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

Our teacher.

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.

Woman wearing a traditional Japanese kimono with floral patterns, smiling.

Satomi Uemura
Founder and Program Coordinator

As a founder of Wilton Language Academy, I’m passionate about making language learning accessible, joyful, and community driven. With a background in international business fields and a deep appreciation for cross-cultural connection, I started Wilton Language Academy to support families who want more than just a traditional class.

I handle the behind-the-scenes work: building partnerships, managing operations, and designing flexible programs that meet the real needs of families. My goal is to create a learning environment that’s welcoming, organized, and enriching, where every learner feels supported on their language journey.

“Bilingual education isn’t just about language - it shapes how we think, connect, and understand the world.”

— Satomi, Founder of Wilton Language Academy

A traditional Japanese tea setup with a black ceramic bowl filled with frothy matcha tea, a small white flower-shaped dish containing matcha powder, a bamboo whisk, and a bamboo spatula on a tatami mat.

Start the adventure today.