Dr. Rachèle DeMeo shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Rachèle, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A “normal” day for me doesn’t really exist—no two days ever look alike! What stays consistent, though, is that I’m juggling a lot of moving parts. Most days include a flood of emails, phone calls, and messages from families, instructors, and our administrative team. I spend time connecting with our instructors—leading trainings, reviewing pedagogy, and making sure they feel supported in the classroom. Sometimes that means brainstorming teaching strategies together, other times it’s me creating or refining curriculum content to ensure our students get the very best language-learning experience. I also study the French curriculum by l’Education Nationale Française to ensure we offer high-quality French classes at the FLAM level.
I also oversee the administrative side of FLAM San Diego, which means planning class schedules, mapping out extracurricular events, coordinating logistics, and recruiting activity leaders who can bring exciting cultural, artistic, or academic programs to life. I like to think of myself as both the conductor and the coach—making sure all the pieces fit together smoothly while also encouraging each person on the team to shine in their role.
Beyond operations, I dedicate a lot of time to research and reading. I’m constantly studying articles, books, and resources about bilingual, multilingual, and multicultural education. This passion inspired me to write a book on raising bilingual and multilingual children (“How to Successfully Raise Bilingual, Multilingual and Multicultural Children”, which was published in both English and French), in print, eBook, and audio. It’s important for me not only to lead the school but also to keep learning so I can share valuable knowledge with our community.
Another part of my daily work is meeting with parents. I often counsel families on how to navigate bilingual or multilingual education, sharing both professional insights and my personal experiences as a mom raising bilingual children myself (knowing I too, was raised bilingual and multicultural). Those conversations are some of the most rewarding because they remind me that FLAM San Diego is not just about teaching French—it’s about supporting families and building bridges between cultures.
So, while my days are full (often working late nights and weekends), and often unpredictable, they are filled with meaning. Between managing the school, leading and guiding my team, researching, planning, and counseling families, I’m reminded daily of how privileged I am to do work that serves others. It’s busy, yes—but it’s a joyful kind of busy, because every task connects back to helping children and families grow through language and culture.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Rachèle DeMeo, a lifelong educator with a passion for languages and cultures. I grew up bilingual and multicultural in the south of France, then moved to the United States where I earned a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees in education and the arts, and later completed my Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. I’ve been an educator for over 20 years, teaching French, English (and some Italian) at both high school and college levels, while also writing books and speaking at conferences on language learning and multicultural education.
In 2020, I founded FLAM San Diego, a nonprofit French school for children and families. What makes our program unique is that it’s not only about teaching the French language, but also about nurturing bilingual, multilingual, and multicultural children in a warm community setting. We combine high-quality pedagogy with creativity, cultural activities, and family support. As the director, I lead an incredible team of instructors and activity leaders, guide curriculum development, and provide counseling to parents navigating bilingual education.
Our mission is very close to my heart. I’m not only an educator, but also a mom raising bilingual and multicultural children myself, so I understand both the joys and challenges of the journey. That blend of professional expertise and personal experience is what makes FLAM San Diego so special. Beyond the school, I’m also the author of six published books. Right now, I’m focused on expanding our programs, developing new resources for families, and continuing to support our community of learners around the world.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was already a teacher at heart. I knew early on that I loved transmitting knowledge and helping others—so much so that at just 12 years old, I was already teaching French adults and giving English lessons (even if that doesn’t show up on my résumé, LOL). Teaching has always been my passion, and while I sometimes miss being in the classroom every day, I now get to teach and lead differently.
Over the years, I built a reputation teaching at different schools (including middle schools, high schools and for a decade at MiraCosta and Palomar Colleges), and through that experience, the San Diego community began reaching out and asking me to create a school for their children—a place where French expat families and other students could learn French while also embracing culture. That encouragement, along with my lifelong passion for education, led me to found FLAM San Diego in 2020. Today, I see my role as both teacher and leader: guiding instructors, mentoring families, and building a community where language and culture come alive.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there were definitely moments when the journey felt overwhelming. The paperwork alone took a long time, and by the time we were finally ready to open our doors in 2020, the pandemic forced us to move everything online. It felt like such an uncertain beginning. Fortunately, we had already trained our teachers in online teaching and learning, which allowed us not only to adapt, but to build online programs that remain very successful today.
We lacked resources and worked countless hours—it often felt like climbing a mountain without knowing when we’d reach the top. What sustains me, even now, are the stories of our students: seeing them thrive, hearing about job opportunities that opened up for them, watching them travel confidently, skip college classes because of the level they reached with us, or integrate into schools in France seamlessly.
Those stories are the reward. They remind me why every late night, every sacrifice, and every challenge was worth it. This work is not only about teaching a language—it’s about changing lives, opening doors, and building bridges. And knowing that makes even the hardest days feel meaningful.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
There are four examples I gravitate towards. For me, Jesus is the ultimate example of selfless love and integrity—someone whose life was completely devoted to helping and uplifting others. I also deeply admire Marie Durand, whose steadfast faith and courage in the face of imprisonment remind me of the strength it takes to stay true to one’s principles even under immense pressure. Mother Teresa embodies compassion and service, dedicating her entire life to caring for the most vulnerable without seeking recognition. And on a different note, Jeanne Calment fascinates me—not for influence or fame, but for the grace, resilience, and joy she carried through a remarkably long life. I had the joy of meeting Jeanne Calment as a child, when my middle school went to deliver Christmas cards to her retirement home in Arles.
What unites all of them is a life lived with integrity, humility, and commitment to something greater than themselves. That’s the kind of character I try to emulate in both my personal life and in guiding FLAM San Diego—leading with heart, service, and a focus on the people around me rather than personal gain.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That’s such an interesting question—it actually threw me off a bit! But if I think about it, I hope people remember me as someone generous, kind, and passionate, and who always tried to serve others. I hope my life inspires others to grow, learn, and feel supported.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flamsandiego.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flamsandiego/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheledemeo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FLAMSanDiego
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RacheleDeMeo
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/profdemeo
Image Credits
Jastin DeMeo
