English Language Education

At the core of our mission, education programs provide immigrant families with essential tools for integration.

English Language and Citizenship Education

Neighbors Link offers a wide variety of ESOL programs, from classes run in partnership with Westchester Community College to computer-based learning to conversation groups with local volunteers. ESOL classes are available online and in person! Neighbors Link also offers classes to prepare for the  U.S. Civics and History Exam for Citizenship. See below for class information and how to register. For more information, email esl@neighborslink.org.

Virtual Classes

Virtual M/W/F/Sat AM (9am-11am)

Virtual English classes open to the public via Zoom, taught by a certified teacher. The classes are free, non-leveled and meet regularly throughout the entire year! For more information please contact esl@neighborslink.org

Virtual Tu/F PM (6pm-8pm)

Virtual English classes open to the public via Zoom, taught by a certified teacher. The classes are free, non-leveled and meet regularly throughout the entire year! For more information please contact esl@neighborslink.org

Virtual Sat PM (12pm-2pm)

Virtual English classes open to the public via Zoom, taught by a certified teacher. The classes are free, non-leveled and meet regularly throughout the entire year! For more information please contact esl@neighborslink.org

US Citizenship Virtual (6:30-8:30pm)

Free virtual classes to prepare for the US Citizenship test via zoom, taught by a certified teacher. Classes are open to the public, but they are presented in an approximate intermediate level English. For more information please contact esl@neighborslink.org.

ONA ESOL

Virtual English classes open to residents of New York State via Zoom, taught by a certified teacher. The classes are free , require registration and testing, and are offered four times per year every quarter! For more information please contact esl@neighborslink.org

In-Person Classes

Ossining Tues/Thurs AM in-person (9:30am-11:30am / 12pm-2pm)

Free ESL classes in person at our Ossining, taught by a certified teacher. For more information please contact esl@neighborslink.org

US Citizenship In-Person (6:00-8:00pm)

Free in person classes to prepare for the US Citizenship test, taught by a certified teacher at one of our locations. Classes are open to the public, but they are presented in an approximate intermediate level English. We offer these classes at various times throughout the year. For more information please contact esl@neighborslink.org

Yonkers Thurs AM in-person (10:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Free ESL classes in person at our Yonkers, taught by a certified teacher. For more information please contact esl@neighborslink.org

Ossining Wed (7pm-8:30pm)

Free in person ESL tutoring at our Ossining center with tutors who are volunteers from the local community! For more information please contact esl@neighborslink.org

Mount Kisco Thurs in-person (7pm-8:30pm)

Free in person ESL tutoring at our Mt. Kisco center with tutors who are volunteers from the local community! For more information please contact esl@neighborslink.org

Ossining Friday in-person (10am-11:30am)

Free in person ESL tutoring at our Ossining center with tutors who are volunteers from the local community! For more information please contact esl@neighborslink.org

English Language Education Staff

Kelly Martinez
Director of Workforce Development

Kelly Martinez is the Director of Workforce Development at Neighbors Link. She joined Neighbors Link in 2018. In her role, she drives innovative programs and partnerships to equip immigrant communities with the skills and resources needed to succeed in the workforce area. With her experience, she helped create partnerships and collaborations with businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to create pathways that support immigrants and their families to pursue their work and career goals for economic mobility.

She also advocates for policies that support immigrants at the local, state and national level. Prior to joining Neighbors Link, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) and her Master’s degree in Public Management from Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración (IESA). Kelly worked in Social Work in a non-profit for three years. After receiving her Master’s Degree, she moved to a position in the private sector as a project manager and later a marketing manager. Kelly joined the Board of Directors of the Emergency Shelter Partnership, which provides short-term, emergency shelter for those who need shelter during the coldest five months of the winter. She is also part of the 2022-2023 Cohort from the Immigrant Civic Leadership Program. As an immigrant herself, from Venezuela, she understands the importance of the work of different organizations in New York State for the immigrant community and also the importance of advocating for immigrant rights.

Ali Aqa Ahmadi
Evening ESL Program Coordinator

Ali Aqa Ahmadi was born in Afghanistan on September 2, 1991. He has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature and a master’s degree in Literature from Tehran International University in Iran. His career has been driven by a deep commitment to human rights, particularly in his work with non-governmental organizations in Afghanistan. He spearheaded initiatives that provided critical social, medical, legal, and psychosocial support to women and girls affected by gender-based violence (GBV), leading efforts that empowered survivors to reclaim their lives in the face of adversity.

In the U.S., he continues his mission of service to vulnerable, low-income communities. After contributing as a Program Assistant and Volunteer English Teacher at the Community Resource Center in Mamaroneck, New York, he joined Neighbors Link in August 2024 as the evening ESL Program Coordinator. In this role, he manages English as a Second Language (ESOL) program administration, including overseeing volunteer programs, scheduling, communication with students, and handling data entry for tracking student progress. His work continues to focus on education and empowerment, ensuring immigrants have the tools and support needed for success.

Denisha Hilario
ESOL Manager

Denisha Hilario joined Neighbors Link in 2018 and now serves as the ESOL Manager. She oversees the English for Speakers of Other Languages and Skills Development classes, fostering an inclusive learning environment for diverse learners. Denisha received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from SUNY Oneonta and is TESOL certified. As a child of immigrants, Denisha is deeply passionate about Neighbors Link’s mission to support the healthy integration of the whole community. She believes in the power of language and education to transform lives and is dedicated to empowering individuals through her work.

Ramiro Rincon
Program Manager

Ramiro Rincon joined Neighbors Link in 2015 and now serves as Program Manager. In this role, Ramiro oversees and teaches programs that offer critical education to immigrant participants each year. Prior to joining Neighbors Link, Ramiro worked as a manager in the medical and retail industry. Ramiro is passionate about his work with immigrants, as he himself grew up in Mount Kisco as an immigrant originally from Bogota, Colombia.