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About Selma Toporan - Founder of Aspire USA Coaching

My Journey

Hello, I'm Selma Toporan, and I founded Aspire USA Coaching to empower immigrants like myself who are navigating the complexities of a new life in the United States. My own journey to the U.S. began at the tender age of 14, filled with dreams and determination. Adapting to a new culture, language, and lifestyle was challenging, but it was these early experiences that shaped my passion for helping others ease into American society.

 

Why I Founded Aspire USA

The inspiration behind Aspire USA Coaching sprang from my personal voyage, and the realization that many immigrants face similar hurdles without adequate support. This led me to leverage my extensive background in nonprofit leadership, coaching, and teaching—from middle school to college-aged students and adults—to create a platform where I could offer that support. With a deep understanding of the educational and emotional needs at various life stages, I tailor my coaching to effectively address and meet the diverse challenges faced by immigrants.

My Approach to Coaching

At the heart of my coaching practice is a commitment to empathy, patience, and empowerment. I understand firsthand the feelings of uncertainty that come with a new life in a new country. My coaching is tailored to address the specific challenges of each client, combining language proficiency with cultural understanding to foster not just adaptation, but also a true sense of belonging.

 

What I Offer

Here at Aspire USA Coaching, you will find:

  • Personalized Language Coaching: Improve your English through custom-tailored lessons focusing on essential communication skills that build confidence in daily interactions. 

  • Cultural Adaptation Guidance: Gain a nuanced understanding of American customs and norms to help you integrate smoothly and confidently into U.S. culture.

  • Professional Development: Equip yourself with the necessary tools for professional advancement in the U.S. job market; build confidence, set goals, and succeed in personal and professional life. 

  • Community Building: Connect with a supportive community of fellow immigrants to share experiences, support each other, and build lasting friendships.  

  • Emotional Resilience: Develop positive and practical coping skills to manage with homesickness, identity changes, and personal struggles. 

My Credentials

I hold a Master's degree in Community Psychology and Social Change from Penn State University and am a certified life coach specializing in language and culture education. With over five years in nonprofit leadership and over fifteen years in educational roles, I have developed a comprehensive approach to supporting immigrants' unique needs in adapting to and thriving in their new environments.

 

Connect With Me

If you are ready to start your journey to a fulfilling life in America, I am here to guide you every step of the way. Contact me today for a free consultation, and let’s begin this exciting chapter together.

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Coaching and courses available on your device.

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Did you know you can sign up for a course now?

Learn more about the Upcoming Course:
American Pronanciation

The language empowerment workshop called American Pronunciation is a unique program designed to enhance your English language skills and boost your confidence in communication. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, you will gain the language proficiency needed for your personal and professional growth. Join this transformative course experience and unlock your full potential in the English language.

 Contains:

Module 1: Introduction to American Pronunciation

  • Overview of American English Pronunciation

  • Importance of Pronunciation in Daily Communication

Module 2: Understanding Phonetics

  • Basics of Phonetics

  • Phonetic Alphabet and Its Use

Module 3: Vowel Sounds in American English

  • Short vs. Long Vowel Sounds

  • Common Vowel Sound Mistakes by Non-Native Speakers

Module 4: Consonant Sounds

  • Voiced and Voiceless Consonants

  • Difficult Consonant Sounds for ESL Learners

Module 5: Stress and Rhythm in English

  • Syllable Stress in Words

  • Sentence Rhythm and Flow

Module 6: Intonation Patterns

  • Rising and Falling Intonation

  • Intonation in Questions and Statements

Module 7: Linking and Connected Speech

  • Techniques for Smooth Speech

  • Practicing Connected Speech

Module 8: Pronunciation in Context

  • Role of Pronunciation in Different Contexts

  • Practicing Pronunciation in Various Scenarios

Module 9: Intonation and Expressing Emotion in Speech

  • How Intonation Conveys Emotions

  • Exercises for Practicing Emotional Intonation

Module 10: Minimal Pairs & Confusing Sounds

  • Identifying and Practicing Minimal Pairs

  • Commonly Confused Sounds in English

Module 11: The Schwa Sound /ə/

  • Importance of the Schwa in American English

  • Exercises to Master the Schwa Sound

Module 12: Fast Speech – How to Understand and Speak Faster English

  • Techniques for Fast Speech

  • Exercises to Improve Speech Speed

Module 13: Mastering the American /R/ and /L/

  • Differences and Practice Techniques

  • Exercises for Clear Pronunciation of /R/ and /L/

Module 14: Mastering Vowel Length – Short vs. Long Vowels

  • Importance of Vowel Length in English

  • Exercises to Distinguish and Practice Vowel Lengths

Module 15: Sounding Polite & Natural in Conversations

  • Techniques for Polite and Natural Speech

  • Role-playing Scenarios

Module 16: Mastering Contractions & Connected Speech

  • Usage of Contractions in Fast Speech

  • Exercises for Practicing Connected Speech

Module 17: Mastering Consonant Clusters

  • Strategies to Overcome Difficult Clusters

  • Practice Exercises for Clusters

Module 18: Speaking Clearly on the Phone

  • Techniques for Effective Phone Communication

  • Practice Scenarios for Phone Calls

Module 19: Regional American Accents

  • Overview of Major American Accents

  • Identifying and Understanding Regional Variations

Module 20: Mastering Difficult Words in English

  • Strategies for Difficult Words

  • Practice Lists and Pronunciation Exercises

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