Our Journey
DuolingoGuides.com was founded in 2012 with the mission of making language learning more accessible, engaging, and effective for learners worldwide. What started as a small blog run by polyglot Priya Wallingford has blossomed into a leading online resource for language learners and educators.
Our Founding Story
It all began when Priya, a Seattle native with a deep passion for languages, started documenting her own language learning tips and experiences online after graduating from the University of Washington. Her engaging writing style and practical advice quickly gained a following of fellow language enthusiasts.
As the audience grew, Priya saw an opportunity to create a comprehensive platform to support learners on their journeys. She assembled a team of experienced linguists, teachers, developers and marketers – many of whom were childhood friends from Seattle.
Building a Language Learning Movement
From those humble beginnings, DuolingoGuides.com has evolved into a multi-faceted edtech company centered around breaking down language barriers.
Our team has grown to include language experts from around the world, developing:
- In-depth written and video learning guides
- Comprehensive online courses
- Language learning mobile apps and desktop software
- Online communities connecting learners globally
- Educational content for teachers and schools
Our comprehensive guides cover everything from Duolingo tips and language learning hacks to grammar breakdowns and cultural insights for popular languages like Spanish, French, German, Mandarin and more.
Driving Engagement Through Technology
What sets DuolingoGuides.com apart is our focus on leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI to enhance the learning experience.
Our innovative products employ:
- Speech recognition and voice tutors
- Immersive games and AR/VR experiences
- Automated writing feedback and corrections
- Personalized learning paths through adaptive algorithms
Our global team of passionate linguists, teachers, developers and learners are united in creating engaging resources that combine proven pedagogy with imaginative edtech.
Impacting Language Education
In under a decade, DuolingoGuides.com has grown from a personal blog into an educational technology company that has impacted millions of language learners worldwide.
We’re privileged to:
- Partner with schools and districts to provide effective language curricula
- Support endangered language preservation through online courses
- Offer discounted resources for underprivileged learners globally
- Build communities connecting language enthusiasts across cultures
Our dream is to revolutionize how languages are taught and learned. Join us on this journey of exploration, connection and multilingual empowerment!
Directors & Contacts
Esme Caldwell
Lead Curriculum Writer
A proud Seattleite, Esme earned her Master’s in Language Pedagogy from Seattle University. She joined DuolingoGuides.com in 2016 after teaching Spanish and French at a local high school for 4 years. Esme has authored many of the site’s comprehensive language learning guides and curricula.
Jovie Duvall
Language Product Manager
Jovie oversees the development of DuolingoGuides.com’s online language products and courses. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in Computer Science, she spent 6 years working at a Seattle ed-tech startup before joining the DuolingoGuides team.
Abram Ravenna
Content Marketing Lead
Abram first started learning languages as a student at Seattle Pacific University, where he earned his BA in Communications and Marketing. His passion for language learning grew while spending a semester abroad in Spain.
Bode Denny
Language Learning Community Manager
With a background in anthropology from the University of Washington, Bode understands the nuances of culture and communication. His hobbies include improv comedy, hiking, and blogging about his language adventures.