese to children, teens, and adults in both the U.S. and Japan
Extensive background in music education and therapy, integrating creativity into language learning
Experienced in teaching at elementary, secondary, and university levels, as well as private tutoring
Mayumi Genda-Prangenberg
German class teacher
Our German teacher Mayumi brings both teaching and professional experience to her classes. She has taught children German in Germany, making lessons engaging and age-appropriate. In addition to her teaching background, she has extensive experience in the business world, where she managed accounts and continuously educated clients. Her unique mix of classroom and real-world expertise helps her create lessons that are practical, engaging, and tailored to her students’ needs.
Satomi Uemura
Founder and Program Coordinator
As the founder of Wilton Language Academy, I’m passionate about making language learning accessible, joyful, and community driven. With a background in international business and a love of cross-cultural connection, I focus on building partnerships, managing operations, and designing flexible programs for families. My goal is to create a welcoming, organized, and enriching environment where every learner feels supported.
“Bilingual education isn’t just about language - it shapes how we think, connect, and understand the world.”
— Satomi, Founder of Wilton Language Academy
